The KellyGram

Wisdom and Wit About the Wonderful and Often Wacky World of Words

Published by Bob Kelly

Resident Wordsmith and Quotemeister

WordCrafters, Inc.

www.wordcrafters.info

Providing the Right Word for Speakers, Writers, Ministry Leaders and Business Executives – since 1979!

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Volume 4 – Number 10 October 2006

In This Issue:

Quoting Other Sources
The Quote Corner (Quotations)
Swifties RIP!
Planning a Book?
Smile Awhile
Odds and Ends
A Final Word

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QUOTING OTHER SOURCES

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Whenever I do a workshop or seminar about writing and editing, one question that invariably comes up deals with the use of third-party quotations, specifically: "What restrictions or conditions apply to using them?"

I began collecting quotations many years ago. Today, I own nearly 400 volumes, which include about one-and-a-half million quotes. In recent years, four volumes of quotations I compiled have been published, so I've done a lot of research on their use.

Please understand that the following information is based on my personal experience, and it's certainly not intended as legal advice. If you have concerns about using quotations, you may want to consult a lawyer.

Based on my research and discussions with intellectual property attorneys and publishers, there appears to be nothing in the law that specifically and directly addresses "stand alone" quotations. The consensus: as long as you avoid a lot of quotations from a single source, forgo long selections, provide attribution where known, and operate in good faith, you're probably safe.

In his book, How to Write a Book Proposal, literary agent Michael Larsen writes: "Quotes of fewer than 250 words from a book are usually considered fair use, that is, they may be used without permission of the copyright holder."

When this question arises, I often cite Apples of Gold, compiled by Jo Petty and published in 1962. Still in print, it has sold millions of copies. It contains no acknowledgments or permissions, nor does she identify the author of any of the several hundred quotes used, even when the source is well known.

The Chicago Manual of Style, used by nearly all book publishers, states that permissions must be obtained: "if an author quotes at length, or uses many short passages, from a copyrighted work."

Regarding copyright issues, Every Writers Guide to Copyright & Publishing Law, by Ellen M. Kozak, (Henry Holt & Co., New York 1990) is a good resource. And, if youre concerned about using a particular quotation, consider writing to the author or publisher for permission to do so.

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THE QUOTE CORNER (Quotations)

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Based on our lead article above, it seems appropriate to offer the following thoughts on what others have had to say about using quotations.

A quotation in a speech, article, or book is like a rifle in the hands of an infantryman. It speaks with authority. (Brendan Behan)

We consider a well-placed quotationto be one of the signs of an erudite and educated person. It lends weight to ones own opinions by somehow invoking a greateror at least more well-knownauthority. (James Charlton)

I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself. (Marlene Dietrich)

The wisdom of the wise and the experience of ages may be preserved by quotation. (Benjamin Disraeli)

We speak a language that draws on quotations. They are telegraphic. A form of shorthand. We use them to lend point and luster to what we say. (Justin Kaplan)

He wrapped himself in quotations - as a beggar would enfold himself in the purple of Emperors. (Rudyard Kipling)

Authors frequently begin a chapter with a quote. Often that singular quotation has more substance than the entire text that follows it. (Charles Robert Lightfoot)

I quote others only the better to express myself. (Michel de Montaigne)

A book that furnishes no quotations is no bookit is a plaything. (Thomas Love Peacock)

He who resolves never to ransack any mind but his own will be soon reduced from mere barrenness to the poorest of all imitations: he will be obliged to imitate himself. (Sir Joshua Reynolds)

A fine quotation is a diamond on the finger of a man of wit, and a pebble in the hand of a fool. (Joseph Roux)

I always have a quotation for everything it saves original thinking. (Dorothy L. Sayers)

Early in my ministryI discovered that as windows admit light to a house, quotations and illustrations can shed clarity on a lesson, sermon or speech. (George Sweeting)

I have never found a better way to enhance the communications process than by reinforcing the points or concepts I wish to make with timely, memorable quotations. (Carolyn Warner)

(Note: These quotations are taken from our collection of nearly 400 published volumes of quotations and 1.5 million entries. If youre looking for some quotes on virtually any subject, send us an email at bob@kellygram.com, or call us at 480-895-7617. Or, if you have a quote topic youd like us to feature in an upcoming issue, email it to us and well get it on the schedule.)

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EMAIL? OR E-MAIL?

