This from the NYT (writing) guy:

Where’s the Comma?

Many readers complain about what they view as a missing comma in a sentence like this: He bought apples, pears and bananas.

Style guides for book and academic publishing generally would insist on another comma after “pears,” the so-called serial comma. But news writing has traditionally omitted the serial comma — perhaps seeking a more rapid feeling in the prose, or perhaps to save time and effort in the old days of manual typesetting.

We do use the additional comma in cases where a sentence would be awkward or confusing without it: Choices for breakfast included oatmeal, muffins, and bacon and eggs.



I have a great writing group friend. She puts the commas in. I take them out. Who knew a comma could generate so much heat?