» By: Bob Osgoodby
In the dictionary, a Geek is defined as "A carnival performer whose act usually consists of biting the head off a live chicken or snake". Today however, it has taken on the additional meaning of someone who doesn't fit the norm, and usually refers to someone highly knowledgeable in computers. If you think about it, a geek can exist in any occupation or field of endeavor. They all have their own language peculiar to their trade. If two meteorologists meet at a party, and start talking about isobars they will understand each other. Doctors might discuss new radical surgery techniques, while lawyers might discuss torts. If they use the same terms with people not in their profession, they might not be understood. People who do this are guilty of "Geek Speak". If you try to advertise your business and use "Geek Speak", while you will most likely be understood by others in your field, you will quickly lose the majority of people. No matter how knowledgeable you are in your field, don't try to impress others with highly technical language - they won't have a clue as to what you're talking about. Use everyday words that people can understand. We all know that technical terms have their place, and to another person in the field, can denote specific things in a minimum of words. "While your ISP can cancel your account if you spam", might be understood by people experienced in online protocol, those new to computers might not know what that means. A better way to say it might be: "If you send copies of the same email to people who didn't request it, the company that provides your internet access can cancel your account". Here we said the same thing, but didn't use "Geek Speak". Always try to phrase your advertising so that people who don't know anything about your business, will understand what you are saying.