RE: open-source vs. open source

Subject: RE: open-source vs. open source
From: "Michael West" <mbwest -at- bigpond -dot- com>
To: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:37:25 +1100

> One of the purposes of hyphenating compounds is to avoid ambiguity, as
> in "open door policy" or "fast sailing ship". Maybe it's just me, but
> I don't see potential ambiguity in the phrases above involving "open
> source".

Whether a hyphen is required in "open source software" is not the question I
was addressing, nor was it the OP's question as I understood the post.

My point is about what it signifies once it is placed within the compound.

Some would prefer a hyphen in "open-source" on the grounds of consistency
and on the grounds that it should not be left up to readers to find or not
find ambiguity in the phrase. A careful writer, these people would say, does
not leave the door open to misunderstanding regardless of its likelihood.
(Apropos of the topic, you might call this a closed-door policy.)

Others would agree with you that in this instance it is not required. I have
no strong preference in the matter. But I do feel strongly that a writer
ought to understand what a hyphen is and does, and this is where I saw the
confusion.

--
Mike

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References:
RE: open-source vs. open source: From: Michael West
Re: open-source vs. open source: From: Janet Swisher

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