OT: excellent book on information theory

[Dave Hansen]

On Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:04:51 +0100 in comp.lang.python, Mikael
Olofsson <mikael at isy.liu.se> wrote:

>Terry Hancock wrote:
>"Tim Peters" <tim.one at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>   UK:    Harry smiled vaguely back
>>>   US:    Harry smiled back vaguely
>
>Terry Hancock wrote:
>> I know you are pointing out the triviality of this, since
>> both US and UK English allow either placement -- but is it
>> really preferred style in the UK to put the adverb right
>> before the verb?  In US English, the end of the clause
>> (or the beginning) is probably more common.

Indeed, the UK version (stripped of context) means something
completely different than the US ("vaguely" modifies "back" rather
than "smiled.").  At least, to this American.

>
>I appreciate your desire to put the thread on (Python) topic, but as I 
>see this discussion, it really has to do with respect for the author, 
>but also respect for the reader. The UK version is most likely the way 
>the author intended it to be. Then that is the way the text should be, 
>regardless if it is preferred style or not, under the assumption that 
>English is English is English.
>

I've not read any of the books, but from the critiques I've read,
Rowling's skills as a writer in no way match (and indeed, often
interfere with) her gifts as a storyteller.

Sometimes a writer needs an editor.

Regards,
                                        -=Dave

-- 
Change is inevitable, progress is not.