Command verb: Difference between revisions

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    In [[user interface design]], a '''command verb''' is a [[verb]] or [[verb phrase]] that actually triggers some software functionality, e.g. [[edit page]], [[search]], [[log in]], [[help]], [[talk]], [[block IP]] address etc.
    In [[user interface design]], a '''command verb''' is a [[verb]] or [[verb phrase]] that actually triggers some software functionality, e.g. [[edit page]], [[search]], [[log in]], [[help]], [[talk]], [[block IP]] address etc.


    Sometimes such verbs are confused and may have [[subject-object problem]]s.  For instance, [[help]] usually means "help ''me the user''", while [[talk]] usually means "talk ''to someone else''".   
    Sometimes such verbs are confused and may have [[subject-object problem]]s.  For instance, [[help]] usually means "help ''me the user''", while [[talk]] usually means "talk ''to someone else''".  This can make them harder to learn, as the assumed object (usually assumed [[noun phrase]] or [[pronoun]]) of the '''command phrase''' must be simply guessed or known in advance.


    :The worst of these confusions is that between [[trolls]] and the (many) [[IP block]]s generated to slow them down:  sometimes [[sysop power structure]] cannot actually tell the difference between the initial action ("to [[troll]]"), the [[Sysop Vandal point of view|opinion or process that leads to the sysop reaction]], the output of that action, e.g. an [[IP range block]], and the implication of what it means to edit from that IP ("to be [[trolled]]", etc.).  These are all obviously quite different things, but it makes [[power grab]]s easier to deliberately confuse them.  One could explain the confusion asa form of simple [[stupidity]].  However it could also be explained as a form of [[objectification]] or as a consequence of, say, [[Wikimedia corruption]] - these explanations would make sysops out to be more [[vile]] but less stupid.
    :Since the use of some verbs by some users actually categorizes people or their work, the worst of these confusions is that between [[trolls]] and the (many) [[IP block]]s generated to slow them down:  sometimes [[sysop power structure]] cannot actually tell the difference between the initial action ("to [[troll]]"), the [[Sysop Vandal point of view|opinion or process that leads to the sysop reaction]], the output of that action, e.g. an [[IP range block]], and the implication of what it means to edit from that IP ("to be [[trolled]]", etc.).  These are all obviously quite different things, but it makes [[power grab]]s easier to deliberately confuse them.  One could explain the confusion asa form of simple [[stupidity]].  However it could also be explained as a form of [[objectification]] or as a consequence of, say, [[Wikimedia corruption]] - these explanations would make sysops out to be more [[vile]] but less stupid.


    More generalized verbs like [[ask]], [[fix]], [[revert]], [[drive off]] are quite possible given a more complete understanding of the [[power structure]].  This would however be a [[social network]] design problem not a [[GUI]] one - it would involve much more understanding of some [[factionally defined]] terms and how [[faction]]s decide to collaborate to accomplish any given objective.
    === command hierarchy ===
     
    More generalized verbs like [[ask]], [[fix]], [[revert]], [[drive off]] and [[patroll]] are quite possible given a more complete understanding of the [[power structure]] and '''command hierarchy''' of people obeying each other's orders, e.g. the [[priestly hierarchy]] that surrounds the [[GodKing]] preaching [[Wikimedia corruption]] and [[systemic bias]] as a [[Good Thing]], or the [[troll organizations]] that practice [[political virtues]] instead.
     
    Since such '''socialized verbs''' are [[factionally defined]] and may actually dispose of [[capital asset]]s, e.g. the way that abuse of [[trolls]] wastes [[individual capital]] of those so labelled, the stakes can be quite high and would involve [[politics as usual]] or at least [[social network]] and [[instructional capital]] investigationsPerhaps even [[financial capital]] interactions, e.g. of the [[funded troll]]s.
     
    This be at least a [[computer supported cooperative work]] and [[social software]] design problem not simply a "one user one screen" [[GUI]] - it would involve much more understanding of some [[factionally defined]] terms and how [[faction]]s collaborate and/or compete to accomplish any given objective or [[wiki mission]].  It seems more must be known about [[large public wiki]]s first.

    Latest revision as of 15:55, 5 September 2004

    In user interface design, a command verb is a verb or verb phrase that actually triggers some software functionality, e.g. edit page, search, log in, help, talk, block IP address etc.

    Sometimes such verbs are confused and may have subject-object problems. For instance, help usually means "help me the user", while talk usually means "talk to someone else". This can make them harder to learn, as the assumed object (usually assumed noun phrase or pronoun) of the command phrase must be simply guessed or known in advance.

    Since the use of some verbs by some users actually categorizes people or their work, the worst of these confusions is that between trolls and the (many) IP blocks generated to slow them down: sometimes sysop power structure cannot actually tell the difference between the initial action ("to troll"), the opinion or process that leads to the sysop reaction, the output of that action, e.g. an IP range block, and the implication of what it means to edit from that IP ("to be trolled", etc.). These are all obviously quite different things, but it makes power grabs easier to deliberately confuse them. One could explain the confusion asa form of simple stupidity. However it could also be explained as a form of objectification or as a consequence of, say, Wikimedia corruption - these explanations would make sysops out to be more vile but less stupid.

    command hierarchy

    More generalized verbs like ask, fix, revert, drive off and patroll are quite possible given a more complete understanding of the power structure and command hierarchy of people obeying each other's orders, e.g. the priestly hierarchy that surrounds the GodKing preaching Wikimedia corruption and systemic bias as a Good Thing, or the troll organizations that practice political virtues instead.

    Since such socialized verbs are factionally defined and may actually dispose of capital assets, e.g. the way that abuse of trolls wastes individual capital of those so labelled, the stakes can be quite high and would involve politics as usual or at least social network and instructional capital investigations. Perhaps even financial capital interactions, e.g. of the funded trolls.

    This be at least a computer supported cooperative work and social software design problem not simply a "one user one screen" GUI - it would involve much more understanding of some factionally defined terms and how factions collaborate and/or compete to accomplish any given objective or wiki mission. It seems more must be known about large public wikis first.