The story and intent of the Two-word thread
Dec 9, 2016 9:27:12 GMT -8
rebeccad, johnnyray, and 1 more like this
Post by desert dweller on Dec 9, 2016 9:27:12 GMT -8
Years ago in an earlier iteration of the backpacker forum software, one of the regulars (atvtuner, I think. Please forgive me if I'm wrong.) started the "One-word Thread". It didn't get very far mainly because a one-word thread is, basically, just a list of words. I started the "Two-word Thread" (per post) arguing that words need a "qualifier", something to give a word more depth and provide content.
Atvtuner and I began a dialog about the two-words. He argued that one word would be enough. I disagreed. Two words are a "phrase" and can convey concepts, action, non-nonsensical terms, just about anything. There is more than a list of words. It sounds simple and mostly is. But, when "themes" are thrown in then some thought has to be put into the response. For example, I may start with the phrase, "Shadowfax gallops". A person who is familiar with the Hobbit stuff knows that Shadowfax was the name of Gandalf's horse and may with reply with "White stallion". (Shadowfax is also the name of a jazz-fusion band.)
Sometimes rhymes are the theme and coming up with two words that fit the pattern, and rhyme, can require some imagination. There is no requirement to follow a theme someone has started and anyone can post any two words they want. (See the original post by me to see the few rules.) Instead of following "Shadowfax gallops" a person can counter with something completely unrelated like, "Skywalker's Force" and take the thread into a different galaxy, so to speak.
Two-words can be simple or hard to come up with. I don't care what language or form they take. But, I have no desire to take the extra step it may take to decode or translate the term. I'm just lazy, I guess. Plus, not all words have to be "real". For example, I have used the phrase, "Dudn't matter" or have used hyphenated words to create one word out of two. "Bird-like eyes" can be acceptable.
So, what's the intent? Well, to use your imagination, to convey concepts, to challenge others or to give yourself something to think about. Plus, it's a great way to increase your post count, if that is something that is important to you.
Having fun is the goal.
ETA (19 January 2022) Also allowed is a "parenthetical exception". This allows a person to add a few details about the two-word term they have posted. Do this by putting a few sentences in parentheses under the two-word entry.
Atvtuner and I began a dialog about the two-words. He argued that one word would be enough. I disagreed. Two words are a "phrase" and can convey concepts, action, non-nonsensical terms, just about anything. There is more than a list of words. It sounds simple and mostly is. But, when "themes" are thrown in then some thought has to be put into the response. For example, I may start with the phrase, "Shadowfax gallops". A person who is familiar with the Hobbit stuff knows that Shadowfax was the name of Gandalf's horse and may with reply with "White stallion". (Shadowfax is also the name of a jazz-fusion band.)
Sometimes rhymes are the theme and coming up with two words that fit the pattern, and rhyme, can require some imagination. There is no requirement to follow a theme someone has started and anyone can post any two words they want. (See the original post by me to see the few rules.) Instead of following "Shadowfax gallops" a person can counter with something completely unrelated like, "Skywalker's Force" and take the thread into a different galaxy, so to speak.
Two-words can be simple or hard to come up with. I don't care what language or form they take. But, I have no desire to take the extra step it may take to decode or translate the term. I'm just lazy, I guess. Plus, not all words have to be "real". For example, I have used the phrase, "Dudn't matter" or have used hyphenated words to create one word out of two. "Bird-like eyes" can be acceptable.
So, what's the intent? Well, to use your imagination, to convey concepts, to challenge others or to give yourself something to think about. Plus, it's a great way to increase your post count, if that is something that is important to you.
Having fun is the goal.
ETA (19 January 2022) Also allowed is a "parenthetical exception". This allows a person to add a few details about the two-word term they have posted. Do this by putting a few sentences in parentheses under the two-word entry.
