January 29, 2004: Issue 74
SIM STYLE: The way we do the things we do
We continue our focus on SIM routing procedures. Remember to send your questions my way, and I’ll make sure they get addressed in an upcoming issue.
THIS WEEK: First-proof layouts
• Layouts route on their own. Once a story reaches layout stage, stash away the story folder somewhere and route only the layout with the routing slip attached.
Why it matters: Why risk losing film or other story-folder contents? The layout is all that’s needed.
• Before routing a first-proof layout to CEs, make sure the story is copyfit; captions, sidebars, liftouts, charts, and other story elements are real text; and standing elements such as credits, resources lines, Web refers, running titles, and end bugs are in place.
Why it matters: Making a first proof as complete as possible saves everyone time on reroutes and spot checks later. There may be times when it makes sense to route a first proof even if not all elements are complete (such as when you’re waiting for product price information or for a final illustration). In those cases, indicate on the layout which elements are not final.
• If a story is in the “At CEs” folder, do not make changes to the electronic document (no matter how seemingly insignificant). If you must make a change while a story is in the “At CEs” folder, ask to get the layout back from your lead CE or group liaison first. Why it matters: Stories in the “At CEs” folder have been sent on disk to freelancers outside the building. Once returned, those files are copied back onto the server. Any changes that were made while a story is in the “At CEs” folder will be lost when the file is saved over. Remember, regardless of where a file resides on the server, only the person in possession of the routing slip should make changes to it.
For more information, see Issue 72, 73.
GRAMMAR: What’s the difference between “lineal” and “linear”?
“Lineal” refers to pattern—things arranged in lines. It may also refer to a line of ancestry. “Linear” refers to a single dimension, and in our magazines it’s the word we want in most uses.
incorrect: The countertop costs $50 per lineal foot.
correct: The countertop costs $50 per linear foot.
incorrect:To define spaces, the designer arranged the furniture in a linear fashion.
correct: To define spaces, the designer arranged the furniture in a lineal fashion.
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