Comments on: Normob is ‘ugly word’, use ‘people’ instead http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html Daily news and opinion for 250,000 industry executives and mobile fanatics Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:14:00 +0100 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ben Smith http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-243061 Ben Smith Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:48:22 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-243061 'Mobtard'... Awesome. I'm going to start using that for people with pink RAZRs. 'Mobtard'… Awesome. I'm going to start using that for people with pink RAZRs.

]]> By: ollysk2 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-243060 ollysk2 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:26:12 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-243060 Man, such a fuss over a word that's not that bad (I happen to like it) -- at least it's not "mobtard" or something like that. Man, such a fuss over a word that's not that bad (I happen to like it) — at least it's not “mobtard” or something like that.

]]> By: Ben Smith http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236427 Ben Smith Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:48:22 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236427 'Mobtard'... Awesome. I'm going to start using that for people with pink RAZRs. 'Mobtard'… Awesome. I'm going to start using that for people with pink RAZRs.

]]> By: ollysk2 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236424 ollysk2 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:26:12 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236424 Man, such a fuss over a word that's not that bad (I happen to like it) -- at least it's not "mobtard" or something like that. Man, such a fuss over a word that's not that bad (I happen to like it) — at least it's not “mobtard” or something like that.

]]> By: Anand http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236188 Anand Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:12:14 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236188 Till it gets universally accepted, say normob, and the question is going to be 'Now what's that'..you eventually end up expanding it as well!<br><br>anyway, for the sake of it, here's my suggestion - use 'Laymob' - Layman Mobile user. It's easier to pronounce as well! :) Till it gets universally accepted, say normob, and the question is going to be 'Now what's that'..you eventually end up expanding it as well!

anyway, for the sake of it, here's my suggestion – use 'Laymob' – Layman Mobile user. It's easier to pronounce as well! :)

]]> By: Mike42 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236157 Mike42 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:01:21 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236157 But the whole point was that NorMob is just unpalatable to many. So we need a replacement.<br><br>'People' and 'ProMob' is OK in my book. But the whole point was that NorMob is just unpalatable to many. So we need a replacement.

'People' and 'ProMob' is OK in my book.

]]> By: Mike42 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236154 Mike42 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:01:21 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236154 But the whole point was that NorMob is just unpalatable to many. So we need a replacement.<br><br>'People' and 'ProMob' is OK in my book. But the whole point was that NorMob is just unpalatable to many. So we need a replacement.

'People' and 'ProMob' is OK in my book.

]]> By: Matt http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236152 Matt Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:46:40 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236152 Hi Ewan, Thanks for picking up on my plea, and to MIR's readers for debating the issue in the comments above. I understand that the word "people" on its own may not work for what you're trying to say, but then "normob" (and his fancier cousin "the average normob") have a similar weakness: to be meaningful, almost any statement about behaviour in a group of 4 billion would have to be qualified with some basic geography or demographics. And the fact that the first comment included a knob joke rather proves my point about the connotations, I think :) Best regards, Matt Hi Ewan, Thanks for picking up on my plea, and to MIR's readers for debating the issue in the comments above. I understand that the word “people” on its own may not work for what you're trying to say, but then “normob” (and his fancier cousin “the average normob”) have a similar weakness: to be meaningful, almost any statement about behaviour in a group of 4 billion would have to be qualified with some basic geography or demographics. And the fact that the first comment included a knob joke rather proves my point about the connotations, I think :) Best regards, Matt

]]> By: Matt http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236143 Matt Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:46:40 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236143 Hi Ewan, Thanks for picking up on my plea, and to MIR's readers for debating the issue in the comments above. I understand that the word "people" on its own may not work for what you're trying to say, but then "normob" (and his fancier cousin "the average normob") have a similar weakness: to be meaningful, almost any statement about behaviour in a group of 4 billion would have to be qualified with some basic geography or demographics. And the fact that the first comment included a knob joke rather proves my point about the connotations, I think :) Best regards, Matt Hi Ewan, Thanks for picking up on my plea, and to MIR's readers for debating the issue in the comments above. I understand that the word “people” on its own may not work for what you're trying to say, but then “normob” (and his fancier cousin “the average normob”) have a similar weakness: to be meaningful, almost any statement about behaviour in a group of 4 billion would have to be qualified with some basic geography or demographics. And the fact that the first comment included a knob joke rather proves my point about the connotations, I think :) Best regards, Matt

]]> By: Ben Smith http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236096 Ben Smith Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:05:05 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236096 Oh Michael...<br><br>I'm not proposing 'Normobs' and 'People'... I'm saying 'Normobs' and 'Promobs'.<br><br>People = (Nonmobs, Normobs, Promobs)<br><br>Promob = (Industry types, Geeks, Stephen Fry)<br>Nonmob = (Amish, Luddites, Lost tribes, etc)<br>Normob = People - (Nonmob + Promob)<br><br>There... I think that's cleared it up.<br><br>Now, that dance... *hums* Oh Michael…

I'm not proposing 'Normobs' and 'People'… I'm saying 'Normobs' and 'Promobs'.

