Monday, January 4, 2010

Operators are standing by

If you marked the start of a new year with a resolve for some kind of self-improvement — and who among us couldn’t stand a little betterment? — here are two opportunities to make good on that resolution, without your having to leave the house.

The first is a week and a half away, but there is still time to sign up for

Things Your English Teacher Didn’t Tell You

This audioconference produced by McMurry, which also publishes the Copyediting newsletter, will help you distinguish a rule from a guideline from a superstition in English usage. It will run for ninety minutes on January 14, and in addition to being able to listen to my dulcet tones, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and argue with me.

Details about fees and registration are on the link.

Next month will bring another opportunity:

Where to Turn: Resources for Editors

If you have been leaning too heavily on those frail reeds, The Elements of Style and Wikipedia, you will benefit from advice on more reliable resources and references. The ninety-minute audioconference on February 18 will explore both print and electronic references that will, used with appropriate caution and judgment, get you where you want to go. Here, too, you will have an opportunity to share your views.

Again, details are on the link.

I hope to hear from you on one or both of these occasions.