authority for prescriptions

[RonButters at AOL.COM]

Students are sloppy about all manner of things. I don't think that any of my
students do not know the difference between one name and two, they just don't
proof-read.

In a message dated 2/25/04 5:20:17 PM, flanigan at OHIOU.EDU writes:

<< I do agree that this is a problem we constantly have to work with students
(even grad students) on.  They cite the first author, and sometimes any
randomly picked author from a multiple set, as if that's enough.  They also
often use the singular verb, and they regularly cite only one part of a
hyphenated name (even supposedly savvy American students do this!).  I'm a
prescriptivist on these rules too, simply because it's disrespectful of
multiple authors, their collaborative contributions, and their right to
make their own name order decisions.  Of course, students don't know any
better unless someone tells them; but this should have been done long
before they get to us.  And if journals and reviewers violate the rules,
shame on them. >>