Okay geniuses (LOL) the comma in a list

Anciently speaking, if the latter two items in a series went together (bread and butter) or could be considered a unit (Mom and Dad), there was no comma; but if they were separate entities, there was a comma. Modern usage seems to have gotten away from the final comma. Another of the old rules was to use a comma to prevent misreading, so if you feel there could be misunderstanding without the comma, use it. (And also wait to see what everyone else says). Puma

MacAllister said:

All right-thinking people continue to use the Oxford comma (that final comma in the series, before "and") in spite of the recent fad for deleting it.

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And Mr. E. B. White would agree with you.

Although, as long as you're consistent, you won't get into too much trouble either way. IMHO

You can use either, as long as you use them consistently, like Alleycat said.

comma

Use the final comma unless the last two items are a unit. Consistency is nice, but getting it the way editors want it is a heck of a lot nicer.

MacAllister said:

All right-thinking people continue to use the Oxford comma (that final comma in the series, before "and") in spite of the (regrettable) recent fad of deleting it.

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Exactly! Personally, it drives me batty when I don't see that comma before "and," but I can understand the reasoning of those who do it.

In Britain, we only use the Oxford comma on high days and holidays. The rest of the time a simple 'and' does us fine.