Typography: Apostrophes or ticks for inches and seconds?

Question

I need some help from the learned people in this group:

I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation marks into curly quotation marks (just like your favorite word processor does). However, I've a question. When abreviating inches a double-quote-like sigil is used. Is it in fact a double-quotation or should I leave it as a double-tick?
If the following comes through, it may make things clearer: a) 23°45'30" b) 23°45'30" Which is correct? I've always assumed (a), but this is for others to use and I'd like some further input before I go ahead.

Cheers!
Rick Measham

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I need some help from the learned people in this group: I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation ... always assumed (a), but this is for others to use and I'd like some further input before I go ahead.[/nq]
Definitely not quotes. "Ticks" would be acceptable, or at least commonly seen, but three sources to hand that I consulted (The Chicago Manual of Style; Scientific Style and Format; and the New Zealand 'Style Book') all use a prime and double-prime.
Tony P

Usenet · Answer

Rick Measham wrote on 31 May 2004:
[nq:1]I need some help from the learned people in this group: I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation marks into curly quotation marks (just like your favorite word processor does).[/nq]
I always disable that feature. I hate curly quotation marks. I prefer double ticks.
[nq:1]However, I've a question. When abreviating inches a double-quote-like sigil is used. Is it in fact a double-quotation or should ... always assumed (a), but this is for others to use and I'd like some further input before I go ahead.[/nq]
They look identical on my newsreader. Tick and double-tick look better to me than those allegedly "smart quotes", however.

Franke: EFL teacher & medical editor.
For email, replace numbers with English alphabet.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I need some help from the learned people in this group: I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation ... but this is for others to use and I'd like some further input before I go ahead. Cheers! Rick Measham[/nq]
Your examples are identical on my screen.
I like real quotation marks to offset quotations and speech you call them curly, do you? But then, I've spent my life in the publishing business, where real ink is put on real paper, so that will have some influence I'm sure.
I don't use " for inches anyway; in. is just the ticket..

Cheers, Sage

Usenet · Answer

Rick Measham infrared:
[nq:1]I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation marks into curly quotation marks (just like your favorite word processor does).[/nq]
My favourite word processor would be one that assumed that what I typed was what I had intended to type.
It's becoming harder and harder to find a word processor that does not drive me into a rage. Why do all the WP-authors feel compelled to imitate one of the crappiest pieces of software ever written?

Peter Moylan peter at ee dot newcastle dot edu dot au http://eepjm.newcastle.edu.au (OS/2 and eCS information and software)

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Rick Measham wrote on 31 May 2004:[/nq]
[nq:2]I need some help from the learned people in this ... curly quotation marks (just like your favorite word processor does).[/nq]
[nq:1]I always disable that feature. I hate curly quotation marks.[/nq]
You must really hate reading books, magazines and newspapers then

Alan Crozier
Lund
Sweden

Usenet · Answer

Alan Crozier wrote on 31 May 2004:
[nq:2]Rick Measham wrote on 31 May 2004: I always disable that feature. I hate curly quotation marks.[/nq]
[nq:1]You must really hate reading books, magazines and newspapers then[/nq]
I don't notice them when I cannot change them. Just like the weather. My wife is always ******** about how hot or cold it is and asks me why I don't turn the airconditioner on or wear more clothing. I keep telling her that as long as I don't think about these things that I cannot change, they don't bother me.
If the content is interesting, I'm usually willing to put up with the typography, especially if the typography is done well which means to me that it is unobtrusive.

Franke: EFL teacher & medical editor.
For email, replace numbers with English alphabet.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Alan Crozier wrote on 31 May 2004:[/nq]
[nq:2]You must really hate reading books, magazines and newspapers then[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't notice them when I cannot change them. Just like the weather. My wife is always ******** about how ... up with the typography, especially if the typography is done well which means to me that it is unobtrusive.[/nq]
And well-done typography means curly quotation marks (inverted commas). Has done for centuries (except for a period when we were lumbered with typewriters).

Alan Crozier
Lund
Sweden

Usenet · Answer

Alan Crozier wrote on 01 Jun 2004:
[nq:1]And well-done typography means curly quotation marks (inverted commas). Has done for centuries (except for a period when we were lumbered with typewriters).[/nq]
Have it any way you like it. I am not interested in typography, so I will leave those kinds of judgments to the people who are certain that they know what they're talking about, even if their definitions are rigid and circular.
About 20 years ago, one of my friends sat down at his IBM Selectric and typed non-stop a 2500-word essay about typography for the editors at the U of Illinois Press, who were about to publish his first book. They wanted to do it in a modern type face without serifs, and he wanted it done in a more traditional typeface with serifs. His ideas and arguments were powerful; the issue mattered a great deal to him. He convinced the Press to do it his way.
I would not have bothered.

Franke: EFL teacher & medical editor.
For email, replace numbers with English alphabet.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Rick Measham infrared:[/nq]
[nq:2]I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation marks into curly quotation marks (just like your favorite word processor does).[/nq]
[nq:1]My favourite word processor would be one that assumed that what I typed was what I had intended to type. ... a rage. Why do all the WP-authors feel compelled to imitate one of the crappiest pieces of software ever written?[/nq]
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Mike.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I need some help from the learned people in this group: I'm writing a software code library for converting quotation ... always assumed (a), but this is for others to use and I'd like some further input before I go ahead.[/nq]
Yes, the first is correct, the second is wrong.
I'd encourage you to consult standard books
on typography and typesetting before undertaking
a project like this. One such resource is titled
"Words into Print".
Also, have a look at "Character entity references for ISO 8859-1 characters" here http://tinyurl.com/39pgu

Michael West
Melbourne, Australia

Typography: Apostrophes or ticks for inches and seconds?

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