wow factor

So, is it Seals or SEALs, Yahoo or Yahoo!, Mr Obama or President Obama?

Being style literal can be a minefield.

As you tap away composing your next article, spare a thought for the people who consider, value and maintain Style Rules.

On all caps, one journalist says... looking like pieces of kitty litter all over the newspaper while others, including editors, see a need for change.

Consistent, Sensitive and Weird

I would also make it SEAL. I think the rule on acronyms is too rigid; it leaves The Times virtually alone in calling UNESCO Unesco, UNICEF Unicef and, my personal pet peeve because I am a fan, NASCAR Nascar.

However, despite protestation...

One rule I would not change is the way The Times refers to presidents, even though it causes a small but steady stream of objections from readers like Russell Kidner of Phoenix, who said The Times should always call President Obama by his title. The newspaper’s style is to introduce “President Obama” but to allow references thereafter to “Mr. Obama.” “Very disrespectful,” Kidner said. A few readers suspect The Times of showing disapproval of the president, but it has been Mr. Bush, Mr. Clinton, Mr. Reagan and so on, for a long time.

Hoyt reveals the perils and benefits of managing Style Rules.
Some flexibility on the part of traditional media seems smart in these interesting times.