Maybe the scent of an idea for the Moderators.

Hi Guys – I hope you’re all well. I’ve been thinking on and off about this post for sometime, but if this idea has cropped up in the past and already been thrown out of court, then please accept my apologies. :oops: For those of you who have seen my design thread you’ll know that I started reading these forums around July last year. Whilst you may be aware of my overwhelming enthusiasm for the incredible level of advice and expertise they offer, I keep seeing total confusion from ‘posters’, concerning the correct interpretation of English. When I say keep seeing, I mean somewhere in just about every thread I’ve looked at. :shock: I’ve done a quick search on the member list and found 50 or so users who have listed their location as UK or United Kingdom, but I’m sure there’ll be at least a couple of hundred or so others that have put their town or county first. Some of these people that have caught my attention are Redeye from Edinburgh (loads of help from Glenn there), the chap in St neots (whose name escapes me), then there’s Ozzy over in Kent, and last night I discovered Jamie up in Buckinghamshire. As I pointed out to Jamie, in American terms at least, these Guys are all practically neighbours! (Five United Kingdoms, into one Colorado, or whatever.) When you consider that with all of us, and all of you kind fellows, having English as our first language, (sorry if that’s not the case), it seems a bit daft not to have a sort of ‘glossary of terms and definitions’ thing going on, that bridges the language barrier somewhat, not the technical stuff as this is all clearly laid out at the back of Rod’s book, and furthermore, there are already some great stickies up here. I just mean for materials and hardware. Maybe this could eventually become a sticky in itself. To give you just a couple of examples, (and there really are loads!), you Guys know what ‘caulk’ is, but if I held a ‘Mastic Gun’ to your head, would you run? laugh?, or go and get a bucket to catch the ‘caulk’? If, before I started reading here, you asked me to provide a definition of ‘Mud’, I’d have told you that is was the stuff that sticks to the soles of your shoes in a wet field! I would still struggle to accurately explain the RC’s you often refer to in your ceiling assemblies! We even have a Guy in Australia asking John what Roxul 703 is! To be honest I’d love to really be sure about this one too! :? There is further confusion when referring to a product and or, its brand name. If any of us in the UK conducted a survey in any of our home towns, and asked a hundred people to explain what a ‘Dyson’ was, I guarantee at least 80% would say that it was a ‘Hoover’ rather than say it was a ‘Vacuum Cleaner’. That’s really stupid, but it’s true. There must be many examples in the States of exactly the same scenario, but as I mentioned earlier, we all speak totally fluent English. Imagine how confusing this could become for those of us who are Dutch, Swiss, Greek, or Portuguese. I have a simple confession to make, until three weeks ago I’d have been certain that ‘Green Glue’ was what we in the UK call ‘Gripfill’, after all it’s green, in a green tube, and sticks ‘Gyproc’ to anything. Gyproc btw is a make of plasterboard! (getting’ my drift?) :lol: What threw me off this assumption was the price you Chaps kept referring to, then I thought, we must be lucky because that stuff is much cheaper here! I then googled the product and of course now know exactly what it is, and it aint ‘Gripfill’! :evil: My point then Gentlemen, is that we consider providing a quick visual reference for all to understand exactly what we’re all talking about. I’m not suggesting for one minute that MDF be translated into 20 languages but a picture or brief definition of all the main things we keep mentioning might prove very useful to many members, both new and old, and to realise that ‘Codes and Permits’ are what we call ‘Building Regulations and Planning Applications’ is bound to help our ‘European’ colleagues no end. This reference could be added to as and when necessary. One of my favourites is the ‘Fluffy Stuff’. ‘Fluff’ has never made me itch like hell for days on end! I know that this material comes in different thicknesses and densities, but what we’re referring to here (from a UK perspective), is fibre glass loft insulation. :o I sincerely hope this is not coming across as a moan, because I can assure you it isn’t. This is nothing more than an observation with a constructive suggestion. If you feel this might be worth pursuing, I’d be more than happy to take accurate descriptions from you Guys, and then go to a reputable Builder’s Merchants (sorry – hardware store!) and get the answers for the UK chaps, and I feel it would only be a matter of time before other Nationalities got on board. I guess I’m seeing a kind of excel spreadsheet/chart arrangement with the various regional areas listed across the top row – (U.S.A. – Australia – UK – Scandinavia – Central Europe – Eastern Europe – Middle East – Far East – Africa - whatever), photos and brief descriptions of what various things are for down the left hand column, and then the appropriate product/brand names plus alternatives, in the blanks. I also feel that from a Moderator’s point of view, this could save you Guys loads of time in the future. (Providing people read it of course!) :roll: To conclude in a way which I hope ‘rams this point home’, some of you state-side of the pond, might use the same slang word to describe a Woman’s bottom, as we in the UK might use to describe her ‘most private area’, now other than in an adult movie, that could lead to no end of confusion. :shock: Warm regards and thanks as always Guys, Lou. 8)

