Commenters or Commentators?
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!
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Comment by Chris Champion
moneywhither
Vyoos
Zoomies
Bloggercises
NewlyOld
The Blog of Lists
As far as this subject goes, I think this is the best commentatory I have seen.
Regards,
Chris
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
I deserved that! Thanks for starting this conversation off with a bit of light-hearted perspective!
Jeanne
Comment by Amy Derby
Comment by Amy Derby
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Yay! One vote for commenter!
Seriously, though, commentator always seems overly formal to me--and as I described it in my post, too official--to be used for our online friends who share their thoughts and experiences with us on our blogs. Somehow, I just can't picture my blog's community being composed of commentators! LOL! Sounds a little too much like a news report, to me.
Thanks for being a bona-fide Writer's Notes' commenter!
Jeanne
Comment by Lillie Ammann
I agree with you 100%—a commentator is one of those talking heads on TV or someone who writes about news. A commenter is someone who leaves a comment.
I just typed commenter into Word 2007 and did not get an error. However, I don't remember if I added it to the dictionary or if it was already there.
Comment by Brad Shorr
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Another vote for commenter! (I may just be on to something, here.)
The line of reasoning we both share on this topic makes perfect sense. Yet, I'm still willing to "live and let live" when it comes to other people's choice of terminology--as I'm sure you are also.
Thanks for checking Word 2007 for me. While we still can't be absolutely sure Word actually "gets it" now (since you may have added "commenter" to the dictionary), I figure it's fairly likely the program has in fact been updated to reflect the correctness of the term.
Thanks for the visit!
Jeanne
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Like you, I'm fairly stubborn when I believe I'm right about a term (or anything else related to the English language), and I tend to stick to my guns--which, incidentally, is precisely the way "unconventional" usages become accepted over time, contributing to the perpetual evolution of the language. (I'm certainly more than happy to do my part in that regard; though, of course, in this instance, the term already happens to be correct.)
In fact, there are a few words I intentionally "mispronounce," because, to my mind, there's no valid reason in the world for them to be pronounced in the accepted manner and I often find doing so more than a little ridiculous. (Rules can definitely be taken too far.)
For example, I consider placing the accent on the first syllable of the word "hydrogenated" (rather than on the second) to be a much more sensible pronunciation--regardless of whether that may be the usual rule of thumb in such cases. The rules of English are littered with exceptions, and in my estimation, this is one of them. Placing the accent on the second syllable of this word sounds just plain ridiculous to me.
Another of my pet peeves, when it comes to pronunciation, is the term "analagous." Personally, I don't care in the least that there's no "i" or "e" at the beginning of the suffix. (Perhaps there should be.) Pronouncing this word with a hard "g" seems the height of silliness to me! After all, as we all know, the root word, "analogy" is pronounced with a soft "g," so it only makes sense to retain that and thereby retain the original flavor and character of the word.
I certainly did go off on a bit of a tangent, didn't I?
Thanks for "sounding off" on a fascinating topic: words! I really enjoy your thoughtful input on the subject! (Hope I don't receive too much criticism for my unconventional pronunciation of the above words!)
Jeanne
P.S. So far the vote is 3 to 0, in favor of commenter.
Comment by dcr
Comment by Wilson Pon
Health 2 Know
Techno Stuffs
BY the way, me also go with the Commenters as well, as if you're making a comment at someone blog, then you should be the "commenter" rather than "commentator"!
Note: Speaking about the anamoly, it did remind me of the UK sci-fi series, "Primeval"...
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
So true! Perhaps we could express our appreciation to our more prolific commenters by giving them the honorary title of commentator. Not a bad idea at all...
Thanks for your input!
Jeanne
P.S. I'll count that as a vote for commenter, since we are, after all, discussing blog comments and you seem to use commenter more often in that context.
Vote, so far: 4 to 0, in favor of commenter.
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
I'm really enjoying getting everyone's opinion on this issue! Thanks for adding your voice to this informal Writer's Notes poll!
Hadn't heard of the UK "Primeval" sci-fi series, but glad to bring it to mind, since I assume you like the show.
Thanks for your feedback!
Jeanne
P.S. Latest poll update: Vote is now 5 to 0, in favor of commenter.
Comment by Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Thanks for weighing in on our topic! I wasn't aware that WordPress uses the word commentator (or if I have ever noticed it, I've long since forgotten).
Appreciate the visit!
Jeanne
P.S. Latest vote talley: 6 to 0, in favor of commenter.
Comment by Bobby Revell
Haha...that really bothers me
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Thanks for your input! Most people tend to have a definite preference for one term over the other, but there's certainly something to be said for varying our terminology!
Unquestionably, there are many far more important issues than which of these two terms to use-- awkwardly phrased questions, for instance!
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
Jeanne
P.S. Our vote now seems to be 6-1/2 to 1/2, in favor of commenter!