Conference turris::womannotes-v1

    I view the use of the word "string" in this context the same
    way I view the abuse of the English language in the computer
    industry generally, with abominations such as "functionality",
    "prioritize", "action" as a verb, "task" as a verb, and the like.
    
    But you'll never stop people from trying to make their mark on the
    language, because it makes them feel like superior communicators.
    It's "write your own thesaurus" time.
    
    But it IS awfully silly, and not the least bit helpful.

    I prefer the use of the word "topic" since "string" is both misleading
    and "non-standard".
    
    Dave
    

    Since I have no idea what constitutes "proper terminology in Vaxnotes"
    it doesn't make any difference to me whether it is used or not.
     I think this complaint is overly picky and making an issue out
    of nothing.
    

	I think that people should make an attempt to use the correct
	terminology.  If we don't try to speak the same language, how
	will we ever communicate?  We argue enough in this file about
	picky items, let's not spend more of our time arguing about
	terminology.  If we all try to use the correct terms, there
	will be no need to argue about it.  (However, if you do understand
	what someone meant and they used the wrong term, let it pass!)


	For those who don't know the correct terms, I believe there
	is a manual on notes, and HELP NEW_USER at the notes prompt
	explains some of the terms.

	...Karen

Re; .0, yes I agree that proper terminology should be used.  There tends
    to be too much misinterpretation of words in this notefile.  Perhaps
    by using proper terminology there will be less chance of misinterpretation.

    I've heard the word "string" used fairly widely among the noters
    I see the most.  I like it personally because it's visually evocative.
    
    I haven't heard it used synonymously with "topic", though, but rather
    used as a "string of topics" or a basenote and a "string of notes"
    related to it.
    
    Does VAXnotes terminology have an equivalent to "string of topics"
    other than "..and the related topics"?  If so, I can't think of
    it. 
    
    If it really disturbs people, we could try to avoid it.  On the
    other hand, we could also enter a note stating "Oh, by the way,
    if you encounter the word 'string' it is referring to...".  I wouldn't
    want anyone to have to try to edit the old notes.
    
    In the greater scheme of things, is this a very important issue,
    a moderately important issue, or a nit?  To me it's a nit, but I
    recognize that it may be very important to other noters here.
                                                                 
    Holly
    

    The fourth definition of a string in the American Heritage
    Dictionary is "a series or sequence". I have used the word
    string to refer to a series or sequence of responses within
    a topic. If there is a more appropriate VAXnotes word I would
    appreciate being informed of it...I have no memory of ever
    seeing one in my perusal of the Help function.

    I think I was the first to use the term "string".  It comes from the
    PLATO system (as I believe the concept of NOTEFILES and the inspiration
    for VAXnotes do also, btw).  On PLATO as in my usage, it's the term for
    a basenote plus the replies "strung" together with it. 
    
    But regardless of its appropriateness I am perfectly willing in this as
    in all else to conform my own behavior to the wishes of the women of
    the community (though if this is meant to be a formal vote then it
    should be done in a formal way, right?).  
    
    						=maggie 

    It depends.  Question:
    
    Who is driving this vehicle, human or machine?  What engine are we
    using to produce the energy, VMS or People.  
    
    How about WOMANNOTES developing their own terminology as it will
    allow the invisible hand of conversation surface the aurora of it's
    being.  I propose TOPSTRING or STRINOPICS as the terminology for
    this concept to be used in WOMANNOTES.
    
    

    I should have written, invisible voice, instead of invisible  hand.
    The invisible hand is to capitalism as invisible voice is to
    Noterism...

Although I don't recall hearing string used in this way before, it was
intuitively obvious to me that this was simply shorthand for 
"topic and string of replies".

The word ``topic'' was new terminology introduced with VAXnotes.
We used to speak of base notes and replies.  Through usage language changes.
Gail, an experienced noter (like you claim to be) has already seen it change.
So why not be flexible and NOT let hangups about form interfere with content 
and communication.

    I have no objection to getting *some* things from context.
    If you're going to talk VAX, I'll have to get it from context
    anyway, because what *I* talk in my daily work is DEC-20!!
    
    I think I can *handle* it.
    
    My god, we've got people on this conference believeing they've
    been called dirty names, by other people who are saying that wasn't
    their intent - and we're worried about what the moderators are
    calling a *string*?!?!?!?
    
    Sheesh.
    
    --DE
    

    I'm afraid I must agree: "string" vs "Topic" is entirely irrelevant
    to me.  Perhaps we should make and enforce a law requiring all
    contributers to spell their replies properly.  Then a law preventing
    dangling modifiers and split infinitives.  Then perhaps sentence
    fragments [mea culpa].  _Then_ we might get around to enforcing
    "string" vs "Topic", "proper" vs "incorrect" usage of "technical"
    terms in Notes.  
    
    Then again, let's not.
    
    Lee

    Improper use of terminology can be grating, but in an environment
    in which it's considered improper etiquette to correct another's
    spelling or grammar, why should it be any less improper to correct
    one's use of terminology?
    
    re:.1
    
    The computer industry is culpable for many crimes against the
    English language, but "task" used as a verb is not one of them.
    I've seen it used in any number of literary works (but don't ask
    me to name any specific ones...).
    
    --- jerry

    
    
    Yes let us discuss proper usage of "string" while the rest of the
    world deals with the second-class citizenship of women.
    
    What a nit to pick now.
    
    _peggy
    
    		(-)
    		 |	Communicate ideas not dogma