Tuesday, July 30, 2013

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.  













7 comments:

  1. The last link you posted had a ton of information, definitely was a really good help! I agree with you on the quiz on AP form but I know we will be experts at it by the end of class.

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  2. Hi Sara! That PRSA link you gave in question 5 is really helpful! I like how they made note of the recent changes to AP Style--it looks like a good resource!

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  3. A very nice, clear, and concise entry you have here. You would make a fine PR practitioner! But, I am definitely in the same boat as far as being prepared for an AP Style quiz. Luckily you have provided us with a great resource! Clear, concise, and a team player? You've got it all.

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  4. I agree with just about everything in question number five. I am also unprepared at the moment but using helpful articles, like the one you posted, and tools, like the AP Stylebook Twitter account, will help me learn the things I need to know in order to make me a PR professional

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  5. I agree with Arica when she saids that one of the jobs of the PR practitioner is to make reporters job easier. Reporters have a hard job with making sure that everything goes well on a day to day basis. They need some kind of support to make the job go a lot easier

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  6. I really like how you made the answers to your questions very evident and clear! This made for easy reading. However, maybe structure your answers in a paragraph format and show a little more of you personality in your answers! This would not make for just an easy read, but for an enjoyable one as well! I admire your thoughts and ideas on AP style. Don't be afraid of interview questions, at the end of the class we will be much more familiar with it!

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  7. Great post Sara! So much information that can be helpful to all of us as future PR professionals. That last link was really good and something that I needed to read through as I start this course. Thanks!

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