Notebook

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

  • Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity:  Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly <- a title that says it all

    Tweeted on 09.02.12

  • It’s the way you tell ‘em. Nudge theory trials show how subtle changes in language can make a big difference:

    Tweeted on 08.02.12

  • How words can influence -> RT Salmond’s proposed question is “loaded and biased” says . Do you agree?

    Tweeted on 26.01.12

  • Why do people get so angry about apostrophes? An interesting piece from on The Phenomenology of Error:

    Tweeted on 19.12.11

  • 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 writing

    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

    Trade secrets

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