Manual: Introduction-Terminology

Terminology....terminology...terminology. One Chapter calls itself an "Association", another calls itself a "Group", another describes itself as "Fred's Referees" and still others have no name. There are also those that think a League is a set of Teams or the name of the Organization, or even the name of the sanctioning Authority. Is a competition between two Teams a Match or a Game? Is it a Referee in the middle of the pitch or an Official????

Inherently, it is impossible to communicate effectively about automated systems unless there is an accepted definition for every key Term and phrase. RidgeStar encourages a standardization on how we use Terms (see Information: Terminology). However, even with standardization, it is quite normal for one Client to use a term that means something different than the next Client.

The keys are:

1. Every site has one and only definition for a Term within the context of that Site
2. Term definitions are published and available to Visitors of the Site
3. Site Users receive direct reinforcement through periodic meetings and training as to what the Terms mean and how they are used in the context of the Site

Setting a Site's Terminology IS CRITICAL. It provides a key foundation for an effective and properly functional Site. Without it, frustration levels rise amongst everyone involved and very little progress is made. Say it to yourself....over and over....until you understand it: