I’ve only been here about six months but was active on TuDiabetes for many years. I offer this suggestion as a minor way to widen participation in our community.
It’s easily observable to anyone who frequently shows up to both read and post to community topics. I’m aware that there exists many quiet participants who read but never post, also known as lurkers. I was a lurker on TuD for about two years before I started to comment and post.
I encourage both posters and commenters to reconsider their use of undefined acronyms or use of “insider” language. My internet browser defines an acronym is a word formed from the first letters of a multi-word phrase. When people who read acronyms that they do not know what they mean, it represents a barrier to posting or commenting. People may think that they don’t occupy a perspective that the community values, so asking “What does this mean?” seems risky and not worth the effort.
Here’s an example from a recent post about morning blood glucose rises often attributed to Dawn Phenomenon, DP, or to another distinct occurrence many diabetics call, “Feet on the Floor, FOTF” syndrome. In the thread I refer to, the FOTF term was never defined until one brave commenter wrote:
I was guilty in this thread as were many others including the original post that included FOTF in the title.
You may think this is such a minor thing and that anyone with an interest in diabetes would certainly know that acronym’s meaning. If you look at through the lens of a lurker who might make the leap to become an actual commenter, it begins to look like a hurdle that holds back participation. They might be thinking, “Why don’t I know the meaning of this term? Most everyone else seems to. I don’t have the level of knowledge to even make a comment.”
Now I understand why those of us who are active commenters and posters, are often disinclined to explicitly define acronyms used. It takes more keystrokes and time and basic idea you’re trying to encapsulate seems much more important. I get that and remind you that I was just as guilty of using an undefined acronym as many others in that thread.
We only have the written word to communicate, connect, and make common cause with each other. Effective use of that written word is important and requires more than spoken interchange. When undefined terms are exchanged in a group, it excludes some. It may not be deliberate or intended but the exclusion persists. “You’re not in the know or in the club.”
This is not a new thing; it’s been around as long as human language. People have long used language and slang as way of communicating safely while others within earshot are deliberately excluded. As humans, we have an innate sense of this communication quality. Cockney rhyming slang and the latest youth slang are both forms of excluding some for the benefit of others.
Deliberate exclusion of any members of our community, whether active posters or lurkers, is not anyone’s intention. I only bring this up because I believe it’s important and with a little effort, we can improve our community. What do you think?
