Punctuation Question - HELP!

Cassie · Nov 25, 2008

I'm copyediting a legal/academic manuscript about investment arbitration. The title of one chapter reads as follows:

The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy?, or Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?

What are your thoughts on this odd punctuation (... ?, ...)? Do you think it's correct? If not, how would you change it?

Thanks!

scarletpeaches · Nov 25, 2008

I would drop the first question mark, if only for aesthetic reasons.

Puma · Nov 25, 2008

I'd replace the ?, with a dash or possibly put commas (or dashes) on either side of or. I don't really think either question mark is needed. Puma

Ziljon · Nov 25, 2008

If you drop the question mark it changes the whole tone of the chapter. Obviously the author is questioning the appropriateness of an Arbitrator as guardian of international public policy.

Therefore, I'd keep the first question mark, lose the comma, and put the second title within parentheses:

The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy?
(or Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?)

Then again, could he have been just suggesting two possible titles which he couldn't decide over, hoping you or the editor would choose?

scarletpeaches · Nov 25, 2008

Ziljon said:
If you drop the question mark it changes the whole tone of the chapter.

Would it? I honestly wouldn't agree. Besides, the first clause isn't a question.

Williebee · Nov 25, 2008

The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy. (Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?)

Would be my thought.

Cassie · Nov 25, 2008

Hmmm. All interesting suggestions. Since I'm not sure what the author's intent is, perhaps I'll actually read the chapter and try to figure it out. :Shrug:

Or perhaps it's as simple as inserting an author query.

Thanks guys. And feel free to keep the discussion going.

Cassie · Nov 25, 2008

Williebee said:
The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy. (Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?)

Would be my thought.

How about -
The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy: Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?

Cassie · Nov 25, 2008

Williebee said:
The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy. (Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?)

Would be my thought.

By the way, Willie. I just noticed your Avi -- and this is for you ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSw-DrxAhEU

Thanks for stirring up some great memories.
:Hug2:

Ziljon · Nov 25, 2008

scarletpeaches said:
Besides, the first clause isn't a question.

That's exactly the point. It's not a question unless you say it with inflection--unless you put a question mark after it. The question mark shows incredulity.

Compare:

"Scarlet is the AW peacemaker."

To:

"Scarlet is the AW peacemaker?" ( "Ha, I don't think so!"

)

Kalyke · Nov 25, 2008

or connects the two clauses. It is one sentance and should only have one piece of punctuation.

reenkam · Nov 26, 2008

Cassie said:
How about -
The Arbitrator as Guardian of International Public Policy: Should Arbitrators Go Beyond Solving Legal Issues?

This makes the most sense to me and would make sense as a chapter heading.

All of the other ways to do it are unnecessarily complicated, in my opinion.

Cassie · Nov 26, 2008

reenkam said:
This makes the most sense to me and would make sense as a chapter heading.

All of the other ways to do it are unnecessarily complicated, in my opinion.

Thanks. I think I'll go with that edit (with a bracketed note to the author).

Punctuation Question - HELP!

Cassie

I can't get no, oh no no no.

scarletpeaches

Puma

Retired and loving it!

Ziljon

Tortilla di Patate

scarletpeaches

Williebee

Capeless, wingless, & yet I fly.

Cassie

I can't get no, oh no no no.

Cassie

I can't get no, oh no no no.

Cassie

I can't get no, oh no no no.

Ziljon

Tortilla di Patate

Kalyke

reenkam

aka cupcake

Cassie

I can't get no, oh no no no.