The Associated Press is taking the book out of stylebook and replacing it with software.
The Associated Press has released new software technology called AP StyleGuard, which acts like spell check for AP style.
AP StyleGuard is a plug-in for Microsoft Word. The program checks documents automatically as the user types, according to the AP Stylebook's website. Equiom Linguistic Labs Inc. offers free software updates that reflect the latest AP Stylebook additions and changes.
UF journalism professor Mike Foley said he will be fascinated to see it.
"I will be really interested in it because I think students will flock to it," he said.
It may be more like a stampede, since Foley said students will be allowed to use the new software in class.
"I will let them use anything they want," Foley said. "I try to keep it as much like a news room as possible. I won't let them use it on tests, but on their papers and everything else, in the lab, sure."
However, he said, other professors may not feel the same way.
Foley said the software could improve students' writing and let them concentrate more on content and gathering information.
But students may want to err on the side of caution before rushing out to purchase the new software.
"The advantage of learning what's in the style book is that you learn to question everything," Foley said. "I think that's a good thing for a journalist. Learn to check everything."
Steve Orlando, journalism professor and UF spokesman, said he thinks it's going to be a handy tool, but it's not supposed to replace your brain.
"Technology has its limits," he said. "That's why I think it's important for human beings to still know AP Style or at least the basics."
AP StyleGuard is currently on limited release to AP Stylebook Online subscribers. It will become available to the general public April 1.
