Initial Impressions

[Father Bill]

Often I see folks here use acronyms. Unfortunately, that may exclude those unfamiliar with them from the conversation or at least, from parts of it. I've said this before, but perhaps it's time for a gentle reminder.

No, I don't know the postal codes for each American State, and this is, after all, an international forum, not an American one, so why should I? I don't know all of the traditional British acronyms for regiments or ranks. I don't even know the acronyms some folks prefer for some kilt-related accessories.

As a courtesy to those of us ignorant of your in-group's codewords, please spell it out the first time you use it and put the acronym immediately after it in parentheses so that we'll know what you're talking about in the rest of your post when you use your favourite short form.

Just spell it out, please! (JSIOP) It's embarassing to those who don't know it, to have you expect us to know your group's code or to have to ask.

Thanks so very much! (TSVM)

FB (which may mean FaceBook or Father Bill - you decide).

[spr0k3t]

I looked all over FB.com and couldn't find a single thing about facebook. ;)

I think acronyms only work if it's the specific brand... like the now dead TWA. But if your company isn't branded with the TLA (Three Letter Acronym) from launch, it's likely to already be in use by several other organizations.