A Style Sheet Simplifies
In an attempt to strike firm footing in what too often appears to be a somewhat boundless stretch of individual taste and choice, the University journalism courses have formulated and printed a style sheet for their own use and for the benefit of any one else who cares to take advantage of it—the “Vogue” and “Vanity Fair” of the campus press. And now the editors of Oregon Exchanges, besides the old difficulties, have italics and small caps to wrestle with. Once it was a rare occurrence to pick up a campus publication and find the style strictly consistent. Now all copy readers, and in fact all journalism students are armed with the style sheet and try to learn to write Indian instead of just plain indian, or John Jones Jr. rather than John Jones, jr. It is enough to rob the young writer of his promised visit with St. Peter. To remember the “Fourth of
July”
and
“Bull
Moose”
and
“Bachelor of arts, but B. A.” is easy enough; but what about the old twist ers—“s_even o’clock” and then “10:45 a. 111.!” And “12 years old,” but “thirty year war,” and “2-year-old James,” “3 feet long,” “$3 a yard,” “78 degrees” and “75 cents.” Why“St. John” but not “Ft. Wayne!” Why quote the names of books and paintings, but never of statuary!
It is at times like those that the befuddled student wonders whether to spell his name with an “s” or a “z”—(or rather with an s or a z)— and if his father is Pres. or Presi dent. The decision as to an exact style to be followed in all University pub lications has greatly simplified the always difficult problem of standard izing copy rules, and is constantly saving copy readers from premature wrinkles. It is by no means ideal or even a model of perfection and cor rect conclusions, but it serves its pur pose for the campus well and em bodies the most important usages in their most approved form.
Better Fruit Editor Passes
E. H. Shepard, editor of Better Fruit, and one of the best known publishers in the Northwest, died in Portland April 29. Mr. Shepard established Better Fruit fourteen years ago, since which time it has been devoted to the interests of the fruit business, especially apples. To Mr. Shepard, perhaps more than to any other man, is due the high degree of organization and cooperation now existing between the fruit growers of the Northwest. For the past dozen years he had preached the gospel of co operation through the columns of his magazine. Better Fruit has also served as a text-book for thousands of fruit growers, embodying all the latest findings and research work in the growing of apples and other fruits. It achieved a circulation of about 15,000 copies, going to all of the important fruit districts of the world.
When Mr. Shepard’s failing health made it impossible for him to continue active management of the magazine, it was moved to Portland, where its publication will be continued.
They Want the News
The boys over there have lots of time—that is, there will be lots of time left after fighting the kaiser and reading the letters from the girl back home. Do you know how they want to spend that time! They want to read the news from home—how John Doe planted potatoes where the old merry-go-round used to be, and how Mrs. Jones gave a pink tea. They want all the home news that only the home paper can give. You news papers are doing your best and are sending as many papers as you can afford to, of course, but it is up to you now to get other people to do the the same thing. Get your subscribers to send papers to the boys of your town. Let’s see that every boy in Oregon gets a paper. Even though the mail is slow in getting over there, still it’s news to them.
