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Brendan Tompkins [MVP]

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Moratorium on using the term "Story" in an IT context

I hereby declare a moratorium on any IT salesperson or presenter from the word “story“ in presentations. You may notice that this has become somewhat of a staple with phrases such as the following:

“With product [x] we at [x]soft are telling a compelling story.” or

“The story we're telling with product line [x] is exciting.”

Bleah! It's my all time most hated business speak, and I'm doing something about it. So, listen up all you marketing people. As of today, NO MORE USING THE WORD STORY to describe your product and how you see us using it! Just tell us what it does. Use plain English! Just say, “Here's a cool way you can use our product“ Trust me, we'll respect you more, and will be more likely to buy your products! Do you part to support my cause, and spread the word about this moratorium!

-Brendan

Published Jan 07 2004, 09:02 AM by Brendan Tompkins

Comments

John said:

I propose a moratorium on people proposing moratoriums.

In conclusion, I propose a moratorium on Mr. Tompkins proposing future moratoriums.

# January 7, 2004 5:09 AM

Randolf said:

I second that motion. Further, I propose a moratorium on people who comment on moratorium proposals.

In conclusion, I propose a moratorium on John posting comments about Brendan proposing a moratorium. Therefore, a moratorium on proposing or commenting on moratoriums should be supported.

# January 7, 2004 5:12 AM

John said:

Hey Rudolf, why don't you stick your red nose somewhere else... I propose a moratorium on YOU!

# January 7, 2004 5:17 AM

Randolf said:

My name is Randolf. I propose a moratorium on your bad spelling!

# January 7, 2004 5:18 AM

Bert Sancloth said:

Despite these two moratorium doofs, I will gladly support this moratorium. I think it is completely not a waste of time. I feel that this would benefit me tremendously in my profession. Thank you so much for your courage to bring this issue to light!

Blog on Mr. Tompkins, BLOG ON!

# January 7, 2004 5:22 AM

Brendan Tompkins said:

Thank you to all who have been supporting my RFM (Request for Moratorium) ... I feel that by declaring your own moratoriums, you have each embraced the spirit of the New Year, and moratoriums in general. In your own way have, in fact, supported my orginial moritorium, even if only because you are behind moratoriums in general. Remember, "the moratorium the merrier."

# January 7, 2004 5:23 AM

John said:

Bravo!

# January 7, 2004 5:26 AM

Randolf said:

Yippy!

# January 7, 2004 5:26 AM

Bert Sancloth said:

Go Moratoriums, Go Moratoriums, Go Moratoriums!!!

# January 7, 2004 5:27 AM

Hugh Johnson said:

A moment of silence, please...

# January 7, 2004 5:32 AM

Mark Bonafe said:

Did something strange enter the food supply today?

# January 7, 2004 7:27 AM

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About Brendan Tompkins

Brendan has been programming with .NET since the first public beta and is owner and operator of Port Technology Services, a consultancy company providing .NET application development services to the Maritime industry. In July, 2007, he was awarded the Microsoft MVP award for ASP.NET. He's also a proud co-founder of failed .COM startup Intrinsigo, and has had a hand in the failure of numerous other businesses. He currently runs CodeBetter.Com and Devlicio.us, and lives in Norfolk, Virgina with his wife Tiara and son Ian.