Err… Yes, it does say she objected to the lack of an s, and that is a true statement. But, the bigger issue is clearly the harassment that was resulting from the use of her name in association with the technique. Jason Alexander is (wisely, I think) being careful not to be too explicit about it, but… Well, if you’re familiar with Jennel, you can probably guess why she might have become the target of a harassment campaign.
This whole situation sucks, but changing the term is probably for the best. And while choosing to name it after himself might come across as a tad conceited, it makes some sense given that the inventor of the technique is being targeted this way, Jason popularized the use of a verb to describe the technique, and he wants to avoid associating a different person’s name with the technique, for fear of them possibly becoming secondary harassment targets. So, I’m good with it.
That all makes sense, but the part that sticks in my craw is this whole "Yes I can do this" and the "the correct term is now" etc.
Uh, sorry, that's now how language works. Even when the use of a word can be traced back to its first usage, that doesn't mean the first user owns it, or can, by fiat, change it. It's kind of astonishingly arrogant.
And then attempting to rename it "Xandering" is just icing on the cake of conceit.
I would have been so much less annoyed by a post that said, "Hey, she really would like us to call it something else. I'm afraid this has gone way beyond me, but I for one am going to do my best to use a new term, and I would like to ask everybody else to do the same, out of respect for another human being."
I mean, really, we're just talking about "non-linear" dungeons. Sure, there are some other factors, but that's the essence of it. I always thought the use of the J-word was just to honor a great designer, not because there weren't more mundane terms...like non-linear...that wouldn't have served perfectly well. We call a law school "The Nicodemus P. Schnitzelpheiffer Law School" to honor Mr. Schnitzelpheiffer (or thank him for the endowment), not because plain "The Law School" would have confused anybody.
So I think I'll go with "non-linear" from now on. I will never, ever, in a million years call it X...well, you get the idea.
(wow lots of edits...typed that WAY too fast...)
