Re: proposal: "transference" as a replacement term for "uploading"

Hagbard Celine (hagbard@ix.netcom.com)
Thu, 03 Jul 1997 17:11:38 -0400


Han Y. Huang wrote:

> Also, I find I prefer transference's connotations. Uploading
> has computer geeky, science-fictiony connotations. Transference
> connotes better with a "philosophy of transhumanism."
>
> What do other list members think?

The terminology doesn't matter much to me, really. We're all talking
about the same thing. However I do think that uploading is the
commonly-accepted descriptive. You are sending data to another platform,
this is uploading. I suppose for the new platform, receiving you is akin
to downloading. Either way, it's a transfer. Nonetheless, I'll probably
stick with uploading.

As far as geekiness and SF are concerned, uploading/downloading are
everyday terms these days. IMO, non-geeks and even starched
country-clubbers who've never read SF in their life are just as apt to
use them in idle chit-chat as the most net-savvy cybernaut. Moreover,
even if one doesn't use the terms, one probably knows what it means.

But, of course, I could be wrong.

Regards,

Hagbard