While I agree with Wiki’s definition, I’d like to further define by adding: visual appeal is very important for an infographic, and successful ones incorporate the subject matter of the information/data/knowledge into the visual presentation. I made an interesting observation a month or so ago about the three guys in the R+M office who ride motorcycles, and thought it would make a great example to illustrate my point.

In addition to simply visualizing the data, I’ve incorporated the motorcycle theme into several elements of the graphic. This adds visual interest and sets the tone for the type of information displayed.

Now back to our original question – why are they so popular these days? Well, they’ve actually been around for a while. Here’s the classic historic example from 1861 that show’s Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. As for the infographic’s surge in popularity today, the Internet has had a major effect on this phenomenon. It brings us more information, more access, more quickly. And we, as consumers, have grown accustomed to digesting this increased amount of information in concise chunks. Plus, what’s not to love about displaying information in easily digestible and aesthetically appealing ways? This infographic tells us that 90% of the information that comes to the brain is visual. That alone is a pretty compelling metric.

Because of their recent growth in popularity, infographics are rapidly becoming big web traffic drivers. In this post, Emma Fox gives us a few pointers on how to use infographics to create compelling blog content.

There are a several Internet entities now that are totally dedicated to graphical information display and some are starting to capitalize on the infographic trend. Visual.ly recently introduced a new service called “Marketplace,”  where they connect you with an infographic designer specific to your infographic needs. Need to visualize the rise and fall of the Wu-Tang Clan through their discography? Too late, it’s already been done. But Visual.ly can hook you up with the designer who developed it!

And then there’s infogr.am, which cuts out the designer completely. This site allows any Joe Schmo to create his own infographics using a templated approach. “Create more than 30 chart types. Anything from bubble charts and tree maps to simple pie charts.”

Taking this approach puts your infographic at risk for being considered part of the “charts and graphs” family – where is the value in that? Do we want our infographics to become that generic?  Shouldn’t they be tailored to the unique information we are trying to convey to our audience? This brings me back to my extended definition of an infographic: incorporate the subject matter into the visuals.

Infographics are here to stay. With the rise of the social data revolution and big data, expect to see more and more infographics permeating the internet.

Norton commented, “We were all amped to be a part of building a dream for a family who didn’t think home ownership was possible. That’s pretty awesome.” He added, “We all wrote notes on the 2x4s of what the experience meant to us, and what we hoped for the family. It made it that much more special.”

It was a successful event that was as emotional as it was hard work, but worth every drop of sweat. And everyone walked away with all of their appendages intact. FYI, Norton only suffered a single hammer blow to one of his digits, but all remain intact.

What is marketing automation? Let’s get the dry explanation out of the way and then we’ll see how Star Wars can help us better understand it.

Marketing automation is a software platform that incorporates multiple technologies (typically a website, CRM and a tool like Marketo, Pardot or Act-On) designed to automate repetitive tasks performed by marketing departments AND sales departments, bridging the gap we often see between the two.

A marketing automation solution can engage a prospect, measure the response, segment prospects based on their behavior and repeat the process until the anonymous becomes a marketing-qualified lead and then a sales-qualified lead. Instead of a sales person working with an entire database of unqualified leads, he/she can focus on the prospects who have qualified themselves based on their own interactions within the automated system. Delivering the right message to the right prospect at the right time enables you to engage the most qualified prospects.

Curious how this process works? You’re ready for our Star Wars translation.

Step 1: An email blast goes out to your list and encourages recipients to visit your website and download a white paper.

Step 1 Star Wars translation: Princess Leia (the marketing department) begins a “campaign” to gain additional support for the Rebel Alliance in its struggle against the Empire. Her “CRM list” ultimately consists of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, Han Solo and Chewbacca. Her “email blast” is carried out by R2-D2 (when she uploaded the stolen plans for the Death Star). The content of the email or “call-to-action” is: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.”

Step 2: Some recipients respond. They visit the site, complete a form and download the whitepaper. Other recipients don’t respond … yet.

Step 2 Star Wars translation: Obi-Wan was all in – he responded immediately and positively to her request (hot lead) by wanting to help. Luke Skywalker was initially hesitant, but was soon convinced he needed to accompany Obi-Wan to Alderaan (warm lead). Han Solo and Chewbacca were not interested at all, but reluctantly agreed to take them to Alderaan (cold leads).

Step 3: The system tracks activity on the site, then scores and segments the leads into appropriate content flows. Now, your leads are automatically nurtured based on their scores. Leads only receive content that is relevant to where they are in the buying cycle.