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It certainly wont go down as one of the great debates in this Age of Technology, but there seem to be two schools of thought on whether or not one uses a hyphen when abbreviating "electronic mail." Is it e-mail, or email?

Well according to The Associated Press Stylebook, used by most newspapers and magazines, the correct usage includes the hyphen. However, my friend and colleague Christel Hall tells me the recently formed Email Experience Council (emailexperience.org) has announced the hyphen is kaput. Im not sure what official standing the EEC may have, but Im inclined to agree with its position.

While were on the subject, we recently learned of a Wall Street Journal survey about whether its readers hoarded or deleted email messages in their inboxes. The winning hoarder was one Peter Kushkowski, whose 56,482 e-mails won him the distinction of having the most cluttered inbox of those who responded to the survey.

Hoarders cited reasons from sentimental attachment, to the security of having a paperless paper trail to back up ones work, to the belief that a jam-packed inbox is a status symbol.

While those of you who know me well will find it hilarious that Id attempt to offer any tips on even the fringes of the technological, there really is a very simple way to retain emails without leaving them in the inbox. Setting up email folders by name or category is so simple that even this Neanderthal has mastered it. Voila! An empty inbox.

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SWIFTIES RIP!

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After last months Swifties, I received several new ones from readers, which led me to conclude that its time, for the sake of all of us, to put old Tom out of his misery. After reading the following, we think youll agree.

From Ted Czukor:

"The problem is your instep," the podiatrist said archly.

"We need to strengthen your abs," said the personal trainer obliquely.

"Hes not the sharpest tack in the box," the teacher commented pointedly.

From Dick Stadler:

"I'll take the prisoner downstairs," said Tom Swift condescendingly.

And, finally, from Linda Donaldson:

"I quit," said Tom resignedly.

Im Bob Kelly, and I approved this message.

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PLANNING A BOOK? WE CAN HELP!

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Is this the year youre finally going to finish writing that book youve been thinking about for so long? Why not? Lots and lots of others are doing so. But the numbers are awfully intimidating. According to R.R. Bowker, LLC, there were 195,000 books published in 2004, an all-time high, and an increase of 72 percent since 1995. And, a book by a typical author averages a mere 11,800 copies sold.

To be successful in a very crowded marketplace, and to beat that average, there are two essentials. First, it has to be very well-written and highly readable, and, second, you must be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time, energy and money to market it. It doesnt matter if you self-publish or use a traditional publisher, sales of your book will depend on Y-O-U.

I dont do book marketing, but can direct you to some folks wholl work with you. However, I can certainly help you, as I have many other authors, put together a book youll be proud to put your name on. Whether you need it ghostwritten, edited, proofread, or some combination thereof, Ill be happy to consult with you about it.

For 27 years, Ive been doing just that for dozens of satisfied clients. I guarantee my work, and never charge a fee for an initial review or consultation. Call me at (480) 895-7617, or email me at bob@kellygram.com, and let me show you how you can look good on paper.

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SMILE AWHILE

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In an essay titled "Bumper-Sticker Wisdom," one of 40 in her wonderful book, Slices of Life, speaker, author and seminar leader Ellie Lofaro described these mini-messages in what Patricia Fripp calls "words that come alive." She wrote: "Nowadays, humor, satire, cynicism, frivolity and vulgarity permeate those four-by-twelve-inch telegrams that travel the asphalt jungle." Herewith, a few samples:

If You Can Read This, I've Lost My Trailer.
The Earth Is Full - Go Home.
I Have the Body of a God - Buddha.
So Many Pedestrians - So Little Time.
Illiterate? Write for Help.
Honk if Anything Falls Off.
I Refuse to Have a Battle of Wits with an Unarmed Person.
You! Out of the Gene Pool - Now!
Stoplights Timed for 35 mph Also Are Timed For 70 mph
How Many Roads Must A Man Travel Down Before He Admits He is Lost?
All Men Are Animals; Some Just Make Better Pets.

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ODDS AND ENDS

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Back Issues:

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A FINAL WORD

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"There are five billion people on Earth, and I should guess that at any given moment one or two billion of us are speaking. And I should further guess that virtually nothing anyone says is memorable.... There are times, however, when someone turns a phrase that seems so clever or so apt or so enlightening or so true, that the statement flies from person to person and gives pleasure at each passage. The statement becomes a quotation."

(Isaac Asimov)

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