Re: use of definite articles before names of standards

> On Thu, 2006-06-22 at 11:55 -0700, Susan Lesch wrote:
> > Sandro Hawke wrote:
> > > Some people in my working group seem to want to call our product "the
> > > RIF" instead of just "RIF".  
> >
> 
> > > Is there a simple and clear reference I can point to for this?
> >
> > I think the Chicago Manual of Style Q&A [1] says use "the" but I am not s=
> ure.
> 
> [snip]
> 
> > Maybe Ian can find a better reference:
> 
> I don't know of one offhand (and I live in Chicago!).
> 
> In practice I almost never hear anyone say: "Our product supports the
> XML" or "The RDF Sucks!" Lots of people seem to agree that "the RDF/XML
> Syntax Sucks" but they are using RDF as an adjective. :)
> 
> I do hear from time to time "The W3C supports free love" but I
> personally tend just to say "W3C."
> 
> Does this affect a particular decision?

I find the uses of "the RIF" jarring.  When I talk it over with the
people who wrote the text, they reluctantly come around, but it's a
fairly slow process.  I'd like something quick and simple to point
people at.   I guess we don't have something like that.  :-)

      -- Sandro

Received on Monday, 26 June 2006 16:37:48 UTC