Parenthesis vs commas

[SJHillman]

I've realized that a lot of my articles include sections in parenthesis, usually containing a brief definition or additional information. I've never had an article rejected for this, but I was wondering if it's correct. I realize it's not formal-English-correct, but web articles (which is the goal here) are fairly informal.

Example: Maxtor (which is now owned by Seagate) was founded in 1982.
Alternative: Maxtor, which is now owned by Seagate, was founded in 1982.

Example: Dalmations (a type of dog) are white and covered in spots.
Alternative: Dalmations, a type of dog, are white and covered in spots.

[jak]

In your second example, the second sentence is incorrect because 'dalmations' is plural and 'a type of dog' is singular. But I think the use of parenthesis depends on the author's style and it's ok to use either brackets or commas. Sometimes I use dashes. It depends on the emphasis needed, I think. But I wouldn't use parenthesis or dashes too often, just occasionally. That's my take on it.

[Judith]

I know this wasn't the point of the post, but the name of the dog is spelled "dalmatian." It's a very common error.

[SJHillman]

I know this wasn't the point of the post, but the name of the dog is spelled "dalmatian." It's a very common error.

You're quite right... the funny thing is I ran spellcheck on it because it didn't look right but spellcheck insisted it was fine. One more anecdote in the big book of reasons not to trust technology to do your work for you.

[csjwilkinson]

You're quite right... the funny thing is I ran spellcheck on it because it didn't look right but spellcheck insisted it was fine. One more anecdote in the big book of reasons not to trust technology to do your work for you.

So true.

By the way I personally don't use brackets because they look messy. That may only be because of my OCD however.

[Celeste Stewart]

Noah Lukeman's book, A Dash of Style, comes to mind. He said something along the lines of parenthesis being more like a whisper than commas. When deciding between which of the two to use, commas or parentheses, I often think of this and imagine whether or not I want the aside to come across as additional information or a whisper in someone's ear.

My cousin, who eats too much chocolate, has a hard time losing weight.
My cousin (who eats too much chocolate) has a hard time losing weight.

[jak]

[quote="Celeste Stewart"]Noah Lukeman's book, A Dash of Style, comes to mind. He said something along the lines of parenthesis being more like a whisper than commas. When deciding between which of the two to use, commas or parentheses, I often think of this and imagine whether or not I want the aside to come across as additional information or a whisper in someone's ear. [/quote]

That's a lovely analogy, Celeste. And very helpful too.