[tbontob]

Originally posted by Suicide Junkie:
#1, where the definition of "common" is quite loose. Used in more than one thread so far type thing.

SJ, Good question (I assume it is a question).

Unfortunately, it may require a judgement call.

My thoughts are:
1) If 1 person uses an acronym, even if he uses it consistently, it is not common.
2) If 2 people use an acronym in 2 or more threads, then it may have reached a semi-common status.
3) If more than three people have used it over time, then it is common.

Also, while a new acronym is uncommon, if there appears to be a groundswell consensus that it should be included, then we should not wait for it to become common in practice. For example, if MM brings out something new that is 50 letters long and it seems it will be a hot topic like DUC or PBW etc, then it's acronym should be included soon.

Other than the above, I am unable to give a more definitive answer.

EDIT: This may not be too critical in practice. For example, a judgement call in October may be that it is not common, but obvious usage in November may change its status to common and therefore require it's inclusion in the dictionary.

Incidentally, we are being faced with the same dilemma that revisers of "ordinary" dictionaries have...when does a new term become common enough to warrant its inclusion.

[ October 26, 2002, 06:12: Message edited by: tbontob ]