How does the Associated Press update its style guide?
The Associated Press Stylebook, which news organizations across the country look to for stylistic guidance, has dropped the term Web site in favor of website. How does the AP decide when to update an entry? By committee. The AP Stylebook has three editors who review suggestions for new and updated entries. Revision requests tend to come from AP reporters, Facebook or Twitter users, and readers who e-mail the AP’s “Ask the Editor” feature, which answers questions about usage. The editors meet about once a month to discuss revisions and try to reach a consensus on which ones to accept. They’ll typically consult people inside and outside the AP who are familiar with the phrase. For example, for a technology term like smart phone (two words, not one), they’ll talk to their tech reporters. If it’s a Palestinian term like intefadeh (not intifada), they’ll consult their regional bureau. If the three editors can’t reach an agreement—which happens fairly often—they’ll bring in the AP’s executiv
