TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Hyphenation rule of thumb From:"Robert A. Goff" <0005290822 -at- MCIMAIL -dot- COM> Date:Sat, 15 Oct 1994 13:40:00 EST
Erik Harris says:
"...we ought not compress common
hyphenated terms too soon in their evolution."
Yes. I'm very glad you wrote that message, because it shows me how well
hyphenation fits into the ever-present argument between those who wish to
preserve the current form of the language and those who want to let it grow
as quickly as possible. I made an argument in another area that although
we can't stop the language from changing, we can at least try to ensure that
the changes strengthen it. The hyphenation rule is a chance to let the
language "try out" a change, to see if it lasts and if it's worth the effort.
I guess that I agree that it should be tried out longer than it takes to creep
into one reference.
