Bulletin editors' craft

Headlines, because of space limitations, may contain shortened forms that are not proper in text.

In text, numbers one through nine should be spelled out, but in headlines, numerals may be used.

Text: There were six of us.

Headline: There were 6 of us

Symbols, such as "%" and "&" may be used in headlines, while they must be spelled in text.

Text: John and Mike had 54 percent of the votes.

Headline: John & Mike had 54% of the votes

In headlines it is recommended that only the first word and proper names be capitalized. However, some publications capitalize all of the main words. I do not find a precedent for capitalizing every word, including adjectives.

Recommended: Joke of the month

Not recommended: Joke Of The Month, or Joke of the Month

Single quotes are for use in headlines and, in text, to indicate a quote within a quote.

Using quotation marks sometimes suggests an apology for their use. Don't use them unnecessarily or excessively.

Wrong: They really "rang" some chords.

Don't use quotation marks for emphasis. Use italics instead.

You are not alone when it comes to the misuse, or misunderstanding, of apostrophes. Errors are commonly found on a variety of signs and various publications, as well as in barbershop bulletins.

One of the most glaring examples I saw recently was in a J.C. Penney store. On a wall was a sign showing the Ladie's Department! It should be Ladies' Department. However, the apostrophe is omitted when there is no possessive, e.g., dresses for ladies.

A common error found in signs - usually not made by a professional sign maker - is putting an apostrophe between an "s" and capital letters when there is no possessive. I have found this with VCRs and TVs. The signs show VCR's and TV's. The only time such a possessive is needed is if you were writing something like, "Where is the VCR's remote control?" However, you would not write, "Check out our VCR's on sale." The apostrophe does not belong in this statement.

When abbreviating years, do not use double apostrophes, e.g., "'40's barbershop quartets' style is different from those of the '90s." It should read: "1940's barbershop... " If not a possessive, you would write, "Barbershop quartet style of the '40s is different from the '90s."

Another common error is its and it's. Its is the possessive and an apostrophe is never used (e.g., Put the CD in its box). It's is the contraction of it is and always uses an apostrophe (e.g., It's my CD player).

This article is not intended to solve all your questions concerning apostrophes. It's a starting point - a guide.

In addition to the Probe Style Manual, there are three other reference books that would be a good addition to your library: The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual ($14.00), Merriam Webster's Pocket Guide to Punctuation ($3.95) and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White ($4.95). All are available at bookstores.

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