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: Use of Periods in Phone Numbers? From:Michael Collier <michacol -at- SBSERVICES -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 25 Sep 1996 13:55:09 -0400
I agree with you. Periods in phone numbers is trendy foolishness. The
period after number convention is used in IP addresses; while it's
unlikely the two would be confused, I suppose that hyphens aren't used in
IP addresses because hyphens were already used to designate phone
numbers!
Michael Collier
michacol -at- sbservices -dot- com
SOFTBANK Services Group Buffalo, NY
Nancy wrote:
I've gotten involved in a disagreement about the style in which phone
numbers in a newsletter are to be written. The senior editor has
instructed that all phone numbers are to be written "111.111.1111". I
would prefer to see the more conventional style, "111-111-1111".
My reasoning is that when you see a number with hyphens, you are
more likely to think "phone number," whereas when you see one with
periods, you could think "email address," "European number," or
something else. It also seems rather trendy, something you'd see on a
letterhead, but not in text--in other words, a design element.
Any thoughts on this? We are publishing the newsletter with the period
format, but I am just not comfortable with it.
TIA, Nancy Kaminski
Fairview Hospital and Healthcare Services
