Indexes - a bit off topic

[eric.dunn at ca.transport.bombardier.com]

ASI may have an official document out supporting indexes and 
differentiating between indexes and indices, but with all due respect, 
there is nothing wrong with using "indices" in any context. I have seen no 
dictionary or language authority that makes a differentiation in 
definition between the spellings. Secondly playing the grammarian on an 
e-mail list is usually bad netiquette. It's particularly fraught with 
danger when the audience of the list is international. The opinions of the 
ASI may carry little to no weight with the British, Canadian , or other 
equivalent national bodies. Just as the "preferred" spelling in 
dictionaries is more dependant on the nationality/locale of the publisher 
than it is of "correct" usage. Further more, their power over the 
individual is non-existent. As their opinions carry no weight out side 
their own organisations, no matter how they may pretend otherwise.

I won't argue the pluses or minuses of "-exes" or "-ices". Only that I use 
"-ices" and try to spell consistently using "-our" and not simply "-or" 
except when writing for an American audience. When reading, I will flinch 
at neither. As long as the document is consistent in its usage. Just as 
the thread was progressing happily with both accepted and valid spellings 
without complaint.

I also endeavour to teach my children to use kid, calf, gosling, chick, et 
al instead of baby ____. Same goes for murder, gaggle, and flock. Even if 
one day these usages/terms all fall from "preferred" dictionary status.

Let's go back to discussing FrameMaker please...

Eric L. Dunn
Senior Technical Writer

ppresley at sbcglobal.net wrote on 09/27/2006 10:07:41 AM:

> As a member of the American Society of Indexers (ASI),
> I have to put in a plug for the word "indexes." 
> 
> This is the preferred spelling in most dictionaries
> for the lists of terms with locators that are found,
> ususally, in the backs of books. ASI also promotes the
> use of "indexes" as the plural of "index."
> 
> Likewise for appendix/appendixes. 
> 
> "Indices" is used by financial and meteorlogical
> folks. I don't remember who uses "appendices" except
> my colleagues who are thoroughly familiar with church
> Latin.



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