I have a manager who is completely obsessed with following the AP Style Guide to the letter. I’ve tried to have discussions with them in instances where the AP rule does not make sense and have advocated for using the style guide as just that, a guide. I believe it is important to write for the audience you want to reach. I think it is important to layer in a level of common sense and not just do something because the AP Style Guide says to. Am I in the wrong here?

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

What a weird thing for this supervisor to focus on.

like

That is weird. I like to follow AP style too but it definitely should not always apply

like

I'm confused as to how keeping to AP style would interfere with a client's voice or tone, as the AP guide is nearly all detailed things, like whether to use numerals or words in written text. I would say, as a general rule, following AP style makes sense, but most publications will keep a style sheet for variations of AP style. Perhaps you should put together your own style sheet for those such instances.

like

Like, spelling out weird things like “HEPA” when referencing HEPA filters or LLC, when making a partnership announcement and the partner company is XYZ LLC.

There are also times they argue AP style says to use an acronym, however, using an acronym in a particular paragraph would stand out because other similar references are being spelled out because it is their first reference.

It’s a bunch of little instances where common sense would dictate to deviate from AP style but they are inflexible.

I will add that this mostly comes into play when writing external facing documents like a press release for the client. I try to match their voice and their intended audience, which I think is more important than doing something just because it’s what the AP style book says should be done.

My concern is the strict adherence to the AP guide over common sense makes us come across as out of touch.

Related Posts

Am an executive assistant and There is one executive I support who is very annoying. He doesn't behave this way with backup admin assistants when am out of the office

How do you deal or work with such people?

like

How do you explain to a interviewer that you are leaving your job because your new boss doesn't treat you well/fairly?

like

Thoughts on a manager texting you to ask why you aren’t online Easter weekend when all of your work is completed and another senior who can’t handle their own work decided to randomly send you their returns to review?

likefunny

Linguistic question, should an associate say "my partner" when talking to a client about a partner? To me this comes off like implying your also a partner, but saying "our partner" sounds weird too...

like

A freelance client of mine wants me to do something explicitly illegal. I've severed ties, but do I report them to the authorites? I want to distance myself fully.

like

I’m not from an English speaking country but I am watching a tv show and businessmen walk into a room and instead of greeting eachother, everyone says each person’s first name in lieu of hi, however in my experience working in the states, I haven’t seen anyone do this, it’s always hi or good afternoon or some other greeting first THEN they say their first name. is it also appropriate to omit the greeting?

like

How do you handle people’s kids showing up on video meetings? Screaming, kicking, hamming it up, (wasting time.) Everyone else is coo-ing…I’m not a kids person. Heard a technique which is to drop off the call bc you “assume the call is over” (which seems like a great way to get fired especially if it’s a way higher up’s kids - plus it feels rather passive aggressive.) Thoughts?

like

For those who have gone from one big 4 to another…was it frowned upon by your superiors/looked at as a slap in the face, even if your intentions are to leave on good terms?

This is twice now in back to back weeks my boss has asked me where the disconnect was in our communications because I didn’t deliver on what “was asked”, even though I know damn well what was asked and what was done were the same thing. I’m not sure if he’s changing the meaning or isn’t communicating what he’s envisioning or what but it’s embarrassing to be called out like that, and to have people think you’re the dumb 23 year old.

likefunny

My team lead calls be exactly at the time of logout and keeps pinging me to complete everything by eod.

How can escape from this situation.
I want to set boundaries in the beginning itself.


