The hubbub over recent changes in the AP stylebook reminded me of when I was  in graduate school interviewing editors and copy editors. One copy editor told me that editors are “protectors of the English language.” Poignant words and only partially true.

As in life, rules don’t always apply. Unless it’s an absolutely egregious error, there’s always room for interpretation. Hence, most publications have a house style and very often use their house style in conjunction with a style book. And, more often than not, these guides don’t always agree. Hence, the serial comma debate.

Language is a living thing. It needs some rules, but it’s not something that really needs to be protected. Languages like people evolve over time and adapt to their environment.

And, that’s not a bad thing.