Notebook

For writers, notebooks are where ideas come to life. This blog is a space for sharing our news and ideas with you.

  • Words really do matter >> @ThirdSector discusses how using the right language can engage online communities http://bit.ly/v5ncM1

    Tweeted on 29.11.11

  • Word of the year 2011

    Footnote

    The lexicographers at the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) have come up with their Word of the Year. Actually, they haven’t. They’ve come up with an expression - squeezed middle. via bbc.co.uk

  • A good slice of microcopy

    Noted by Emily on 23.11.11

    Web words

    The best websites use their microcopy to show off their brand personality. And we’ve found one that’s certainly a slice above the rest.

  • The cool twists of language

    Footnote

    Rien, the French word for “nothing”, is derived from the Latin rem, which means “something” (in the accusative case). By what path can a word get from meaning “something” to meaning “nothing”? It’s like asking how anything can be “hot” and “cool” at the same time. Obviously, they can be - especially if you don’t even know whether the jazz throbbing through the speakers is hot, cool, or just loud. via guardian.co.uk

  • When was the last time you wrote something by hand? @TheEconomist celebrates a dying art: http://bit.ly/snHzM4 (via @heavenly_london)

    Tweeted on 16.11.11

  • How to cut jargon from your business writing

    Noted by Emily on 15.11.11

    Business words

    From complete nonsense to the ridiculously over-used, business writing is full of jargon. Here are our top tips for keeping your writing simple.

  • 50 redundant phrases to avoid in #writing (and that’s an actual fact) http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/43826.aspx (via @MarkRaganCEO)

    Tweeted on 26.10.11

  • “Clichés and jargon are like spelling mistakes or grammatical errors: they are markers of poor quality.” Good article: http://ind.pn/nc8DsP

    Tweeted on 17.10.11

  • Words in pictures: we’re enjoying these snaps of the Blackpool Comedy Carpet http://bbc.in/pWru1K

    Tweeted on 10.10.11

  • How naval slang has become part of the English language http://bbc.in/qKHuBE >> Reading this has made us want hammy cheesy eggy topsides…

    Tweeted on 28.09.11