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BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
October 25, 2022
Open for votes

Avoiding TLA’s

Related products:OVO Forum
  • October 25, 2022
  • 12 replies
  • 178 views

An experience from elsewhere tells me that many of the TLA’s (three letter acronyms) which are used in answers to users are often not well understood. This is a common problem across various industries and is an insular device sometimes used to protect information. 
In this case a simple list of terms (or being a little clearer in answers) can really help and engage people more. 

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    Tim_OVO
    OVO Staff
    Tim_OVO
    OVO Forum Legend
    October 27, 2022

    I totally hear you, and I agree. ‘SMETS1’ is jargon. ‘Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications’ is jargon. ‘First generation smart meter’ is much more accessible language. 

     

    Can I ask how the cheat sheet would be used? Is the idea that the person unsure of the acronym can refer to the resource? Or the person using the acronym links to the resource? Isn’t my approach better:

     

    Digital service best practice says one should always write out the words in full first, and follow them with the acronym in brackets. This allows the use of the acronym from then on. An In Home Display (IHD) is a classic TLA that we often shorten. IHD is so much quicker to write!

     

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      BPLightlog
      Super User
      BPLightlogSuper UserAuthor
      Super User
      October 27, 2022

      …

      Can I ask how the cheat sheet would be used? Is the idea that the person unsure of the acronym can refer to the resource? Or the person using the acronym links to the resource? Isn’t my approach better:

       

      Digital service best practice says one should always write out the words in full first, and follow them with the acronym in brackets. This allows the use of the acronym from then on. An In Home Display (IHD) is a classic TLA that we often shorten. IHD is so much quicker to write!

       

      I would think that a signposted resource would be useful and also when those ‘in the know’ are replying, if they include a link to the resource that would be even better. 
      You are correct @Tim_OVO that best practice suggests an initial full phrase with the acronym in brackets and then it can be used and referred to in its own context. 
      But as we all know best practise is rarely the norm 😬

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