Any kind of suggestions are appreciated

likefunny

As a manager, how do you expect your employee to deal with a diffcult customer?

like

Has anyone successfully pursued a relationship with someone they met at work? An MD I am really attracted to has been chasing me, but I am nervous about what the repercussions could be if it doesn't work out. Still, it's tempting

likehelpful

My manager scheduled a feedback conversation and I know it's bc I've made some noticeable mistakes lately due to moving too fast, not being able to focus, racing thoughts, etc. I'm seeing a therapist about whether I have ADHD and if so, what tx looks like; we started the intake process which will be continued in my 2nd appointment, which is after the feedback convo meeting. Is it worth telling my mgr something eg I recognize the careless mistakes and I'm in the process of seeing tx to help?

like

A creative team I started working with recently has decided to ignore my every comment. They take feedback from anyone else but me, and whenever I push them to make said changes, they just pick fights and make snarky comments. Anyone have any idea why this might be?

like

How do you 100% utilized folks try to network with other folks in at the firm if you’re always at client site? Trying to get some face time with them

like

We're all supposed to pool our tips but I'm pretty sure the waiters are keeping most of the money for themselves. I already told the manager and she kinda blew me off. Anyone else been through this?

like

How to tell Hiring manager and recruiter that i am not joining company after signing the offer letter?
Reason: I have offer from a better company.

I don't want to burn the bridges.

like

Since we returned to office in October, is it appropriate to give holiday gifts to team members?

likeuplifting

Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with discrimination as an Asian in the workplace? In my company it seems like it’s a white boys club where and they just promote white ppl because they’re white. And then they have a lower bar for promotions for minorities (traditional minorities likes Hispanics and African Americans). Meanwhile they make Asians do all the work. I am not generalizing that this is how it is everywhere but it definitely is that way in my workplace. Any advice?

likeuplifting

Anyone else get frustrated when the partner brags about their billable hour amount for the month? Like congrats, you get to bill .2 for each piece of mail. You also get .2 for every letter your secretary types up as a "form letter" you never even look at. As an Associate, I don't get those easy/automatic hours.

like

More Posts

like
like

Are bars now open later in the city? Saw people still hanging out at places after midnight, on my way back from a friend's. Curious what the deal is

like

I have more than 12 years of tax attorney experience at biglaw and big4. Are there any big4 positions that pay more than 200k? National Tax? Anything else?

like

Woman I went on one date with keeps me informed on what she's doing. I.e. Seeing her girlfriend or on her way to a birthday party. Not used to this level of transparency after just one date. We do have a second date planned. Thoughts?

like

Why is education deemed more valuable on a pay scale than experience? Employers will pay someone with a degree and no experience a greater salary, than someone who has exhibited the experience. Understanding that the degreed person committed to school and finished, yet that doesn't diminish what the not degreed has committed to and accomplished in their careers. This has to stop!

likefunny

What’s the difference between a 750, 760 and 770. I just took for first time and got 750. I’m confident I can bump it up. Is it worth retaking or is there no measurable advantages of 10 extra pts

like

How quickly do we have to commit after decisions are released (e.g, for Wharton, Haas, Booth, Columbia, Kellogg)? TIA!

like

Is a sloped floor of 1/2” over 10’ noticeable? I have to make room for conduit and cannot trench in my current place

likesmart

Hi ,
Can I get a help to change my career from recruitment field to HR generalist positions? I have 5 years of experience working with US and UK recruitment

like

What is the experience required to become senior manager in US taxation

My father is visiting us for 6 months. He takes insulin injections daily . Anyone know good way to get insulin injections to us they need constant refrigeration, or if he can buy them in US.

Have a consulting interview this week I’m prepping for. Doesn’t necessarily have to be related to the case portion, but what are the best questions candidates have asked you during an interview?

like

Hello everyone I live in Chicago. I have been teaching Preschool for over 15 years. I have a Bachelor’s in ECE, credential 5 with gateway. Now I work as a kindergarten Specialist. I wanted to relocate to some place warm, that has no problem with paying their staff. I am well rounded and have a lot of knowledge and experience. Any tips or suggestions.

like

How much prof liability coverage should a solo plaintiffs attorney carry.

like

Hi my firm recently laid me off with many because they had to close our project as they had no funds left.
Yesterday was my last day
I am a Network Service Operations Associate with 1 year of experience in customer service
Would like to get into a Project Management roles.
Any leads would be very useful.
Thanks!

like
like

Vanity Marketing Mags (e.g., Vanguard Law)

Anyone done a feature for Vanguard Law or similar? How did that work out for you? Did your outside counsel receive a shake down to sponsor the piece?

