Command verb: Difference between revisions

Command verb (edit)

Revision as of 16:54, 3 September 2004

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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.
-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.
+More generalized verbs like [[ask]], [[fix]], [[revert]], [[drive off]] and [[patroll]] 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.