PuffinGin

I was just reading the "tips" post and found myself thinking about the use of acronyms. Decided to post here rather than in "main" section since mine is a general comment for any kind of acronym or abbreviation, not just those associated with quilting. I guess the intent is to save time in typing and/or to add a bit of cleverness. There are also cases where the same acro. is used for completely unrelated words. I find that there seem to be so so many that I often end up having to puzzle over them and maybe ask what they mean or refer to a site defining them for interpretation in the appropriate context. If I don't (and I often don't have time), I miss some of the content of the post. Which of course, negates the purpose of using them.

Glassquilt

I understand. Some make sense - some don't.
With a relatively small group that all use them no problem.
With a large, possibly uninformed group, the meaning can get lost.

PuffinGin

Agree Glass, and there is a large, diverse group here. The acronyms with other meanings often make me laugh (or LOL! ha ha) because I'm so off base.

kathy

if i had my way they would be banned!(here) because they do confuse so many people and some are afraid to ask because they feel dumb. but who am i? :-(

Sadiemae

The one that frustrates me is SIL, unless there is a he/she I am not always sure about it. Son-in-law? Sister-in-law? Oh well, something to complain about...

PuffinGin

I don't think of it as complaining. I consider it in the same category as (truly) constructive criticism received on a manuscript you wish to publish. If one has to stop and think for a long time before knowing what acronym to type or whether it's ambiguous, I feel it takes less time to just write it out. I might end up looking not hip or uncool or an old fuddy-duddy (oh wait, I guess I am!) but there might be some reading my message who will mentally thank me for not abbreviating. I'm not sure why this has been bothering me; maybe I've encountered too many puzzling ones lately.
[stepping off my soapbox now]