On Dec 4, 2011, at 8:58 AM, Raymond Horton wrote:

> And every time I think I know the rules I am surprised by some exception.
> I try to find authoritative sources whenever possible.

Maybe it's because this is close to my specialty, but I think I would dissent 
from this.

The authoritative sources do, in fact, get it right.  But I think we should 
strive to understand why words are hyphenated the way they are so that we too 
can come up with the best answer, rather than simply appeal to authority.  
Otherwise, how do you know which sources are authoritative?

It's the same idea as "rules" of harmony. The rules are not arbitrary. They 
were written for good reason. They stand as guidelines and reminders to us of 
what that good reason is. But when you follow those rules, you do so because 
they work and help you achieve the results you want, not just because the book 
said so.

mdl
_______________________________________________
Finale mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale

Reply via email to