Chaos Reduction: The Oxford Comma

TL;DR

The Oxford comma is a stylistic choice that reduces chaos and should be the baseline in an asynchronous effort that spans journalistic and formal technical writing.

Summary:

On behalf of The Oxford Resistance (and unborn millions), I submit this proposal to immediately implement the Oxford (sometimes referred to as the serial, series, or Harvard) comma as the stylistic standard for all Water & Music collaborative-research disseminations in the English language.

This proposal will lead the discussion on developing a democratized style guide for Water & Music, highlighting an optional (often debated) stylistic choice and leaving it to $STREAM holders within the community to vote. Further, the implementation of the Oxford comma is subject to change if the issue arises in future official style guide voting.

Why the Oxford Comma?

It clarifies. The Oxford comma, put plainly, signals that each item in a list of three or more is distinct and undoubtedly separated. Style aside, the Oxford comma is always grammatically correct. Contextually, the clarity provided is twofold.

First, the additional comma clarifies distinct elements for editors during primarily asynchronous writing processes. Often in Seasons 1 and 1.5, the original author of a portion of a report was unknown to the editor. In scaling Water & Music's output over time, the absence of an Oxford comma may force editors to guess the relatedness of items in a list or significantly slow ascertaining the statement's intent. This point highlights the relationship between writers and editors of varying expertise, participating more harmoniously in a sometimes disjointed effort.

Second, the Oxford comma is necessary for some types of writing. Academic and journalistic writing differ (sometimes widely) in scope and intention. The omission of the serial comma in journalism lends the author a certain sense of lilt and can enhance the writer's voice. However, Water & Music's offerings to this point are not entirely journalistic. Style guides for academic writing (set parallel to collaborative research) often encourage or require the use of the Oxford common to avoid misconceptions. Given the range of materials that Water & Music will generate over time, it's reasonable to assume that some pieces will require the addition of a serial comma, and the baseline should reflect that assumption until specialized style guides are available.

Why Avoid the Oxford Comma?

Chaos. Also, as noted above, the omission of an additional comma can lend to the author's stylistic voice. Professional journalists might feel stifled by this guideline depending on the piece's intent. It is reasonable and plausible to utilize serial commas based on the type of writing and develop multiple Water & Music style guides to fill that need. Still, until the community sets those standards, the Oxford comma should be present.

Forever Remember Chaos Friday.

• brandon. & The Oxford Resistance