The terminology process

[Peter]

In a recent thread found here we started a discussion on proper terminology that we all can be in agreement on so that when a new post or thread is created everyone is clear on what the original poster (OP) is trying to show us. Will stepped up to the plate and offered to spearhead the mission by compiling a list that will be open for discussion as needed.

I'd like Will to begin these threads and give us something to consider when he is ready, and then we can all get involved at that point. Any modifications or agreements to what Will posts can be talked about in this section then and after a consensus is reached I or a Moderator can add that terminology to the sticky list.

If there are other thoughts and ideas on this process please chime in and we can amend it.

[kloccwork419]

I agree. That's why I posted a link. If we make a list, it wont be any different from many other lists. We can add one to the quick links or something but a definition is what it is.

[coop]

If Peter is going to make a highlighted directory over terms in the messages, it might be beneficial. I've seen it on different sites. Like "DDO" Doubled Die Obverse. When this is in a post it is able to be clicked on and the link would show it's meaning to a dictionary. Then it would be use fill, especially for new posters. It is what he intends to do with that would make it necessary.

[kloccwork419]

That's a cool idea. I like that coop

[liveandievarieties]

I don't see any harm in involving membership in a discussion of terms- if anything it will bring a greater awareness of terminology.

Of course my son's English teacher could just hand him a dictionary and say her job was done...

[willbrooks]

Guys, I would appreciate the opportunity to make a mission statement and explain why I think it would beneficial. I will start a new thread about it today, and then you can beat me up to your heart's content. Thank you.

[Maineman750]

I already see a slight problem in that some are talking terminology and others are talking about acronyms.

[liveandievarieties]

LET'S DO THIS:

Would anyone consider letting Will (who has volunteered) take the lead here so that we can see what we are all hotly debating?

I don't understand the negativity involved in something that can only benefit those who partake.

[Maineman750]

If there are other thoughts and ideas on this process please chime in and we can amend it.

Good idea Chris....but this thread was an invitation to discussion..whether it was intended or not.

[liveandievarieties]

I guess everyone is entitled to publicly post their opinion... I was thinking more about comments related to ACHEIVING this project, but we can discuss it's merits while discussing terms.

[kloccwork419]

All I see happening is all members still telling or correcting them that don't know. This been going on for years and will still go on for many more. I don't see a list doing anything that isn't being done already.

ps. I before E except after C isn't always right Chris..lolol..

[liveandievarieties]

Member participation rarely makes something worse... when a thread gets out of hand or someone takes a poor approach, it can and will be edited.

The idea is to have threads discussing the use of each term, how it applies to us and how it should be defined.

If this is going to be a giant Cluster**** then it can be a closed thread discussion between INTERESTED parties who want to participate.

By the way- Perhaps I failed to mention- NOBODY is required to participate. Threads would be best served if only people who want to help are active in them. If you don't like Die Trails, don't collect them. If you have a deep hatred towards words and definitions... definitely don't participate in Terminology discussion threads! This is easy.

[jallengomez]

Of course not all people will use it. However, if we did away with useful features just because some people did not take advantage of them, we wouldn't have a search feature or any *sticky* threads to begin with. I see a glossary as a benefit to any website that uses specialized terms. Those words might be defined elsewhere, but why not keep visitors here?

[coppercoins]

I have stayed relatively quiet - until now:

Here's what I see going on...

I believe most of this got started because I mentioned that too many people were using abbreviations for terms that we shouldn't using them for when explaining coins to new collectors. That was swatted around for a while and turned into this.

My concerns are largely the same as Bob's - a lot of time spent on something that already exists. It also doesn't address my initial concern over too many people using too many abbreviations to describe stuff in an educational forum. If people would learn to type out the entire term in titles and posts, most of the problem would be solved.

The other issue was with regard to 'making up' terms to use, which also can create problems. While it is a far lesser problem than overuse of abbreviations, it can still cause issues.

I personally think reinventing the wheel of coming up with a whole dictionary on a forum is overkill. I do know that error-ref.com does a very good job of explaining errors, and once I get to a point where the content is coming together on coppercoins, I plan on creating image and video rich pages that will explain everything from the minting process to the overlay and attribution process. I know the information is sorely needed, but I honestly don't think the forum is the right place for it.

[coppercoins]

Think about things this way. A publisher will kick a book back in a heartbeat if an author uses acronyms and abbreviations in their writing without clearly spelling out what the acronym or abbreviation means. If we want people to understand what we are trying to tell them the FIRST TIME - without having to re-explain our posts, I would think we would want to write publishable quality work in our response posts.

Think of it that way, and spell everything out, and I seriously don't think there will be a problem with referencing error-ref.com and coppercoins.com for any answers they may need beyond the terms themselves.

This will largely alleviate the confusion caused by using MDD, PSD, DDO, and DDD all in the same sentence...which I have seen.

The content I will be writing for coppercoins.com will be easily referencable information from anywhere on the web, and I not only allow - but encourage people to link to the information I will be writing. Heck, I am largely doing it FOR use as a "link-to" reference for the forums. You think I like typing out the same things over and over again? Heh...I'd rather link people to something already written, and it's not out there now.