37, first used a typewriter, only have used one space as long as I can remember.

I did. I think we're interpreting it differently. See, I know these are two different things:...but they sure do look the same. And to someone who isn't pedantic (OMG, I'm not as pedantic as someone else?!? Someone mark the calendar), three dots (or periods) will do.

Here's the important thing: on a typewriter, that's how you make an ellipsis, you hit the period -- or 'dot' -- key three times. I think this harkens back to Jewels' point in his first post. I come from the typewriter era, therefore my habits reflect that, and to him, he can tell my age by the fact that I do this.

Also, there is no ASCII character for ellipsis, and I tend to stay away from non-ASCII characters. As a graphics artist, I can see how you would feel more comfortable doing so, but I think it's asking too much to ask everyone else -- especially outside your field -- to do so.If one equates dots with periods, good enough for me. See, they even use the word periods in this one. The three is implied (it was specified earlier).

I think we are arguing two different arguments. The article does say, in no uncertain terms (see above quote which you so conveniently extracted), that an ellipsis can be represented by three periods -- the words 'three' and 'periods' are used in separate sentences, but they are both used and do not contradict each other.

I do, however, agree, that conceptually they are two different things.

I disagree, however, that people need to use an actual ellipsis character. That's just pedantic of you. This isn't typography, it's just an online forum.

PS I thought you had me on 'ignore'?

i always use three periods. sorry fu.

Goddammit, Jewels. You're one of them. You know them. They are the unevolved virgin mouthbreathers that gets shit like "irregardless" in the dictionary and tells people it's illegal to drive barefoot.

Except I like you.

do you really use the alt sequence instead of typing 3 periods when you're posting?

i mean, word processing apps will change it for you, but for anything less important, i'ma not gonna bother.

Honestly, most of the time I do, but that's out of habit. I make no exceptions for work, so it's easier to just say "on" all the time.

Damn, son. I'm a three "." user--it's the only suitably key on the ol' QWERTY. I'm also a two "-" user--for the same reason.

I always put two spaces after a period.

One. Space. Fucks. Suck. My. Cock.

According to grammar/writing rules, two spaces are to be inserted after a period before the start of the next sentence. (See, e.g. Gregg Reference Manual, para. 101.)

IMO, laziness causes using only one space.

As for dots you're supposed to use three within a sentance...and four at the end of a sentance....

my dad (53 years old) types in all caps and puts two spaces between words. his handwriting looks about the same. i don't even bother trying to correct him anymore.

have you read this thread at all?
your point has been proven wrong three or four times.

it's not a gramatical rule, it's a typewriter rule.

Yeah, I write a lot of business letters for my co. and they'll call me out if there aren't 2 spaces after each period. It's stupid, but formalities are formalities.

call them antiquated misinformed old farts.
i'm sure they'd appreciate it.

It's definitely not a typewriter rule. If it's not a grammar rule, then it's a "usage" rule. I even offered a citation for the rule, which is a business writing manual. It's part of the first rule in the book.

...or...

I believe the rule applies to manuscript as well. I leave a greater space between the period and the first word of the following sentence than I leave between two words within a sentence. It's not just a "typewriter" rule.

Yes, plus a period to end the sentence.

I use two spaces and am so anal about it that if I'm checking someone else's documents and they only use one I add an extra space after every single period. 28 years old. Other than the two-space rule, I'm horrible at grammar.

No (see the Wikipedia article, about half-way down, just before 'Ellipsis in Japanese').

i'm the opposite.

web writing style requires only one space after periods. to gappy otherwise.

Alright, I'll take your word for it, but what I said is the rule in legal writing (and a space between each dot in ellipses). Thus, an ellipses is always three dots, and a period always ends a sentence, which makes sense to me.

Holy shit, y'all do everything backwards! No-one I know does this.

BTW, 'ellipses' is plural of 'ellipsis'. So, it's 'an ellipsis'.

24 years old

as a child
i was taught two spaces

then as a graphic design student
i was taught one space after a period

two spaces qualified as a mistake
that you actually lost points for

but i don't really
follow either rule

periods are for
...
bigger pauses

not ending a thought