Dear dear folks,

Not all of us are teckies and mechanics. Could you all from this point on, when using acronyms, at the first instance of it showing, be kind enough to put the full word in brackets and then you can continue with the acronym onward in your posting. Please please please!

For example, WTHIT (what the heck is this)

 

You might find some of the threads below useful.......


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...light=acronyms

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...light=acronyms

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...light=acronyms

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/o...light=acronyms

 

Thank you Jim but with all due respect, common writing etiquette is to elongate the acronym in brackets after the first use of the acronym. It is very irritating when one is trying to maintain the flow of the writer's posting and then you have to abruptly STOP and find out what the heck is that gizmo acronym stand for.

If one can take the time to write paragraph after paragraph of his problem and can't take the time to do a 'one time' elongation of his acronym, then I find it to be discourteous to those who want to truly understand and share in his concern.

I also feel this point should be incorporated in the "Must Read for Newbies to the Forum"

Here's hoping!

 

Vinnyboy, there's no accounting for this I'm afraid and its certainly not worthwhile putting itinto the must read section either IMO.

We don't generally get many issues with acronyms and they can be picked up as one oes along.

Unfortunately not many take the time and trouble to read the forum guidelines or the "must read" as it is in its entirety, so it wouldn't help.

Personally I find that half the fun is finding out WTF that means...lol

 

Chris,

We are probably of the same generation (I'm 63). Written communication in both style and content has changed fundamentally since our youth and the use of acronyms is inevitably on the increase with the rise of international forums like this and of social media.

I usually put the full meaning of an acronym in brackets after the first instance in a post but there is a balance to be drawn here between being informative and being patronising.

With a new member, I make no assumptions of their knowledge of a topic and generally explain acronyms unless their Intro tells me they are a Master Tech. With members who have been here for longer, it is reasonable to assume the regular acronyms are recognised and an explanation is unnecessary.

Many members assume readers understand acronyms or, if they don't will either Google them or ask for an interpretation.

This is the reality of forum communication. Acronyms are an accepted form between those with a common interest such as we have on the forum.

Be thankful we discourage the use of 'text speak'. That would really annoy you!

Graham

 

Boy Graham, you're right thank God texting isn't allowed! Again Ladies and Gentleman, it would be a great courtesy to elongate first time use of acronyms in your postings.

DO IT FOR GRAMPS HUH?!

 

MTCS (Moved to correct section)

 

I hear what you're saying, but there's also the modern day reality that many things come to be known more commonly by their acronym and less frequently by the long form to the point that some don't know what the acronym stands for. A friend with a Ford GT that lives in the NCR told me this, LOL.

It's unlikely that the majority will do much to accommodate the minority as always.

 

Hey Vinnyboy, we're not trying to be difficult honest, its just going to be a non starter unfortunately.

Hopefully, most will give a few explanations of their acronyms, but its probably most likely on the lesser known versions to be fair.

Something like....I did try to answer ASAP but I've been SUWW ( Snowed Under With Work )....LOL

Best

Jim

 

OP (Original Poster), In an effort to be helpful, may I point out that the rules of etiquette to which you refer do not apply in this instance.

IMHO, the forum etiquette is clearly defined in the FAQs. Regarding computer-age acronyms (for instance, those in this post), they are already so common as to be included in my computer's dictionary. To explain them is tantamount to including a definition after a big word. Regarding forum-specific acronyms, that is the jargon of the community. This usage is common to any organization and does not violate the etiquette of technical communication (even if non-technical persons may read it). However, do not hesitate to ask if you are confused at any point.

I post a random image gleaned from the internet to illustrate my point.

...And I really like your sig.

 

I am a techy and an engineer and I have to agree.
Acronyms are the bane of my life and to my mind are a sign of laziness. I will therefore, play my part and NOT use them when on this forum..