Sure, some of us still cling to stuffy style and grammar rules. We consult dictionaries to check our spelling. We avoid cliches and omit needless words.
But really, isn't that so Old Media?
Now, "Write More Good," a phony writing guide that's been called "perhaps the least useful writing aid ever compiled," injects some humor into the dreary world of writing rules.
The book (Three Rivers Press, $13) is the work of a group of writers who call themselves The Bureau Chiefs. Some will be signing books at 7 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road.
The idea for this new guide was born from @FakeAPStylebook, a Twitter feed that has amassed more than 200,000 followers by offering such advice as: "There are two acceptable euphemisms for the uterus: 'Ark of the Covenant' or 'Female Hysteria.'
Here are a few gems from the book:
* Proper usage: “World War” should be used only for conflicts involving countries on at least three continents. For large-scale battles against clones, killer tomatoes, or a fifty-foot woman, use “attack” instead.
* Entertainment Journalism: When writing about a celebrity for an online audience, save your readers time by linking directly to nude photos of him or her.
* Science Reporting: When writing about those robots that seek out and consume houseflies for energy, the parenthetical aside “(OH GOD, WE’RE DOOMED!)” is implied and is therefore not necessary to include in your story.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
'Write More Good' authors in Charlotte Friday
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1 comments:
I've read some excerpts from this book. If the excerpts I read are any example, I don't blame the authors for calling themselves The Bureau Chiefs instead of their real names. This has the makings of a real stinker, but it'll probably appeal to the lowest common denominator of readers.
The humour is infantile at best, simply horrible at its worst. It isn't even decent satire. I'm surprised Ebert is associated with it at all. They must have paid him a lot of money. It's more like finger-down-the-throat than tongue-in-cheek.
I wouldn't buy the book if it was on the bargain table out on the sidewalk.
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