Proper CIDR Notation

I architect storage labs for our training organization at work, and when referencing general networks, I tend to use CIDR Notation.

Recently, I stated that the lab's private network is on the 192.168.1/24 subnet. In review, a colleague states that this is improper, and it should read 192.168.1.0/24.

Personally, I find the 0 octet redundant, inefficient and pointless. I can find several references to my preferred reference (dropping blank octets) in Linux and BSD configuration files, but nothing authoritative.

Can anyone provide an authoritative reference about what the proper CIDR notation? Yes, I've googled, but perhaps I mis-googled.

Any help/input would be appreciated.

Thanks! StorageFreak Dave