The Wading Stick

Distinctions worth preserving?

"Things that you were taught at the beginning of your career may no longer be valid," says longtime copy editor John McIntyre, who now joins many as a former newspaper employee.

Tell me about it. I still cringe when I see writers use zip code abbrevations within an article. Not the way I was taught at IU's Ernie Pyle Hall. And now social media is turning newspaper articles into headline tweets. I like the immediacy and the brevity. But I also want to read the rest of the story.

John's specific observation applies to our language and how its usage changes over time. That's truly a challenge if you have the AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style or the classic S&W Elements of Style (clip from NPR) ingrained in your brain. In his blog, he lists distinctions between words and their meanings that he suggests still matter -- and others that, well, don't so much anymore. What do you think?

Going too far?

It's easy to see why companies are establishing guidelines on social networking for their employees. Our personal and business lives become intertwined online. That can be a positive because it allows other people to know you better and builds trust in you and your business.

It's also unfamiliar ground, which leads to rules that can be too restrictive, like the new social media policy for the Associated Press. How can you control what others say on your Facebook page?

On a lighter note, my new favorite example of striving for business transparency is the new in-flight safety video for Air New Zealand. Even I would pay attention to pre-flight safety instructions if presented by a flight crew attired only in body paint and "strategically placed seatbelts." More

Define mobile

A hard-working business owner dropped a promotional card for a new yoga and pilates studio at our door yesterday. The studio is nearby and I'm interested. However, when I pulled up the website on my phone, the schedule wasn't in a mobile format. I couldn't read it.

I will find it on my laptop at a later time -- but that just drives home how mobile our communication is today.

In fact, the Oxford University Press has just released 11 of its most popular dictionaries -- from philosophy and music, to medicine and business -- as iPhone apps. Who needs specialist information at a moment's notice? Just about anyone. And as my friends at izzy+ would say, today's learning happens anytime, anywhere. More

Golf, croquet...or staying inside on a nice summer day?

Movement. HAG. And the Capisco chair.

If you're looking for a(nother) reason to play golf or croquet with AAF West Michigan this Thursday, June 25, here it is -- the HAG Capisco, also known as the saddle chair.

An article by Katherine Salant in Saturday's Sarasota Herald-Tribune features an excellent explanation of the HAG philosophy of movement. After all, sitting is an activity.

A native of Norway, the Capisco (distributed in North Amercia by izzy+) is one of many cool items available during dinner and a drawing after the golf / croquet outing, this Thursday at Thornapple Pointe in Grand Rapids. Register now and join us!

The "pay for say" agenda

Are people talking about your product because it's cool -- in other words, posting organic comment? Or is this firestorm of positive opinion the result of Pay for Say? Or both?

Back to that loopy line between what we used to call editorial and advertising. Ethically, it seems necessary to promote guidelines for transparency. I don't care if you're trying to persuade me as long as I kknow exactly how I'm being influenced to think and behave.

And how do you measure the validity of online conversation in the world of social networking? A robust discussion now is underway. More

One flu will do

Swine flu or H1N1, the outbreak that caused death, extensive illness and global panic is having an identity crisis. The attempt to take the emotion out of the name makes sense. But do people find information they need when it's time to communicate urgent health news quickly?

Swine flu: New York Times, Chicago Tribune (barely a news story today), MSNBC, FOX News, NPR, Grand Rapids Press, The Onion, El Vocero, WOOD Radio, Star-Tribune (with references to virus and outbreak), Houston Chronicle, China Digital Times, BBC, Toronto Star, Washington Post, Denver Post, New Zealand Herald

H1N1: Wall Street Journal (headlines refer only to flu now), American Hospital Association, whitehouse.gov, WZZM13.com (headline H1N1 with summary of many stories showing all forms)

Both: Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, USA Today (H1N1 in the headline and lead but Swine Flu in the URL), Center for Disease Control, London Times, WOODtv.com, Wikipedia, youtube.com, Times of India 

Flu, virus: stltoday.com, Associated Press (Mexico City)

Flue: JTA wire story headline from Jerusalem (assuming a translation issue)

Ode to Pontiac

When my husband shot me the same disbelieving look I get when the announcer's obvious gaffe during a Detroit Tigers game floats over my head, I knew I was missing something.

On this week's news from GM about phasing out Pontiac, I understand the impact when it comes to loss of jobs and dealerships. That's so unbelievably huge it's hard to fathom. But I was the wrong target audience for the Muscle Car, or too young to remember, because I don't understand the affection for the Pontiac brand.

But I do appreciate the power of advertising. So here's a tribute to Pontiac told through a history of ad campaigns, from Advertising Age. More 

Godmother of Green Grand Rapids

I had to laugh when I saw City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz dubbed the godmother of the Green Grand Rapids initiative. But somehow it fits. The article here describes a recent meeting with the Honorable Mayor George Heartwell, Suzanne and leaders of Rochester, NY, who look to learn from the successes of West Michigan.

During the 2002 Master Plan, I had the privilege to work with Suzanne, the City of Grand Rapids and Connie Dimond of JJR to encourage input from people all over the city about land use in Grand Rapids -- what it is, and what it could and should be.

The Green Grand Rapids initiative is a special update to the 2002 Master Plan -- this time a focus on parks, bikes, the Grand River, farmer's markets, community gardens and more. What are the green initiatives important to our city, and if and how can we make them happen?

Attend the May 13 Green Gathering: Actions to voice your opinion on that topic. Please join us, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Harrison Park Elementary School, 1440 Davis Ave NW in Grand Rapids.

Questions/information: 616-456-3031

www.greengrandrapids.us

Fill your cart for local arts

If you like books, music and wine, you have several ways over the next three weeks to help support St. Cecilia Music Center, where I am honored to serve on the board. The people who perform on this historic stage, both local and from afar, have talent that is truly amazing. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to making sure this 125+ year organization keeps growing and supporting our community. If you have a chance to participate, thank you in advance for your help.

April 26-May 2 -- Mention St. Cecilia's this week at Schuler Books'  three Grand Rapids locations. With your request, they'll generously donate 20% of your purchase to St. Cecilia, helping us to continue bringing West Michigan world-class concerts and local music education.

May 8 -- Wine tasting event by Martha's Vineyard starting at 6:30 p.m. with silent auction. Live auction starts at 8:30 p.m. Reserve your ticket by May 4. Call 616-459-2224.

May 14 -- Classical concert by pianist Christopher O'Riley and cellist Carter Brey, with pre-concert dinner at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE, Grand Rapids. Buy tickets now.

Chalk up another grand urban experiment

Children drew the first pictures at 11 this morning in the middle of Rosa Parks Circle. And the Chalk Flood is still a tidal wave of artistic family fun, spilling all over downtown GR sidewalks. Two people from the UP asked me how long the Chalk Flood has been going on and how much a box of chalk costs. Thank you, Rob Bliss. Look out, Drummond Island!