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.
    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.

    Revision as of 16:54, 3 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.

    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 factions decide to collaborate to accomplish any given objective.