In working on our stylebook for our four publications, we had two sticking points, where our staff was evenly divided.

First, the use of Web site or website. AP style is Web site, but some people felt that website fell in better with webcast, webmaster, etc. We use Web site, and some staffers thought we were off AP style in doing that, until this meeting.

It seems that magazines use both styles, and it isn't clear to us what is more accepted (other than strictly relying on AP). What do you use, and why?

Second, the use of spaces before and after em-dashes. We don't use spaces currently, but AP style is to use spaces. Some editors just felt that our style looked more sophisticated. Again, how do other magazines do this?

Thanks!

-Paul

We use Web site, which is in line with the AP Style Guide, but I prefer not to use spaces before and after an em-dash. Like your staff, I think it looks more sophisticated without the spaces.

But it is not about sophistication. It's about the use of symbols to provide meaning and context to the written word.