September 28th 2008 23:50
Have You Checked Your Google PR Lately?
If you haven't checked your Google Page Rank lately, now would be a good time to do it, because I've just learned that a Google update is in progress. (You'll find a link to a Google PR Checker Tool in my sidebar under Spotlight Posts.) Hopefully, your site's PR has increased with this update.
Writer's Notes Loses PR
Unfortunately, Writer's Notes' PR has decreased from PR 3 to PR 2--which causes me to speculate about whether the decrease could be related to a few sponsored posts I've written lately (after I'd refrained from writing sponsored posts for quite a while). It's always difficult to determine what Google's precise motivation is for cutting a site's PR, and it may be totally unrelated to the mere two sponsored reviews I've posted recently. Quite likely, it has more to do with my blog's decreasing Technorati ranking and authority and its relatively low Alexa ranking. (Though my Alexa ranking is actually improving, it's not the best it's been since I began blogging in early 2007.)
What's Your New PR?
If you don't already have a PR widget on your blog to alert you to fluctuations in your site's PR, why not use the PR checker tool I've placed on my blog for your convenience--or any one of many others that are available online--and find out your blog's latest PR. You may just be pleasantly surprised!
Hope your PR has skyrocketed!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Were you aware that a Google PR Update is in progress before reading this post? Have any thoughts about the Google PR update process? Any great news to share about your new PR? I'd love to hear it!
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September 11th 2008 21:08
Which Term Do You Use?
While I realize this isn't an issue of earth-shattering importance, the question was brought home to me this morning when MS-Word unceremoniously informed me (via the dreaded squiggly red underline) that the word "commenters" was incorrect. (For those of you who may not yet know it, this is the form I use exclusively [and without apology]--at least with reference to the people who comment on blogs.)
Allow me to add here that my personal preference for the word "commenters" over "commentators" is in no way intended as a criticism of those who choose the latter term. However, my mention of this issue is intended to present the reasons for my preference, as well as the reasons why MS-Word--and anyone else who believes the word "commenters" to be second-rate English--is just plain wrong.
Dictionary Definitions
My (print) dictionary tells me that "commenter" is indeed a legitimate term for one who comments, since it happens to be listed as an accepted form of the word "comment." It also defines a "commentator" as either "one who writes commentaries" or "one who discusses or analyzes news events." Personally, I've always tended to view the term "commentator" in this more specialized and official manner.
I am aware, of course, that, because the word "commentaries," used in the first definition, can simply mean "comments," it's also perfectly legitimate to use "commentators" to describe those who comment on blogs. But, my intention in writing this post never was to dispute that fact in the first place, but rather to demonstrate that "commenters" is an equally valid alternative.
Other dictionaries I've consulted (online), however, tend to reinforce my interpretation of the term "commentator" as an expert who writes and/or broadcasts analysis of the news, sports, weather, and the like, most of these websites making no mention of the simple, casual act of "commenting." But, apparently, as in most questions which involve the continuous evolution of the language, there's a great deal of room for interpretation on this issue. So, dear readers, I would contend that the choice is entirely ours.
Judge Not
Nevertheless, I've always been--and I suspect will always remain--partial to the term "commenter" when referring to those who offer feedback on our blog posts. I also suspect that I'll continue to reserve the term "commentator" for more specialized use. You, on the other hand, may choose to do otherwise, and that's certainly your prerogative. I promise not to judge you if you won't judge me.
What's Your Take?
Which term do you prefer and why? Does it bother you to read or hear the alternate term (when used to refer to those who comment on blogs)? If so, why do you think that is? Does one or the other term seem less appropriate or somehow less grammatically correct? I'd sure love to hear your take on the topic!
Question for Those With More Recent Versions of Word
If you have a version of MS-Word that's more recent than 2003, does Spell-Check indicate that the word "commenters" is incorrect? I'm quite curious whether Word has caught up with the times and corrected this anomaly.
For the love of Words!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? What are your own personal thoughts on the "commenters/commentators" issue? Do you care? Do you view it simply as another interesting rhetorical question, or is it a pet peeve of yours? I'd love to hear your thoughts!