People = (Nonmobs, Normobs, Promobs)

Promob = (Industry types, Geeks, Stephen Fry)
Nonmob = (Amish, Luddites, Lost tribes, etc)
Normob = People – (Nonmob + Promob)

There… I think that's cleared it up.

Now, that dance… *hums*

]]> By: mike42 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236095 mike42 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:49:41 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236095 eh? I'd warrant that 'Geek' is much better understood than 'NorMob' is. 'Geek' requires zero explanation to non-mobile types. I work in the industry, yet most of my colleagues are definitely 'normobs' - they come to me with handset issues all the time. I am the office geek, unapologetically. That's fine. <br><br>If we want to distinguish between those who understand the various mobile OS / UI and those who don't, differentiating between 'People' and 'geeks' is much easier than 'Normobs' and 'people'.<br><br>Now then, how about we do some interpretive dance to describe the new Norman Foster building? eh? I'd warrant that 'Geek' is much better understood than 'NorMob' is. 'Geek' requires zero explanation to non-mobile types. I work in the industry, yet most of my colleagues are definitely 'normobs' – they come to me with handset issues all the time. I am the office geek, unapologetically. That's fine.

If we want to distinguish between those who understand the various mobile OS / UI and those who don't, differentiating between 'People' and 'geeks' is much easier than 'Normobs' and 'people'.

Now then, how about we do some interpretive dance to describe the new Norman Foster building?

]]> By: Ben Smith http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236094 Ben Smith Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:44:17 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236094 But generally, as much as we laugh about it, 'geeks' would be considered 'people' too and so readers who don't the background will draw the wrong conclusion about the group being referred to. At least 'normob' is clear even if it needs defining initially. But generally, as much as we laugh about it, 'geeks' would be considered 'people' too and so readers who don't the background will draw the wrong conclusion about the group being referred to. At least 'normob' is clear even if it needs defining initially.

]]> By: Ben Smith http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236093 Ben Smith Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:05:05 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236093 Oh Michael...<br><br>I'm not proposing 'Normobs' and 'People'... I'm saying 'Normobs' and 'Promobs'.<br><br>People = (Nonmobs, Normobs, Promobs)<br><br>Promob = (Industry types, Geeks, Stephen Fry)<br>Nonmob = (Amish, Luddites, Lost tribes, etc)<br>Normob = People - (Nonmob + Promob)<br><br>There... I think that's cleared it up.<br><br>Now, that dance... *hums*<br>Normob = !(Nonmob, Promob) Oh Michael…

I'm not proposing 'Normobs' and 'People'… I'm saying 'Normobs' and 'Promobs'.

People = (Nonmobs, Normobs, Promobs)

Promob = (Industry types, Geeks, Stephen Fry)
Nonmob = (Amish, Luddites, Lost tribes, etc)
Normob = People – (Nonmob + Promob)

There… I think that's cleared it up.

Now, that dance… *hums*
Normob = !(Nonmob, Promob)

]]> By: mike42 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236092 mike42 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:49:41 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236092 eh? I'd warrant that 'Geek' is much better understood than 'NorMob' is. 'Geek' requires zero explanation to non-mobile types. I work in the industry, yet most of my colleagues are definitely 'normobs' - they come to me with handset issues all the time. I am the office geek, unapologetically. That's fine. <br><br>If we want to distinguish between those who understand the various mobile OS / UI and those who don't, differentiating between 'People' and 'geeks' is much easier than 'Normobs' and 'people'.<br><br>Now then, how about we do some interpretive dance to describe the new Norman Foster building? eh? I'd warrant that 'Geek' is much better understood than 'NorMob' is. 'Geek' requires zero explanation to non-mobile types. I work in the industry, yet most of my colleagues are definitely 'normobs' – they come to me with handset issues all the time. I am the office geek, unapologetically. That's fine.

If we want to distinguish between those who understand the various mobile OS / UI and those who don't, differentiating between 'People' and 'geeks' is much easier than 'Normobs' and 'people'.

Now then, how about we do some interpretive dance to describe the new Norman Foster building?

]]> By: Ben Smith http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236089 Ben Smith Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:44:17 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236089 But generally, as much as we laugh about it, 'geeks' would be considered 'people' too and so readers who don't the background will draw the wrong conclusion about the group being referred to. At least 'normob' is clear even if it needs defining initially. But generally, as much as we laugh about it, 'geeks' would be considered 'people' too and so readers who don't the background will draw the wrong conclusion about the group being referred to. At least 'normob' is clear even if it needs defining initially.

