AP style explained

Hey guys!

My PR tactics class is going smoothly thus far. I feel like I am set up to be successful in the class for the next three weeks but in order for me to do that, I have to understand The Associated Press style of writing. According to this article from articllama.com (http://www.arcticllama.com/blog/writing-tips/what-is-ap-style/), AP style is a set of rules and guidelines for formalized news writing published by The Associated Press. Simply put, AP style is writing that is found in news articles. Some people (like myself) constantly wonder why it is essential to be proficient with the rules that come with this style of writing. But according to journalism.about.com (http://journalism.about.com/od/writing/a/apstyle.htm), if students don’t familiarize themselves with those rules they will be subject to few career options due to the amount of errors that he/she would make. As a future public relations practitioner, it would be essential for me to familiarize myself with this style because it would make my documents (such as press releases) easier to understand for different media outlets. The less work I would leave for them, the more likely I am to have my story published. According to Nancy Edmonds from Minnesota State- Moorhead (http://web.mnstate.edu/hanson/MC307/mc_307_AP_tips.htm), using AP style doesn't just ease the workload for editors, but it will establish credibility for press releases and fact sheets. Since this style is so important for PR practitioners, I wouldn't be surprised if I was given a quiz on it during a job interview. It is something that has the potential to make or break you in this business, and if I am not prepared to be tested on it, then I shouldn't be applying for the job! Any who, it's been a long day for me and once again, I don't want to bore you all to death with my late-night ramblings. Hope you have a great night!

-Rickey