AP Style Blog 2

1. What exactly is AP style? 

AP style is abbreviated for Associated Press style. The Purdue online writing lab clarifies AP style being the "guidelines for news writing." It is essential for PR writers to use AP style to not only provide important and resourceful information, but it also is important to know if you intend to get a job in the media world or public relations.

2. Why is it important to follow AP style? 

AP style conducts specific guidelines for writers such as specific grammar, spelling, punctuation and language use. It is important to follow AP style in writing because the content of media writing and newspapers consist of multiple writers and when they all follow the same format, the writing stays consistent. Reporters want a concise and high-quality piece. If the writing is written in AP style it is convenient for them to edit it and format it efficiently.  

3. How can knowing AP style help you as a PR practitioner?

In the article, Why I Am an AP Style Stickler: Guest Post by Sandy Young, written by Arika Daniels, she states "One of the core goals of a PR practitioner is to make reporters jobs easier - providing them with timely information, interview sources, data, high-quality images, etc." Writing in AP style is more professional and consistent and leaves reporters pleased and responding more often to AP styled work. 

4. How does knowing AP style make your news releases and fact sheets more relevant? 

Using AP style makes news releases and fact sheets more relevant because it is always being updated and keeping up with constant changes in grammar, punctuation, etc.  By enforcing all PR practitioners follow these guidelines ensures consistency, relevancy and productivity. 

5. How would you react if you were given an AP style quiz during an interview at an agency? 

As of now, I don't think I would be ready for an AP style quiz during an interview because I don't believe I am strong enough in the material as I would like to be. It would be helpful for me to read more about AP style, continue to look through the Stylebook and practice the rules and guidelines. I would feel more comfortable in a situation like that if I was more prepared than I am now. Another helpful tool I found is an article on PRSA grasping the information in the Stylebook. A helpful tool was mentioned to follow a Twitter account  (@APStylebook), which offers tips and insight on AP style for writers and professionals.  

Intro

Hello all!

I'm going to announce to everyone first and foremost that this is my very first blog ever. This should be exciting and most definitely interesting.

My name is Sara Neumann and I am a PR student in a course called Public Relations Tactics. This is a tactics class that focuses on PR tools. I am in my third year of school at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I transferred from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying psychology and knew it wasn't for me. I knew I wanted to do more writing and work with people every day. I then looked into UW-Whitewater and fell in love with the communications program, clubs, and opportunities.

My goals are huge and mean a lot to me. I want to be involved in an internship by next year. I plan to graduate from UW-Whitewater with a PR major and advertising minor. I have dreams of living in a big city working in a PR agency. Ideally, I would love to work my way into becoming a PR professional in sports.

What made me so interested in sports PR is a trip I went on last spring with PRSSA, a club for public relations students at UWW. We had a presentation by the Brewers PR and marketing professionals. We also toured the stadium and got to see where all the action took place and where these professionals worked. I was so intrigued by the work they do, I really want to work my way into a profession like that.

I am very excited to dive into my PR courses and really learn all I can.