]]> By: Mike42 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236070 Mike42 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:42:39 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236070 I think 'people' and 'geeks' is the best division. The geeks don't care - it's a badge of honour - and the 'people' who find most mobiles so appaling to use are in the vast majority. It's the geeks who are obsessed/sad enough to change their ways to fit in with a crap experience, therefore I have no qualms in highlighting them as the odd ones out. <br><br>We use people and geeks in workdiscussions to remind us who's important. And it ain't the geeks :-) I think 'people' and 'geeks' is the best division. The geeks don't care – it's a badge of honour – and the 'people' who find most mobiles so appaling to use are in the vast majority. It's the geeks who are obsessed/sad enough to change their ways to fit in with a crap experience, therefore I have no qualms in highlighting them as the odd ones out.

We use people and geeks in workdiscussions to remind us who's important. And it ain't the geeks :-)

]]> By: Steve Howard http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-243852 Steve Howard Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:14:10 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-243852 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Normob is ‘ugly word’, use ‘people’ instead - shame, cose those of use who aren't know exactly what it means http://tinyurl.com/c84b8p</span> <div class="topsy_trackback_links">[<a href="http://twitter.com/Stevehoward999/status/">Original tweet</a>, <a href="http://topsy.com/tb/www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html">Topsy page</a>]</div></span> Normob is ‘ugly word’, use ‘people’ instead – shame, cose those of use who aren’t know exactly what it means http://tinyurl.com/c84b8p

[Original tweet, Topsy page]

]]> By: Mike42 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236066 Mike42 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:42:39 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236066 I think 'people' and 'geeks' is the best division. The geeks don't care - it's a badge of honour - and the 'people' who find most mobiles so appaling to use are in the vast majority. It's the geeks who are obsessed/sad enough to change their ways to fit in with a crap experience, therefore I have no qualms in highlighting them as the odd ones out. <br><br>We use people and geeks in workdiscussions to remind us who's important. And it ain't the geeks :-) I think 'people' and 'geeks' is the best division. The geeks don't care – it's a badge of honour – and the 'people' who find most mobiles so appaling to use are in the vast majority. It's the geeks who are obsessed/sad enough to change their ways to fit in with a crap experience, therefore I have no qualms in highlighting them as the odd ones out.

We use people and geeks in workdiscussions to remind us who's important. And it ain't the geeks :-)

]]> By: DanLane http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236063 DanLane Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:20:50 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236063 Wait a second... I know that wink.... I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT ME!!!<br><br>I'm a perfectly civilised human being with a wide range of interests. Wait a second… I know that wink…. I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT ME!!!

I'm a perfectly civilised human being with a wide range of interests.

]]> By: binarylife http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236062 binarylife Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:47:12 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236062 you said it, Dan ;) you said it, Dan ;)

]]> By: norcalbarney http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236064 norcalbarney Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:25:19 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236064 I think NorMob is fine! By the time NorMobs become... Powerusers(?) and start reading MIR, they'll know the difference and won't be offended.<br><br>Besides, what's wrong with poking fun at the Unwashed Masses that are Too Stupid to get a decent device and use it? I'm into expensive fones, let me feel superior! : ) Totally joking, mostly. I think NorMob is fine! By the time NorMobs become… Powerusers(?) and start reading MIR, they'll know the difference and won't be offended.

Besides, what's wrong with poking fun at the Unwashed Masses that are Too Stupid to get a decent device and use it? I'm into expensive fones, let me feel superior! : ) Totally joking, mostly.

]]> By: DanLane http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236058 DanLane Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:20:50 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236058 Wait a second... I know that wink.... I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT ME!!!<br><br>I'm a perfectly civilised human being with a wide range of interests. Wait a second… I know that wink…. I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT ME!!!

I'm a perfectly civilised human being with a wide range of interests.

]]> By: binarylife http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236057 binarylife Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:47:12 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236057 you said it, Dan ;) you said it, Dan ;)

]]> By: norcalbarney http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-236051 norcalbarney Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:25:19 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-236051 I think NorMob is fine! By the time NorMobs become... Powerusers(?) and start reading MIR, they'll know the difference and won't be offended.<br><br>Besides, what's wrong with poking fun at the Unwashed Masses that are Too Stupid to get a decent device and use it? I'm into expensive fones, let me feel superior! : ) Totally joking, mostly. I think NorMob is fine! By the time NorMobs become… Powerusers(?) and start reading MIR, they'll know the difference and won't be offended.

Besides, what's wrong with poking fun at the Unwashed Masses that are Too Stupid to get a decent device and use it? I'm into expensive fones, let me feel superior! : ) Totally joking, mostly.

]]> By: Steve Howard http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2009/01/normob_is_ugly_word_use_people_instead.html/comment-page-1#comment-246639 Steve Howard Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:14:10 +0000 http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/?p=14214#comment-246639 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Normob is ‘ugly word’, use ‘people’ instead - shame, cose those of use who aren't know exactly what it means http://tinyurl.com/c84b8p</span></span> Normob is ‘ugly word’, use ‘people’ instead – shame, cose those of use who aren’t know exactly what it means http://tinyurl.com/c84b8p

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