Re: Using the Term "User"

[Susan Gallagher <Susan_Gallagher_at_Enfin-SD -at- RELAY -dot- PROTEON -dot- COM>]

Reply-To:    "Karl L. Smart" <KARLSM -at- WORDPERFECT -dot- COM>
Original message:
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In the computer industry, the term "user" is a generally accepted term for
those who work with computers.  I have had several folks (particularly
from Eastern big city areas) suggest that we should consider changing
the term--using terms such as "the audience," "the reader," "the
operator," "the customer," or a specific name if known (like banker,
lawyer, teacher, etc.)

The reasoning is that the term "user" has extremely strong connotations
with drug users, and that an alternative term would be more appropriate.
I'm interested in how others feel.  If you don't like the term user, what
alternatives would you suggest.

Obviously, this has lots of ramifications.  We have users' groups, a
user's guide, and so forth.

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Oh! gimme a break!  This is taking sensitivity just a bit too far!!!
 %-}  Seems to me the term "user" was adopted so we wouldn't offend
anyone by mislabeling them!  Now we have to be careful not to label
them as "users" because we may cause them to spill their cup of
coffee or drop cigarette ashes in their keyboard???  Just as long as
we don't call them computer *abusers* (to their faces) I think we're
ok!!!  (Just my 2bits!)

Sue Gallagher                                 |
Sr. Technical Writer                          |      "Updating a manual
Easel Corporation                             |     is like changing tires
Enfin Technology Lab                          |       on a moving car."
San Diego, CA                                 |        -- Edmond Weiss
Susan_Gallagher_at_Enfin-SD -at- relay -dot- proteon -dot- com |