Webster's New WorldDictionary of

Media and377 propaganda

below thefront center of the stage, facing the performers.During rehearsals, the stage manager oftenworks at a prompt desk or prompt table on theside of the stage, left (U.S.) or right (U.K.), calledthe prompt side (PS), prompt wing, or promptcorner. 2 a device to enable speakers and per-formers to read a script while looking at the au-dience or at the camera In video prompters,the prompter copy is typed on ordinary 8Vz" x11" sheets of paper that are taped to becomecontinuous rolls, or is typed on rolls of papercalled computer video prompters. In profession-al prompter systems, the prompter copy then isscanned by a vidicon camera and transmitted toone or more prompter/monitor readouts thatare mounted on or off a TV camera. Theprompter script can be superimposed over thetaking lens of the TV camera so that it is visibleto the speaker but not transmitted to the homeviewer. The first video prompters were made bythe Teleprompter Corporation, a New Yorkcompany that now is defunct. Its TelePrompTerno longer is made. A commonly used TVprompter is the Videoprompter, made by Q-TVInc., of New York.

pron. PRONUNCIATIONpronouncer [broadcasting] the phonetic spell-ing of a word, particularly important in helpingannouncers pronounce foreign names (see PHO-NEME)

pronunciation the act or manner of speakingwords, especially with reference to the produc-tion of sounds and the placing of syllable stress,intonation (voice modulation), and other factorsThe term more specifically refers to the correct,or conventional, pronunciation of words. Notethe spelling; the word is not pronounciation.

proof (prf.) an inked impression of material tobe printed, made before printing to check accu-racy and quality The process of taking the trialimpression is called pulling the proof. Proofssometimes are produced on a special, hand-op-erated press, or proof press. Individuals whoread the proof and compare it with the originalcopy are called proofreaders.

Common proofreaders' abbreviations includebf (boldface], cap (capitalize], ital (italic], Ic(lowercase], If (lightface], rom (roman], run in(no paragraph], sc (small capitals or see copy],sp (spell out], stet (let it stand], tr (transpose],and wf (wrong font]. The marks made on thetype proof to provide instructions for correc-tions are proofreaders' marks. Common proof-readers' marks include:align IIapostrophe tybroken type Xcapitalize C or

orcenter 3 C-close up spacecomma ̂deletedown (move down)equalize spaceindent, move right 3 Winsert ^ or Vitalic /'W-lowercase Ac-paragraph *flparentheses (/"^period 0push space down U-**=-small capitals ̂ c orspace #straighten Hup (move up) nProofs are designated by their form: a galley

proof is a long sheet of copy; on a page proof,the copy is separated into the pages of the bookor other publication. Proofs are also designatedby their destination or purpose (artist's proof,author's proof, book club proof, engraver'sproof, foundry proof, plate proof, or reproduc-tion proof]. In offset printing, proofs are contactsheets made by the DIAZO process from photo-graphic film, such as a whiteprint (a positiveprint from a positive film), blueline (blue color),vandyke, or brownline (brown color).

proof of delivery (POD) a document that ac-companies a shipment and is signed by the indi-vidual to whom the deliverer gives the package

proof of purchase (PROP) evidence, such as areceipt, box top, or label, that a consumer haspurchased an item A PROP may be sent to amanufacturer (or to a mailing house) to obtain arebate or a premium.

proof print a copy of 'an illustration,- also calledproof impression It differs from a proof sheet,which is a copy of text.

prop a show-business term referring to objects,or PROPERTY, and other paraphernalia used dur-ing a performance A hand prop or personalprop is an item worn or used by a performer. Aset prop is furniture or other items on the stage,excluding scenery.

PROP proof of purchasepropaganda^communications — including writ-ten works;"speecries, and other forms— intended,to jnfluence public opinion From its earliestuse, Tn~tEel9tli century, the word has had a_ne-farious connotation, particularly when the'source of the propaganda is not disclosed. Theword suggests, as well, the _use of distortionsand manipulations rather than the dissemination of facts.