Use of acronyms in the forum
Hello folks, I ask in the interest of reducing confusion that a standard acronym protocol be used in these forums.
Generally, acronyms are used to reduced typing, and as such are introduced at first use, with high lights for clarity.
Example:
"A good Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to use an acronym introduction. Other good SOP 's include correct use of punctuation and grammar."
Thank you all, and best wishes for this new year.
I hate acronyms but when I do use them, typically to reduce typing as you said, I will do exactly what you did, use the full worded version then use the acronym after that. What I really don’t like about acronyms is that there are so many that have different meanings. It can be very confusing at times. We have many standards within this industry, why not a standard acronym protocol? I know we’re
Hi Allan, thank you for your response. I find often the greatest problems arise form miss-understanding. Well, That's Fantastic (WTF) That Someone Else (TSE) Wants To Help (WTH) Perhaps the path forward is using an acronym introduction, as discussed. Does anyone else have input? Jaxon.
While I applaud the suggestion, I feel like it would be a tough thing to pull off. Every manufacturer seems to use a different acronym for stability control, for example. Heck, Subaru can’t even decide on one for the engine computer- if you’re a tech, it’s an ECM, if you’re a parts salesman, it’s an EGI. I’d say, use your judgement as to which ones are fairly easily recognized: ECM/PCM, ABS…
I think it comes down to literacy at the end of the day. Personally, I always spell out, With Capital Letters, (WCL), the full wording of the acronym I intend to use before adding it to the body of anything I write. I do it with the understanding that it helps to convey my thought process to anyone reading along. I know many intelligent technicians whose command of the written word is not as
Jaxon, we were cut from the same cloth regarding acronyms. If you ever read my technical articles published in Motor Age magazine, you'll see I try to strictly adhere to those instructions. The rare variance may occur when I'm limited by space constraints yet feel what must be printed is of utmost importance (and the acronym is one that SHOULD be understood by all, like "DTC" or something). The
"The youth seem to be most often the ones using acronyms without a defining first explanation. That's JMHO. (Laughing hysterically, of course)." I think you meant to say LOL
Bob, I recently learned that there are THREE separate meanings of lol - depending on which letters are capitalized. Do you think I can remember them??? LOL.
I would agree that what you suggested is best practice, regardless of the industry or setting. As an educator I have had to learn to not make assumptions. This has taken time, and I am far from perfect. I think a tech may type out a post and not think twice about the acronym they used. It may be a component that they work on often, or when posted they have been thinking about the acronym in