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> Don’t use acronyms or nonsense words for objects, software or processes at Tesla. In general, anything that requires an explanation inhibits communication. We
by danso 9y ago
> Don’t use acronyms or nonsense words for objects, software or processes at Tesla. In general, anything that requires an explanation inhibits communication. We don’t want people to have to memorize a glossary just to function at Tesla.
I'm guessing "HTTP" is exempt.
- jamestimmins 9y agoAt SpaceX there was the infamous email banning TLAs (three letter acronyms).
- SilasX 9y agoYour comment is kinda making the same point though. In any case, I think you could enforce the spirit of that idea with something like: 1) Don't use abbreviations or terms outside of common English unless it's in The Glossary. 2) If you want to use such a term, add it to the Glossary. 3) It's some group's job to review the Glossary for garbage.
- Rebelgecko 9y agoHow long ago was that? Seems like they gave up for ITS/BFR
- jamestimmins 9y agoI'm not sure how seriously it was ever taken. I also suspect that using an acronym for a major initiative is seen differently than adding them to the workflow.
- psyc 9y agoGood for him. There are a few other [anti]management gems in there as well.
- mstade 9y agoI don't know anything about Tesla or working there, but my experience from large financial institutions is that acronyms are part and parcel of business speak. It's beyond comical, because very often you'll see the acronyms immediately followed by their expansion in parenthesis making it very clear that the acronyms are not widely known or accepted. But they keep being used, and each business unit likes to come up with their own. I find it pretentious and inhibiting to communication, and I make a point of not using acronyms that aren't already very well established to the point where the communications can be understood by more or less anyone. I detest the invention and use of these acronyms and – ignoring the rest of the email – I for one would love to see such an instruction come from management at my place of work.
- kbart 9y agoI've found it more of a cultural phenomena. I haven't seen so many useless acronyms used anywhere outside of USA and maybe UK (to the lesser extend). A good practice is to use the full form when first used, add acronym in parenthesis then use it when mentioned next, for example, Hacker News (HN) - not doing it is simply rude imho, unless it's a really well-known acronym for the intended audience (HTTP, IP, CPU etc.)
- Sangermaine 9y ago>not doing it is simply rude imho, It's not just rude, it's an intentional power play and a shibboleth to identify outsiders. No one wants to be the one who looks stupid or not part of the scene by asking what an acronym means, so it's a way to lord over other people.
- calvano915 9y agoDid you mean Intellectual Property or Internet Protocol? ;p
- walshemj 9y agoThe norm (uk Civil Service Style) is to Spell The acronym out the first time of use.
- DanBC 9y agoFor an example of UK guidance about accessible information see the English NHS's "Accessible information standard". https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/accessibleinfo/ https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/accessibleinfo/
- DanBC 9y ago> Don’t use acronyms or nonsense words for objects, software or processes at Tesla. In general, anything that requires an explanation inhibits communication. The wicked jargon is the normal English word with a weird specific meaning. If you use a TLA or a bunch of latin I know that I don't know what you mean, and I look it up or I ask you. If you use a normal English word but in a specific way I may think I know what you mean, and I may not ask you. This is a hinderance to communication.