The UWF Style
Journalistic and academic writing take place in two different worlds, and rarely do those worlds meet. It’s not that one sort of writing is necessarily better than the other or even preferable, it’s just that each has a different goal. For instance, the professor wants peers to understand how to apply or replicate their research. The journalist wants to show readers how that research affects their lives.
Unlike a professor drafting an academic paper, the news or public relations professional is nearly always constrained by a limited amount of space. While the professor can explain thoroughly all the intricate details of a topic in scientific terms, the journalist does not have that luxury. The journalist must convey the essence of a topic so that a broad readership sees a word picture and understands.
Sacking syllables
In addition to the different depths of detail covered in these two types of writing, there is the matter of style. Journalists and academicians write completely differently. Short, concise sentences are preferred in journalism. Obscure words, long phrases and jargon adversely affect story flow. It’s the journalist’s job to pack the most meaning into of the fewest words. If a 25-cent word will do, don’t go for the obscure 10-dollar synonym. If a journalist can substitute university for University of West Florida with, that will happen every time.
Many materials produced by university staffers are clearly intended for public consumption and don’t fall into the category of academic writing. Rather, this material is news or marketing/promotional material designed to pique community interest and attract maximum attention. Consistency, accuracy, brevity and clarity are of the utmost importance here.
Ready reference
University Marketing Communications has produced this stylebook as a reference tool. Of particular interest is usage of UWF-specific information. Based on stylebooks used by the Associated Press and public affairs offices of our university peers, this is one of the tools we use in writing and editing material for public distribution. Faculty and staff members who produce material for public distribution are urged to use this guide as well.
It contains preferred ways of using words and phrases that provide clear communication and above all, a consistent UWF voice.
Text in University of West Florida materials distributed to the public are edited to follow the Associated Press Stylebook as closely as possible. We realize, however, that certain allowances must be made for the unique realm in which we work (for example, UWF style reflects the ways in which we handle department and building names, as well as how we treat titles of various types of publications). In the event of a contradiction between the AP Stylebook and our own, the UWF Stylebook will take precedence.
