Parenthetically Speaking

[kt-scarlett]

<rant mode on>

Have you ever noticed the style of writing used in the DVC Disney Files magazine? How it tends to be rather silly and not wholly professional? I’m not looking for dry as dust technical writing but must they always try to be ‘witty’ when informational will do?

Geez, I sound like a witch don’t I? Sorry, but this latest issue just pushed me over the edge. Why must they write little asides in parentheses all the time? The letter from the editor alone has eight remarks in parentheses ranging from witty remarks to useful information. If it’s important enough to be on the page then remove the parentheses, if not then leave it off.

I realize many readers enjoy this casual style and are scratching their heads over my statements but may I just say how much I miss the old Disney Magazine? That magazine was both informative and a joy to read. Disney Files could learn a lot from them.

</rant>

Let the flaming begin

 

[Micca]

No flames here, but I enjoy the style of writing. I think it's kind of fun to read.

 

[bumbershoot]

This was only our second issue, but I enjoy the style of writing. I love using parentheses, always have, you can ask any of my friends or family (who dealt with 10 page epic letters from me with countless (countless!) (OK fine you could count them, but who would want to?) parenthetical thoughts all through my schooling).

I know how to write without them (note the schooling mentioned above...professors don't appreciate "asides"), I just don't like to write without them.


But I understand that not everyone is expecting that sort of thing.

 

[5forDiz]

OP I do see what you are saying; it seems like they don't know when to give it up and sometimes it seems quite juvenile.

 

[kitsch4]

No flames here, either, but I enjoy it. If it was just dry information, it wouldn't be as fun to read. Just my opinion.

 

[gkrykewy]

It's Disney Files, not the New York Review of Books. It does the job.

 

[jennsuko]

OP I do see what you are saying; it seems like they don't know when to give it up and sometimes it seems quite juvenile.

I agree completely.

 

[jennypenny]

I used to be a proofreader for an academic journal and it's all I can do not to mark up the page! I understand it should be an easy read, but they can still use proper grammar. We all use a relaxed style on the boards and in our emails but I think printed matter is a little different.

I do miss informative content more.

 

[JimMIA]

OP I do see what you are saying; it seems like they don't know when to give it up and sometimes it seems quite juvenile.

Agree. I think the editor is either 17 or on an ego trip. (Or both.)

 

[JimMIA]

In fairness, I have to say that the content of Disney Files has improved somewhat from the first couple of issues. The first couple were nothing but Disney marketing junk mail.

 

[bnlbebes]

Count me in as another member who can only take so much of the "cute" asides. I only browsed the magazine this quarter, as I was turned off by the style that much. And I tend to be a sarcastic so-and-so myself.

I was also surprised by the envelope for a donation to some timeshare Political Action Committee. Anyone more in the know see making a contribution as worthwhile?

 

[childsplay]

I agree with the OP.

 

[5forDiz]

.......I was also surprised by the envelope for a donation to some timeshare Political Action Committee. Anyone more in the know see making a contribution as worthwhile?.........

Speaking for DH & I we will not be making a contribution; from what we have searched up on this in our opinion it seems to benefit developers and we are not convinced that there is really any benefit to us. And wow, I'd have never thought Jim Lewis has any time left on his hands after DVC to devote to being ARDA Chairman

 

[starbox]

I am the department chair for Language Arts at a very large high school, and I swear, it physically hurts to read the magazine.

I do like the recipes and pictures though - especially the one of the rooftop pool!

 

[monkeyknuckler]

Like hey Dood! I wuz on the 'puter (computer for you old folks!) and figured out that Ryan March the (most groovalicious) editor for the Disneyphiles Magazine is fer shure not a Harvard grad. On a totally diffrn't (like my abbreve?) note, I'm so stoked that I cannot, even if I wanted to (like as if), give out any coin to the ARDA-ROC PAC (*** was that?) 'cause I ain't no citizen of them U.S.A.'s.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Bring back Vacation Magic!! Too much inane stuff. Not enough DVC stuff. I wonder if the age of the reader makes a difference. I'm 50+.

 

[Mom B]

I'm usually a stickler for correct usage and all, as much as one can be these days, but I rather enjoy it. As long as they don't mess up the spelling! I just think it gives you some insight into the personalities of the editors/writers, and I 'kind of' like that!

 

[LIFERBABE]

In fairness, I have to say that the content of Disney Files has improved somewhat from the first couple of issues. The first couple were nothing but Disney marketing junk mail.

I'll agree with you on that 1!

It is definitely better than the marketing rag (I complained to MS Team) they sent out in the beginning, so I am reserving judgement

I will not "be giving up the kwan" to ARDA either!

The pic of the baby asleep on the floor at SSR with the 2 ducks watching over himriceless!

 

[bz8bls]

I'm usually a stickler for correct usage and all, as much as one can be these days, but I rather enjoy it. As long as they don't mess up the spelling! I just think it gives you some insight into the personalities of the editors/writers, and I 'kind of' like that!

I AM USUALLY A STICKLER ON USAGE OF CORRECT GRAMMAR AS WELL, HOWEVER, I FIND THE DISNEY FILES STYLE A DEPARTURE FROM THE USUAL MAGAZINES THAT I READ. BTW THE WAY, I AM NOT YELLING...MY KIDS HAVE THE SHIFT KEY ON MY COMPUTER STUCK WHERE I CAN'T TYPE IN THE LOWER CASE FONT.

 

[LIFERBABE]

BTW THE WAY, I AM NOT YELLING...MY KIDS HAVE THE SHIFT KEY ON MY COMPUTER STUCK WHERE I CAN'T TYPE IN THE LOWER CASE FONT.

Where's the Tag Fairy when you need her?