Grammar question - need copy editing help!

[watersnowdirt]

I've googled the hell out of this, and still can't get a straight answer.

I'm finalizing a piece that includes bios of several community members for a fundraiser. They are referenced often for their work on organizational boards.

When do I capitalize "Boards"? or is it always "boards"? I have figure out that if I say "he sits on several Bay Area boards" that's it not caps, but if I say "He served as the President of the Board of the Sierra Club..." is that caps or not?

Argh. I'm confused! Any help is hugely ...helpful.

[Woodsy]

a board is not capitalized
The Board ( specific like you quoted) is
IMHO

[The AD]

My guess, without knowing squat , is you only capitalize it when you are referring to a specific board, but not boards in general.

[13]

Honestly, I don't think it matters too much as long as you're consistent throughout.

If it was me, I'd capitalize.

[lemon boy]

Yep, when used as part of a proper name then yes.

Liken it to state.

There are many states but the best State is Alabama. It truely is a great State.

[Viva]

Yeah, if it's a part of a title, then capitalize, but if you're just refering to them (boards) in general, then don't.

[irul&ublo]

Hey...I'd like to sit on some Bay Area broads.

[Sorry, can't help being a dick]Oh, and Lemon Boy...nice advice. You missed a comma after "states" and before "but", and spelled "truely" wrong.[/sorry]

[bad_roo]

small b

fo sho

[lemon boy]

Irul- Verily did I misspell truely.

There is no comma required before "but" (or before an "and" or an "or" for that matter).

Beav-

The test for a state is if it is a specific state (State of Alabama) or the reader would know the state referred to, then it is capitalized because it referrs to a specific one.

[lemon boy]

Probably so. Perhaps an example showing the three general usages?

the US has 50 states

I went to Alabama 10 years ago, it is a great State

the State of Alabama is located in the old Confederacy

John serves on several boards in the Bay Area including the Board of Retarded Cripples and the Board of Evangelical Anglicans. The Board of Anglicans is often busy trying to convert the Methodists to save them from their wicked ways, many good deeds have been accomplished through the Board.

[watersnowdirt]

Ok - this is good.

So, here's the check list, let me know if this all good:

He serves on the Board of Directors for Working Assets.
His service on non-profit boards includes: X, Y, & Z.

He currently serves as board chair of the Social Venture Network.
He volunteers on the board of the Berkeley Community Fund.

She is President of the Board of the Berkeley Community Fund, a founding board member of the Berkeley Rep, and a past president of the Hunger Awareness project."

I'm still sort of confused by the references to specific boards, and titles....

thanks - I knew I'd get good answers mixed in with some hilarity here...

[lemon boy]

Originally posted by watersnowdirt
Ok - this is good.

So, here's the check list, let me know if this all good:

He serves on the Board of Directors for Working Assets.
His service on non-profit boards includes: X, Y, & Z.

He currently serves as Board Chair of the Social Venture Network.
He volunteers on the Board of the Berkeley Community Fund.

She is President of the Board of the Berkeley Community Fund, a founding Board Member of the Berkeley Rep, and a past President of the Hunger Awareness Project."

I'm still sort of confused by the references to specific boards, and titles....

thanks - I knew I'd get good answers mixed in with some hilarity here...

Proper names and titles get capitalized.

[bad_roo]

here we go...

[The AD]

Originally posted by watersnowdirt
I'm still sort of confused by the references to specific boards, and titles....

Yes, I think you are because I disagree with some of your capitalizations. Just ask the same question each time: are you referring to a specific board? If so, capitalize.

[Viva]

He serves on the Board of Directors for Working Assets.
His service on non-profit boards includes: X, Y, & Z.

He currently serves as Board Chair of the Social Venture Network.
He volunteers on the Board of the Berkeley Community Fund.

She is President of the Board of the Berkeley Community Fund, a founding board member of the Berkeley Rep, and a Past president of the Hunger Awareness project."


Note- corrections not made in red.

[lemon boy]

Past president?

eeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

past President

[Viva]

Originally posted by lemon boy
Past president?

Yes