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Media release: 2 February 2006
Punctuation gives a whole new meaning to winning
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) has announced that Dr Maureen McIver, reader in applied mathematics at Loughborough University, has won the nationwide challenge to write a 'thank-you' letter with a difference. In association with the BBC News online magazine, the SfEP asked readers to compose a Christmas present thank-you letter, then to change its meaning by altering the punctuation. Dr McIver's winning entry read:
Happy New Year Richard, my dearest husband.
And I would like to thank you for the beautiful painting. It is so unusual! For a man to buy such a thoughtful gift while on a working trip – what can I say?
I went to the Christmas sales with Kathy, and we also went to the pantomime with Barbara. At college it is quiet, with many staff away skiing. There is a lot to do before your return.
I recommend that you try and see the new release of that film from Russia.
With love,
Natasha
Happy New Year Richard,
My dearest husband and I would like to thank you for the beautiful painting. It is so unusual for a man to buy such a thoughtful gift.
While on a working trip (what can I say?!) I went to the Christmas sales with Kathy and we also went to the pantomime! With Barbara at college, it is quiet. With many staff away skiing, there is a lot to do.
Before you return, I recommend that you try and see the new release of that film From Russia with love.
Natasha
Dr McIver's entry was one of over 200 sent to the BBC site between Christmas and mid-January – making judging a formidable task.
PR director Sara Hulse
(left) with SfEP/BBC competition
winner Dr Maureen McIver
Penny Williams, chair of the SfEP, said: 'There was an excellent response to the competition and it was difficult to pick a winner. From a shortlist of 13, this one stood out. It's short, clever and well constructed, and both versions sound good when read aloud.'
Dr McIver spotted the competition and decided to have a go. 'It was not as easy as I thought and took the best part of a day to compose. I have always believed that we should use language effectively, and I stress this to my students, especially when they need to explain mathematical concepts. It has been interesting to learn more about the work of the Society, including their role in proofreading technical mathematical texts.'
Maureen wins a copy of the Oxford Dictionary of English, published by Oxford University Press. Angus Stevenson of OUP was delighted to get involved: 'What a great way to show the power of punctuation. Our language needs certain rules to bring meaning to sentences – otherwise you can see what happens! We hope Maureen and all the entrants continue to experiment and enjoy using the English language in colourful and creative ways.'
Maureen was presented with her prize by Sara Hulse, PR director of the SfEP, and Louise Third of Integra Communications on 24 February 2006 at Loughborough University.
