[Boatanchors] to better communication - was: Xtals (even mHz)

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Everybody,

Sometimes we just make 'honest' mistakes or typos. I would think in a
*technical* hobby we would try to use the right words and forms. I can
usually dig out the correct meaning of what some people say even if they
use incredibly sloppy language. But sometimes not. I haven't said
anything before and I am not going to say much about it now.
Radio/electronics is not the only place where usage is important to
understanding. If we use the wrong words we are quite likely to get
something we weren't expecting. The unexpected has sometimes proven
fatal. Short of fatal it can be expensive. More often it's just an
irritation. It's really not bliss.

My own pet peeves? As long as I'm here:

"Tranny". Transformer? Transistor? A gearbox? A bus? A transvestite? A
transgenedered person (yes they're different). Yeah I can figure it out
from context but it's clumsy and slows down reading comprehension.

*Filament/Heater*. They are *NOT* the same things. If I really need to
know I have to look up tube specs. Lots of time wasted when we can't say
exactly what we mean. This one gets a lot of abuse.

If you're one of the people who whine and cry about the "grammar police"
you will have used up your whining quota and will not be allowed to
whine when you get what you really asked for (incorrectly).

Finally, none of us is innocent. I won't whine or cry if you point out a
place where I need to look at the right word(s). Please be gentle when
you do but also please do.

73,

Bill  KU8H