I have been stiff arming Vanguard for years but am curious if there’s any actual benefit. Or at least funny stories.

like

Additional Posts in Account Management

Tired of hearing all the "account people suck” comments on this app. Get some new material creatives.

like

Is there such thing as a true account role at major branding agencies? Ex. Interbrand, Landor, Pentagram...Sounds like in many cases it’s actually just PM under a different name.

like

Hi everyone,

I'm going for a role for Account Director and have gone through the interviews with the head of accounts, BD as well as the ECD's. I received the following email at the end of the day:

"You are one of two candidates in the final round.

One thing we haven’t spoken about are your salary expectations. Could you have a think and let me know early next week as well as your employment status (residency permit)."

What would be the best way to answer this response? Appreciate the help

like

Right so here’s a bit of a dilemma I work to a much higher standard at home and it’s this high standard that means I’m in line for a promotion. I’ve grown so much and I feel really strong in my role I’m also busier than ever. The problem is we’re going back into the office and I don’t want to go in if it’s just going to be senior management in asking me to get them lunches for client meetings or fetch a glass of water and cutlery for meeting rooms. Definitely not ready to go back to that….

like

Any Type B people in account? The teams I’ve worked with have primarily been Type A people. As a Type B person, it’s stressful for me and makes me feel bad for being Type B.

like

How easy is it to work in account management in a foreign country? which countries are the easiest to go to? what agencies are likely to transfer you abroad?

Trying to figure out from a client relations perspective how much I need to be fluent in Google Analytics and the planning and buying process of paid media: social and search.
I want to be more fluent and speak eloquently about it so that I am well rounded in my role.
My current position doesn't allow for any hands on experience. Any advice would be appreciated in terms of how to gain the experience or course recommendations.

like

For those of you who have had to develop a "thick skin" how did you do it without becoming a robot? In the beginning, I just cried at work all of the time. I've gotten better but I'm generally sensitive so kind of an outlier. Could use some advice, thanks

like

How long were you an SAE before promoting to AS?

like

What vendor do you use for cold direct mail lists?

like

How much are my fellow VP Account Directors out there making? Just trying to gauge if I am being paid fairly. Don’t forget to state market and YOE. I am making $135k, 10 years of experience and in Chicago.

like

I want to quit without a job lined up. My agency is a dumpster fire of incompetent project managers, revolving door of creatives and culture of not holding people accountable amidst a micromanaging gossipy leadership. I just want out. Tell me it is ok and will be alright.

likeuplifting

What are key questions to ask a sitting account team during an interview to better assess how great or terrible their current clients and/or projects are?

likehelpful

How long do you spend on monthly reporting for your clients?
My 3-person team spends about 15+ hours a month each writing monthly reports for our clients (99 small retainer clients). We’ve received feedback that they’re too complicated and the clients just want to know - are we on the right track, what action items are there, and what any next steps are in their strategy.
How do you simplify without losing value?

like

Anyone from Havas London here? If so, what are your biggest dislikes about the agency?

like

Is 7 weeks too early to start thinking I may have made a huge mistake in switching to my current gig? I left the last place because it was overr toxic and terrible W/L balance, for one that seemed to be more “fun” and more realistic hours, only to find that I’ve now been working 12 -14 hours a day and just drowning and feeling like I cannot catch up or catch my breath. Everyone is in the same boat here which is why I’m so overwhelmed so quickly with no support. Is this an immediate red flag?

like

Are there any Certified SCRUM Masters, or Certified SCRUM Product Owners here?

I just got the certifications and I am wondering if it would be worth it take the more advanced courses (paying out of pocket).

like

Any thoughts on Laundry Service?

When you sell a dedicated website for a special deal, do you give the CRM for free? Is vTiger CRM your advice? Otherwise, what are your most common recommendations about CRM?

like

I need contacts who are into bank instrument and MT103 transfers within USA and Europe. If you are a good sender or receiver let me know.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal