State abbreviations

Bill Walsh is the second copy editor that I am following to gather data for my editing report. Walsh is a copy editor as well as a member of ACES, (American Copy Editors Society). On February 23, 2009 he posted on his blog, "Blogslot" reasons why "old-fashioned newspaper people" continue to use the old abbreviations for states. Walsh said from time to time the question arises as to why reporters use abbreviations like Calif., Fla., and Mich. instead of using the "modern, streamlined, newfangled state abbreviations" that the US Postal Service has provided; CA., FL, and MI. His answer is short and to the point: "Clarity is Job One." Journalistic writing should be clear.