It really bothers me when a noob such as myself asks a question and get answers with terms or abbreviations that I dont know. The least you could do is write it out FULLY or explain what it is your talking about, I always am having to google or ask someone what something is or means. Just saying
I think it happens in any kind of setting. Abbreviations are simply used to speed up communications. I would simply ask in the thread what does XXXXX mean? If it helps, I had to ask what ASE, AGE, and some other initials meant when I first started. We all did.
This helps some, but it would be nice if all of the additions were added to the original post, to avoid having to search the whole thread to see if someone suggested other ones: http://www.cointalk.com/t1559/
Work as an Army Contractor (everything had an acronym), I swear in meetings I would respond with, "Can you explain what you just said in English please?"
As much as possible, when I am responding to a new collector, I try to spell out the term and parenthesize the abbreviation following it, and if my response happens to be very long and uses that term again, I will simply use the abbreviation each time afterward. Yes, there are a lot of people who want to rush their response or make it easier for themselves when they should realize that the newcomer is still learning. Just my humble opinion (JMHO)! Chris
Very considerate indeed, but using the common abbreviations also forces newer collectors to learn for themselves. Not that the OP is guilty of this, but I often wish certain newbies would do their own research first instead of simply asking for the answer. It is not like they even need to open a book anymore and a simple online search will answer most questions.
Unfortunately with the advancement in texting I think we're going to get more abbreviations. Its harder to read but collectors especially YN (young numismatists) are going to abbreviate more. But I think somewhere on the forum there is a list of abbreviations for coin terms.
ROFL.... It is hard to learn but like a member said on here, you can ask on the same thread what something means and I'm sure they won't mind answering it.
Hey buddy, I know how you feel, but I differ with your response. Part of learning anything new is that learning curve, which I think is a fun ride up: work, but worth it in the end. I know for a fact I'd write less about anything I know, if I had to spell it out. So think of the efficiency of knowing MORE since people spell out LESS. That's money in the bank, so to speak. And I'll bet if you go out and find the answer, you're less likely to forget it. Cordially--Clint
Sorry man. No offense but it's you're responsibility to at least look up/learn the common ones around here. We all had to do it. There's no way for me to know who knows what abbreviations. I don't feel that I should have to spell out everything, every time, because maybe 1 in 100 people don't know what it means. The abbreviations save time and space. FYI & FWIW, I think OP should stash NT, PF ASEs in OGHs and PMs into a BoB, ASAP, B4 SHTF and TEOTWAWKI, IMHO...... LOL!!
I can understand your frustrations. But, if it is abbreviations for the coin world, you will have to learn them eventually. They aren't going away. But, as for the texting world nonsense, if you have a keyboard in front of you, there is no reason not to write the whole word if you are not texting. Your spelling abilities are going to suffer in short time otherwise. See, now you have me going!
'Ya know, since you mention it, I wonder why folks joins a website like CoinTalk...we should just be Googling and reading I guess. (Or using the search function here at CoinTalk) I have seen this sentiment a number of times in a number of threads, and I always wonder...well, when is it okay to ask? Obviously, barring someone's personal experiences, everything else is available via some search or other. Personally, I enjoy a bit of the interaction with others, otherwise, I'd stick with a book. A fine line I guess; people want to be helpful on one hand, and teach you how to fish on the other!! BICBW (But I Could Be Wrong) LR (LucyRay)
Stupidest question is the one that ain't asked. All ya gotta do is ask. Folks around these parts don't bite, and also, don't make ya feel 'like nothing' just 'cause ya don't know something. And those danged acronyms? I've had to 'ask' too.....
Hmm, I just looked that abbreviation FULLY up ... "For Users Like Lazy Youngsters"? :devil: Just kidding. But I agree with what most others have written here - some of those abbreviations are pretty common in numismatics. Just ask if you come across one (or an "odd" word) that you don't know yet. By and large, we're a friendly bunch here. Christian
:dead-horse: In a thread about toning, someone asked what AT and NT are. I looked them up and posted the answer...made both of us happy! :hail:
ILATRHATAAUASTTSP (I like all the responses here as they are all useful at some times to some people).
Good thing you posted the meaning of that acronym Kasia. I was ready to run to my 'Russian to English' translation guide......
