Posted by Peter H on June 04, 2001 at 13:59:09 from 213.122.25.24:
In Reply to: Re: slovenly habit posted by Dave W on June 03, 2001 at 10:15:25:
The reference codes ('SA' 'SD' etc) for AR's books were adopted by the Arthur Ransome Society in their first journal (the 'Mixed Moss' of 1990 - inside front cover). Similar codes are used in other literary societies - I know that the Sherlock Holmes Society has a intricate system of reference codes to the large number of stories featuring the Detective.
I cannot see the objection to this - surely no one would find it easier to key 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea' than 'WD', particularly in letters, messages, short articles and notices. However, in longer articles involving critical analysis I would prefer the full titles. I have occasionally used the full names in articles for MM, (sorry, Mixed Moss), but the editor has always substituted the codes.
I suppose it is a matter of personal preference, but we should not use words like 'slovenly'.