Date:  Wed, 14 Jun 1995 08:55:04 -0800

From:  Michael Elkins <MELKINS[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]ADVOCATE.COM>

Subject: Re: new phrase



Usage of "email" as opposed to "E-mail" or "e-mail" evolves from the

idea that the Internet is a place for sending transmissions as quickly

as possible. Hardcore Net users do not worry about capitalization,

typos, etc., as long as their ideas get across.



I've seen "e-mail" and "E-mail" used almost equally in print. I prefer

the Webster's Tenth choice of "E-mail." The cap is consistent with the

majority of words formed this way.



I've never found any real consistency, though, in the formation of this

type of word. For example, according to Webster's, there's U-turn,

A-frame, and T-shirt, but then you find V neck, T square, and I beam.

Each gets its name from the letter whose shape is envisioned in the

object, so why such inconsistency? Others include: C ration, K ration,

D day, U-boat, H-bomb, and A-bomb.