vector notation

[Larry Smith <larry.smith@SNOW.EDU>]

Randy Knight's new textbook says on page 9, "Some textbooks represent
vectors with boldface type....  This book will consistently display the
vector arrow over vector symbols, just as you should do in handwritten
work."

The NIST special publication 811 on page 34 says "symbols for vectors are
boldface italic."  http://physics.nist.gov/Document/typefaces.pdf

I always thought the vector arrow over the letter (or the squiggly under
it) was employed in handwritten work precisely because it is hard to do
boldface by hand.  The CRC says "vectors should be printed in bold type, by
preference bold italic (sloping) type... when this is not available,
vectors may be indicated by an arrow...on top of the symbol."

Is Knight letting the tail wag the dog?

How authoritative should the NIST/ISO/IPU publications be considered?

Do you have a clear preference on vector notation (arrow above vs boldface
italic) in your printed material, or don't you care?

Does anyone still use the squiggly under the symbol?

Cheers,
Larry