Great idea, Lou. We all look forward to the glossary of terms you're presently writing. :D Seriously, I think it's a great idea, but I also know that the moderators are busy. Personally, I think some sort of collaborative authorship (like a wiki) might be a good option; then knowledgeable laypersons who like to write can get a good start on entries, then the experts can just clear things up. This could perhaps be expanded into a collaborative reference section.... including a glossary, some basic howtos, FAQs, etc. I personally think this is a really good idea, and I'd be willing to help bring it into being....

Great points. :-) I've seen several (Steve and myself included) make efforts now and then to use multiple regional terms when explaining something... I know that I make an effort to express measurements in both metric and US terms when I can, especially when addressing someone outside the US. I'm sure you appreciate how I entered my location. 8) Anyway, yeah, we're really pressed for time, so anything you can do to get the ball rolling, I'm sure we'll all appreciate. --Keith :mrgreen:

Lou, even though I try to clarify these region-specific terms from time to time, you're absolutely right about having it all in one place - if you're up for it, start a new thread here - title it "GLOSSARY - under construction" or something similar, we'll sticky it, discuss it to death, condense it, and eventually it can be ignored like the REST of the stickies when a newbie asks about a 6-leaf wall he's "designed"... :lol: Seriously though, you start it and let's see what we end up with... Steve

knightfly wrote:

. . . eventually it can be ignored like the REST of the stickies when a newbie asks about a 6-leaf wall he's "designed"... :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Yes many newbies ignore the stickies - just like your new software's "Read Me" file :wink: - BUT some forum users do their due diligence and try very hard to absorb what is stickied and post accordingly after reading and searching. A glossary is an EXCELLENT idea and I for one do actually read the "Read Me" files these days and would be happy to contribute. So, if Lou can kick us off please (so it does not look as if I have hijacked his idea) :twisted: I will check the "notify me when a reply is posted" and contribute accordingly with what I have gathered since last July as well. Nice one guys - thanks Lou 8)

That's very true -- so often the infamous examples of blatant non-reading/non-study overshadow those who absorb gobs of information and allow it to influence their plans and questions. :D --Keith :mrgreen:

Actually if never gets read again I will enjoy reading it as it unfolds. Or maye you guys should just learn to talk like us. A lift is what I give my wife to the hair dresser not an elevator. A torch is what cavemen used to carry not a flashlight. :P All kidding aside it will be a learnig experience for all. Tom

Hi all, Just thought I'd add that I think it's a great idea, it would have certainly saved me some confusion so far (and may well do in the future). Also, I couldn't allow an American to have the last word.... :lol: ....for suggesting that we learn to speak like you guys - the last time I checked it was called the English language after all.... Pants should definately be worn under your trousers. Pavement is far more than a great band, it could save your life. Besides, we came up with all the great bands of the last forty years anyway......(slightly controversial) Let the arguments begin! :) :) Jamie.

Jamie :D

Besides, we came up with all the great bands of the last forty years anyway......(slightly controversial)

Slightly? We could get this rolling like Keith and Roman are about their cars :lol: Tom

That's a pretty audacious claim, given that most of the great British bands over the last half-decade freely admit they they are just nicking American blues artists.... LOL Not that I'm for any form of nationalism.... indeed most of my favorite bands are probably British.... 8)

