Not to belabor the point too much, but you seem to be saying that contractions
are appropriate in only a narrow range of instances, such as when part of a
quotation. I agree with you that they are not properly used in every exhibit
label type or style of writing, but there are many more informal instances besides
quotations where I believe contractions clarify and make label text more accessible
to all readers.

Perhaps an earlier poster is correct: there's a distinct Chicago Style of label writing
and if that's the case, I'm hoping it catches on!

Diane Gutenkauf
Manager, Interpretation & Exhibits
The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, IL

On Mon, 11 Mar 2002 02:05:04 -0600, Chris Taylor <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>I am glad my posting on reasons not to use contractions created some thought, but part of my point was missed. I said that you
should avoid contractions in formal text, such as a simple declarative statement explaining an artifact or exhibit. But when you
are using a quote, or in
>the case cited below, an appearance of a quote designed to give the feeling of someone speaking to the viewer, then in that
informal use, contractions serve a purpose.
>The use of set styles for the two separate uses helps clarify the type of information being presented.
>My personal reference is the AP Stylebook, a great reference for clear and concise use of the language. AP style is to avoid
contractions, using them (but avoiding over using them) in informal writing.
>So if your goal is to set a certain tone of familiarity, or give the flavor of the spoken word, or to give the impression of someone
speaking to the viewer of the label, contractions are a tool to use in that case.
>"That's all."
>
>Chris Taylor
>Atchison County Historical Society
>Not superstitious, just adhering to a specific style
>
>
>

...<snip>

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