by: Jennifer Stewart
Did you know that the English language has an estimated vocabulary of 800,000words? (Words R. McRoberts) We have words to describe every object,movement, feeling and thought on the planet; we can pinpoint each little nuanceof meaning, simply by choosing the right word for the right spot.Language isn't something that remains static - it's a living thing that grows andchanges to meet our needs. We create new words to describe and explain newobjects and concept - just consider the number of words that have come into thelanguage as a result of technological developments over the past decade. Wordslike Internet and fax are common-place now; we all recognise the abbreviationWWW and children around the world know what Pokemon means. Shakespeare, who was one of our most prolific and enduring writers, usedapproximately 22,000 different words in his published works. Well-educatedpeople today, use about 5,000 different words when speaking and about 10,000in their writing. Most of us have a 'working vocabulary' of 2,000 (which means thatthere are over 788, 000 words that are gathering dust on the shelves of ourminds). Of those 2,000 words, the most commonly used are: the, of, and, to, a,in, that, is, I, it.Those ten little words (and I do mean little), account for 25% of all speech.There are fifty words, which make up 60% of everything we say - and only two ofthese have more than one syllable … which brings us to … "stuff". Why oh why (oh WHY) do otherwise professional sites use this term? Surelywith 800,000+ words to choose from, it's possible to find a term to describe morespecifically what is being offered.The experts are always advising web owners to offer visitors something for free -and rightly so - this is a unique medium of communication. It's fast, widelyaccessible and almost ridiculously inexpensive when you consider thetechnology involved - so it should be used for the free exchange of ideas andinformation wherever possible. If you visit ten web sites at random, you'll find more than half will have a link to"Free Stuff" - regardless of the nature of the site, the link will read "Free Stuff". Looking for graphics? Click on "Free Stuff".Looking for information on black holes or quantum physics? "Free Stuff' will takeyou to it.Need a dietary plan for diabetics? Try clicking on "Free Stuff".Aargh!Enough "stuff"!"Stuff" indicates a lazy mind - one that can't be bothered spending a second ortwo scouring the memory banks for a precise term. Think for a moment aboutwhat you are offering for free - then use those words to describe this on your link.Your visitors will appreciate knowing that they can find: a trial program a sample sales letter a series of articles on how to do whatever it is you do so well graphics a mousepad a video a diet links to related sites a template for a web page design a report on how to be a squillionaire or whatever it is you're giving them. Don't make them guess. So dust off the cobwebs and start using a few more words - your visitors willappreciate your thoughtfulness.