Bloody hell!!!!!!!!!!!!! (That’s very English, and not offensive!) I won’t bore you with my mental day, or complain about my sore hands after playing for ten hours solid at a guitar session in Guildford (Surrey, not Maine!). I’ve just decided to check for any response to my ‘idea’ post, and again, ‘Bloody hell!’ :o :o Ok, so you kindly accept my point, thank you. (Be honest, it was my last paragraph that clinched it! Wasn’t it?) I hope I make a good job of replying to this, but if there are any typos, please excuse me, I’m just typing what I’m thinking, as I think it! Jwl – I just knew you’d know where I was coming from on this one. You describe exactly what I had in mind ie a small collection of enthusiastic members who could potentially act on behalf of their fellow countrymen, to ensure that an easy to understand reference was available, so that any queries on materials and their usage, could be quickly and clearly explained. This will surely take quite some time to achieve, but ultimately, I hope it would put the Moderators in such a position that they could confidently suggest it as recommended reading. Keith – Thank you for the kind remarks and, although off topic, glad to know you’re Ok but gutted for you about the ‘prang’ (English slang for damage to a car!). My girlfriend would have been inconsolable if it had been her RX8! (Told you we had a few things in common - pic available on request!). :wink: Steve – what can I say? I’ve only been around these forums for a very short time, and I’ve suddenly, somehow got a green light on a sticky in 2 minutes shy of 5 hours! :?: That’s gotta’ be a record! Thank you for your support on this, very much appreciated. Sideshow – you star, great build, and the most awesome chalk marks I’ve ever seen! Seriously, thank you too for your kind comments, and your offer to contribute. TomVan – nothing like cool humour my friend, however, I think you’ll find certain people on these forums would give their wives a ‘ride’ to the hairdressers, whereas I’m quite certain you wouldn’t ask any of your friends to give your wife a ride! Jamie - Nice to know you've seen this as well Mate, and thanks for the kind remarks. Now, it’s great that we’re all in agreement, but to keep Steve and Keith doing what they already do so well, we’re gonna have to take the bull by the horns on this one and let those guys oversee it. It has to be researched thoroughly to make it effective, so that those doing the homework in various regions feel confident with what they input. Here comes the bit I was thinking about whilst starting the thread. For me Guys, the title of this potential sticky has to be something along the lines of: GLOSSARY OF MATERIALS – USA/UK/Europe/Australasia – please read this. I think that such a title would be the most effective way of encouraging the very people we’re trying to inform, to actually READ! Only last night I read ‘nymo’s thread (Soultree Studio in Australia, half way down page 2) where he talks about ‘Yellowtongue’ he described it as "Like an MDF". Keith, if you recall, you (quite correctly) said, ‘I don’t think that stuff likes to get wet, hopefully it’s only the top sheet’ (or something along those lines). Gentlemen, unless I’m completely mistaken, that material was not MDF at all, but instead ‘Chipboard’, tongue and groove for sure, possibly even treated, but about as close to MDF as coffee is to orange juice! If that wasn’t a typo, perhaps we should ask him for a closer pic or ask Sideshow if he could try to confirm my opinion. If ‘Yellowtongue’ is MDF, what do Australians call ‘Chipboard’? Just curious. Particle board perhaps.:?: To sum up and get the ball rolling, I’m more than happy to take care of things from the UK point of view, Jwl If we could take you up on your kind offer to look after the American interpretation, that would be great, and Sideshow, again, if you don’t mind taking care of our Australian cousins, that would be awesome. With your permission, I’ll pm AndreasB to see if he would be up for looking after the Scandinavians, if he is, then hey, we’ve made an excellent start in a very short space of time. I’ll happily collate the contributions and put them into postable format – ready to be uploaded to the sticky by the Mods. I’d also encourage any member who sees a photo/description of something “new” that they don’t recognise, to request the poster to elaborate (with photos if possible), for identification. I’m totally stacked out now (busy) until the end of the month, but at some point I want to visit some local suppliers to ask a few pertinent questions. By that I mean go to my local Trade Supplier and ask for a product or material I’ve learned about here. This, I assure you, will only be an exercise in research, but I will post my findings in a kind of interview/diary sort of thing, so that we all know if we’re on the right track. (If there’s a blank face behind a trade counter in the UK, you can bet your bottom dollar there’ll be similar ones elsewhere in the world!) So Guys if you can bear with me until I get some free time, I’ll get an initial list sorted, perhaps even make a start on the spreadsheet, and then email Jwl, Sideshow, and hopefully Andreas, so that we get a good initial draft. Let me know your thoughts, and many thanks again Guys! Warm regards, Lou. 8)