Gerry McGovern’s blog today discusses language in a riveting post that also addresses the (mainly) online business aspect of today’s language. He says, in part that “search is the greatest laboratory of human behavior that has ever existed.”
McGovern talks about how various global governments are trying to change the name of swine flu, and why it is too late. The issue is important, and I recommend you take time to read his brief but focused thoughts.
He indicates that when words such as “swine flu” go wild on the Web, “you must use those words because otherwise you will not be found. If you are not found then you are not useful. Before you have any chance of shifting the debate, you must first become part of it. Using the wrong words,” says McGovern, “is like ships passing in the night: you are going one way and your customer is going another.
This powerful message on communication provides links that help reinforce his premise.