THCD and the use of initials and acronyms

[Friday]

I worked over 30 years with the US Federal Government, one thing I learned was the ease of use and the curse of initials and acronyms. I could talk for 15 minutes ( I timed it once) using nothing but initials and acronyms to describe what I was working on. For at least 90% of the people I talked to, even co-workers, I no idea what I was saying.

I am noticing the frequent used of initials and acronyms in many of the posts. I also notice that very seldom are these initials and acronyms explained. In my humble opinion this is a disservice to visitors, new members, old members that are casual users and even frequent long term members who have not visited this forum area lately. Would it be too much to ask that when using initials and acronyms that they be explained the first time they are used.

In the Government writing course I developed and taught the rule of thumb was, explain initials and acronyms the first time used and at least every three pages.

[Father Bill]

This is something I've said more than once on this forum. The answer frequently given (that they can be found here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...q#faq_faq_abbr ) doesn't cut it. Why should I or anyone else have to look up what you're talking about over and over? I'm getting to know a lot of them, but for pity's sake - I've been a highly active member for seven years, and I still don't recognize them. What does that say for newbies or occasionals?

A particular request of my American cousins to the south of our border: we have no idea what your two-letter state identifications mean, and it's offensive to have to figure them out. You may know, but it's a private club of those who know them, on an international forum that doesn't. Please take the moment to type out the name.

Same goes for most of our acronyms. Let's not write gobbledygook.

[tokareva]

Ok, I have edited my profile to include the state name instead of abbreviation, you will have to find the location on the map yourself however.

[Jumpmonkey]

LOL (Laugh out loud) I do love Father Bill's pointing to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to so solve our OUOAP (Over-Use Of Acronyms Problem).

Sometimes, in our own over-familiarity of obscure terminology, we forget that our communications may remain obscure to others, when we employ that terminology.

[Friday]

The answer frequently given (that they can be found here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...q#faq_faq_abbr ) doesn't cut it.

Yes, the initials and acronyms in the FAQ, but, you have to know were to look to find them. It is like if I do not know how to spell a word how do I look it up in a dictionary? Visitors and new members may know know of or think of the FAQ when they have a problem understanding.

Father Bill do not forget that those of us south of the border and across the pond do not know the abbreviation for counties, providencies, etc. around the world. It would not surprise me if many of our dear students in school could identify state based on their postal abbreviations.

[Father Bill]

Ok, I have edited my profile to include the state name instead of abbreviation, you will have to find the location on the map yourself however.

Much appreciated!

[tundramanq]

I have seen the same acronym used to mean two or more things depending on subject or technical field. It helps a lot to be specific and spell it out.

And yes Father Bill, I had to check my profile also. It's OK, but not in OK.

[Tobinn]

I can't help but laugh. I currently work in local government (city planner) and my coworkers and I constantly speak in acronyms. We are self-aware about it though and have contests to see who can craft the longest meaningful sentence with acronyms.

"We thought the applicant would have to apply just for an FLS but when he introduced a TOS and an HDA we had to bump him up to an FLD so he'll need to go to the DRC, then the CDB for the FLD and TOS but CC1 and CC2 for the HDA. He'll probably need to include a CLP and, down the road a CSP. Once he gets a DVA from the CC and a DO from the CDB he can apply for his BCP but the first thing he ought to do is sign up for a BPRC meeting. I am concerned about his ISR and FAR but he'll just need to design that out."

Translation available upon request.

[KMCMICHAEL]

It is standard to give the full name first in the narrative with the the acronym immediately following in parentheses. After that, the acronym can be used.

[Father Bill]

Translation available upon request.

Horrors! No; please no!