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I agree. But mainly because I don't like that phrase even when it's spelled out. There are two variants.

"In my humble opinion" is usually an introduction to interminable bloviation, embodying the antithesis of humility.


"In my honest opinion" gives pause to the listener or reader. "Have his previously expressed opinions been something less?"


I don't have a problem with people changing their styles, per se. Hopefully we all learn new things. Hopefully we learn some things well enough that we can use them ourselves. But when the content of the message isn't consonant with the tone of the message, then it strikes me as insincere, almost sarcastic.


k


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I like the Cummings style and use it on occasion. OTOH,
it's a bit like salt. Too much ruins an otherwise fine creation.

k



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#59836 03/06/02 10:10 PM
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Ping meaning to check with someone is good
If "Ping" is what you do when you check with someone, what do they do when they check back with you? "Pong"? Or what is the derivation of "Ping"? Ping to you, Fallible.


#59837 03/06/02 10:45 PM
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The term ping comes from the Unix command to "touch" another computer to see if it's there and available on the network. If my home computer is called Hecate (which it is) and I'm at work and I want to know if my computer is on line, I can type (at the OS prompt): "Ping <address> Hecate". Or "Ping 206.155.20.10", which could be my computer's IP (internet protocol) address. If I get a positive response, I can communicate with Hecate from work.



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#59838 03/07/02 02:52 AM
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The term ping comes from the Unix command to "touch" another computer to see if it's there
Um--I thought it came from submarines?


#59839 03/07/02 03:27 AM
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As far as I'm concerned, "ping" is what a pot does if it's too hot when it's taken out of the kiln. They ping. The sound of glaze contracting too fast. Not a good thing


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Getting back to the original question (favorite or irritating Net words) - my peeve is the e e cummings style, which I find suggests at best laziness and at worse disrespect, sloppiness, ignorance (I'm sure there is something worse yet, therefore not "at worst"). It's not a word, not even an acronym, but a style. Is anyone else bothered by this practice?

now that you mention it, I abhor it. anyone who consistently makes a practice of this style should be hung by his thumbs from the mizzenmast of a burning ship. (the mainmast would show him too much respect.)


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#59841 03/07/02 06:15 AM
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"ping" is what a pot does .. this brings back memories to me from the time when I had a wheel and a kiln in the basement at home. Some pots said "ping" repeatedly even weeks after being taken out.


#59842 03/07/02 01:09 PM
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Hm. I always thought Ping was a little duck who lived on a houseboat in China.


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