Ask Dr. Ink

Dear Readers:

Dr. Ink has been asked to hold forth on the issue of "courtesy titles."

One newspaper editor expresses disdain for such titles, using them only on second reference in obits, "out of respect." Apparently, you get respect from this paper only after your croak.

The use of courtesy titles may be as old as reportage itself. Dr. Ink found this passage in an account of the 1581 arrest and execution of Catholic priest Edmund Campion:

"The said Master Wiseman came with very good speed unto us the same evening, with ten or twelve of his own men, very able men and well appointed: but the said Master Foster could not be found, as the messenger that went for him returned us answer."

Dr. Ink very much likes the use of "said" before the courtesy title. It adds a little je ne sais quoi. As in: "the said Master Mitchell will edit this column." Or: "the said Mistress Palser will laugh when she reads this."

Lest we dismiss the use of honorifics as old fashioned and pretentious, consider the fun we'd miss. Dr. Ink knows that it's too good to be true, but revels in the faint hope that The New York Times really did refer to punk rocker Sid Vicious as Mr. Vicious, and the melodic Meat Loaf as Mr. Loaf.

We also have failed to notice whether notorious villains get the honor. Can there possibly be a Mr. Bin Laden? A Mr. Stalin?

If the Doctor ruled the world of journalism, this would be his "decree": Ask the source how he or she would like to be referred to on second reference. Miss or Ms. or a simple last name should be a choice not a requirement. Older or more traditional women might prefer Mrs. Exotic titles such as "Captain" for anyone who owns a boat, can be politely ignored. Villains get no courtesy titles, and may even earn an epithet.

For the record: Dr. Ink would like to be referred to, in print, as "Dr. Ink."