Monday, December 28, 2015

[New Post] Grammar Hammer: Happy New Year, New Year’s, or New Years?

 

Blogs

Grammar Hammer: Happy New Year, New Year’s, or New Years?

Catherine Spicer

Happy New Year or New Years

For my final Grammar Hammer of 2015, I tackle where to place the apostrophe when writing about the transition from 2015 to 2016:

Dear Grammar Hammer,

Each December, I get really confused. When I talk to my friends about that celebration on December 31, do I ask what they're doing for New Years? Or is it New Year's?

Signed, Stymied in Times Square

Dear Stymied,

Here are my quick tips for minding the Ps, Qs, and apostrophes of your holiday celebrations.

When you make your rounds on December 31, you are celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. The parties on December 31 are celebrating New Year's Eve. Because it’s the eve of the new year, you should include an apostrophe-S at the end of the word "year" to show possession.

When you ask your friends, "What are you doing for New Year's?" remember that the colloquial New Year's is a shorter version of New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, so it should include the apostrophe.

On January 1, you are celebrating New Year's Day (the first day of the new year). However, when you show up for brunch on January 1, drop the possessive, wish your hosts “Happy New Year,” and enjoy the festivities.

buyer content strategy checklist

Of course, if you want to avoid apostrophes altogether, you could take your festivities in a different direction and celebrate Hogmanay.

The Scottish version of New Year's Eve has Viking roots and includes the fun tradition of who will have the "first footing" (the first person to enter the house after midnight). This person will bring gifts such as food or coal for the stove.

First-footing is said to affect a household's fortunes for the coming year, so link arms with your guests and belt out Auld Lang Syne (whiskey toasts optional).

The key part of Hogmanay is to welcome friends and strangers with warm hospitality to wish everyone a “Guid New Year.” The belief is to clear out the clutter of the old year, make a fresh start, and welcome in the new year on a happy note.

However you choose to celebrate the transition between December 31 and January 1, put your punctuation fears to rest and enjoy.

I look forward to answering your grammar questions in 2016 and recommend checking out our Buyer 2.0 Content Strategy Checklist for more tips that will help prepare your content in the new year!

Author Catherine Spicer is a manager of customer content services with more than 20 years' experience counseling brands on their content. She also authors Beyond PR's long-running Grammar Hammer series. Follow Cathy on Twitter @cathyspicer and tweet her your #grammargripes.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

[New Post] What Is On Your 2016 Wish List?

 

Blogs

What Is On Your 2016 Wish List?

Victoria Harres

Blog_Wishes_2016

I've been spending a lot of time recently going through year-end staff evaluations. And as I dig through my team's reports, I'm reminded of how much we accomplished in 2015 and the new responsibilities we tackled.

As PR and marketing have evolved, so has our team here at PR Newswire. We're more digital and multi-talented. Things like social media and SEO strategy have become a part of everyone's job, not just the concern of a sole person.

ICYMI: Check out the results of our #PRisNow survey to read more about public relations practitioners’ changing role.

Of course, we've also done a lot of things that don't necessarily show up in those weekly reports. We've had babies, traveled the globe, given to local food pantries, volunteered with more non-profits than I can list, and helped each other succeed every day of 2015.

Thus it was that during a recent communications team meeting, we started talking about what we wish to accomplish in the new year.

Our discussion began around work topics, but quickly evolved – in both scope and size. We asked our colleagues across PR Newswire what was on their 2016 wish list, and have decided to highlight their answers below.

I hope these wishes encourage you to not just stop and think about what is important to you, but also share what’s on your #2016wishlist.

In the comments section below, tell us what you wish to accomplish in 2016 — whether it's work-inspired, family-inspired, or globally-inspired.

Prefer to share your reply on social media? Post your answer with the hashtag #2016wishlist and be sure to tag @PRNewswire on TwitterInstagramFacebook or LinkedIn. Answers in an image or video format are also welcome.

We'll collect your replies over the next few weeks and then select some of them to feature in January.

blog_OurWishes

I wish to spend more time actively enjoying nature and less time staring at screens.
Laurie Smith, CNW VP, Strategic Communications, Media and Audience Relations

I wish to become the best (new) mom I can be and to raise a happy, healthy son in 2016.
Chelsea Kiko, Events & Digital Coordinator

I wish to pick up another language and volunteer for a non-profit organization dealing with migrant workers.
Janice Tan, Audience Development Executive, PRN Asia

I wish to buy my first home in 2016.
Jamie Heckler, Senior Creative Manager

I wish for increased maternal health awareness throughout the US in 2016.
Ryan Hansen, Social Media Manager

I wish to become a mentor and help someone take the next step in their professional development – just as my mentors have helped me.
Amanda Hicken, Senior Manager, Strategic Content

I wish to continue embracing a healthier lifestyle for my mind, body and soul.
Melissa Meyer, CNW Communications Assistant

I wish to meet all of PR Newswire's marketing team in person in 2016.
Danielle Capriato, Strategic Communications Manager

I wish to spend more time exploring more parts of the world.
Eva Rohrmann, Director, Solutions & Customer Lifecycle Marketing

I wish to continue working to have a better work life balance (setting manageable goals = better stress management).
Joy Watkins, Senior Client Services Coordinator

I wish to give back by doing more charity work in my community.
Adrian Caulcutt, Solutions Marketing Manager – Platform Products

I wish to design and launch a multichannel content program that drives awareness and engagement with our brand. And I wish for world peace.
Annemaria Nicholson, Marketing Manager, Solutions & Customer Lifecycle

I wish to have more memory-building moments with my kids.
Joseph Murphy, Senior Customer Content Specialist

I wish to impact people’s lives in a tangible way. I want to make some impact in the world that will make it better for generations to come.
Rex Barkdoll, Implementer, Website Engagement

I wish to finally get my webcomic Exiern published in trade paperback.
Scott Hicken, Product Manager

I wish to sponsor one poor child in India and help him/her with their education and medical needs.
Asmita Singh, VP, Digital Experience & Marketing Optimization

I wish for a year full of moments and memories with family and friends, and to bring some mindfulness to my work life, to seek more balance in what has to be done with the passions I want to pursue.
Catherine Spicer, Customer Content Services Manager

I wish to complete some of my “bucket list” items, including travelling more within the US.
Danielle Ferris, Marketing Coordinator

As for me, one of the things at the top of my #2016wishlist is to make a significant difference in one new person's life.

Happy New Year, my friends, and please do share your wishes with us. We are looking forward to reading them!

Victoria Harres is vice president, strategic communications and content at PR Newswire. She was the original twitterer on @PRNewswire and continues as part of that team. If she's not at her desk, you'll find her in the garden.

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