Step 3 Star Wars translation: Obi-Wan identifies Luke as a warm lead and focuses his efforts on Skywalker by introducing him to the ways of the Force (lead-nurturing). This moves Luke further down path of the buying cycle (becoming warmer). Han Solo (remaining a cold lead) is still not convinced – “Look, I ain’t in this for your revolution, and I’m not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I’m in it for the money.” – Han Solo to Princess Leia.

Step 4: The marketing automation system can now begin again with new content. Moving forward, your marketing automation tool will continue to score leads and segment them into your pre-determined content flows. Leads continue to qualify themselves by interacting with your content until they reach a score high enough to be considered a “sales-qualified” lead.

Step 4 Star Wars translation: Over the course of Episode IV (a vigorous lead-nurturing campaign), Han Solo was soon converted and decides to join forces with the Rebel Alliance (a cold lead that was nurtured all the way to a hot lead). Luke (warmer lead) becomes fully invested and ultimately decides he must train to become a Jedi (hot lead).

From a random website visitor to a known lead in the CRM, marketing automation allows you to manage your marketing efforts and customer engagement in ways many companies never could before.

We may not have a marketing spaceship with which to destroy the evil galactic empire, but we are strong with the ways of the Force, and can help you use a marketing automation tool to convert prospects into sales-qualified leads … even without the use of Jedi mind tricks.

Office ergonomics is the study of the “fit” between an individual and his or her workplace. Common sense usually tells us when something isn’t fitting. We need to adjust. That doesn’t seem to be obvious when it comes to our workstation. We sit, day after day, hour after hour, in front of computer monitors that are too low, chairs that are too high, with equipment that has our limbs all curled up into knots. And if you asked me, “Are you comfortable?” I’d say, “Perfectly,” as I’m on my way to my weekly Physical Therapy appointment for chronic tendonitis.

We’re creatures of habit and we’re too busy to stop and evaluate our environment until there’s a problem.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the single largest classes of injury claims in the office are Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), which account for 29% of all workplace injuries resulting in time away from work. Musculoskeletal Disorders are defined as injuries to muscles, nerves, tendons, etc. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and tendonitis.

Annually, in the United States, musculoskeletal disorders account for nearly 70 million physician office visits and an estimated 130 million total health care encounters^*.

So what can we do to stay healthy in this day of endless mobile device usage and our need to stay in constant communication with the world?

1. For starters, pay attention to yourself! Are you all twisted? Are your shoulders all hunched up? Ask your co-workers for help. If they see you slouching or sitting like you’re in a Lay-Z-Boy^®, tell them to say something. Check out this great how-to guide for office ergonomics by Mayo Clinic.
2. Break up your daily routine. Based on a Microsoft study of computer users, we spend approximately 69% of our workday in front of the computer. And, during that time we strike the space bar 669 times per hour. What!?  Stand up from time to time. Walk to your co-worker’s office instead of using the intercom. Take the dog for a walk (if you’re lucky to have a pet-friendly workplace like us). Do what you can to move around.
3. Stretch throughout the day. Stretching keeps your muscles and tendons in good working order so there’s less potential for injury. Tom Hendrickson, PT, DPT at Sports & More Physical Therapy in Raleigh says, “If you’re in a seated position for extended periods of time, pecs and hip flexors are two important groups of muscles to target.” See examples below.
4. Listen to your mother! “Sit up straight.” “Don’t slouch.” “Stand tall.” I’m sure I’m not the only one who heard that growing up. Well, turns out that was some golden advice. WebMD says improving your posture improves breathing, confidence and allows the body to function more efficiently because you’re not “squishing” all of your internal organs.
5. It’s never too late. Years worth of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) in a stationary work environment can do some damage, but I know for a fact that with targeted exercises specific to your issues, you can begin repairing and rebuilding. Yes, Tom, I did my exercises today!

^*National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine (2001)

Special thanks to Dave Walker, of Cartoon Church for the use of his “bad posture” cartoon!

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FROM THE WORK WELL
The Work Well is a source of knowledge to help make your
work culture a little happier + healthier.

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Today, brands have unparalleled access to the conversations, interests and critiques of their target audiences and in many cases, have no clue what to do with it. How do you know when to engage? How do you know when to leave conversations alone? How do you create consistent content that people actually want to read? And how do you know if any of this is even “working”?

These are the fundamental questions you should be able to answer if you have a social media strategy tailored to your brand. Take these six tips for a spin to get things started.

 1. Know your purpose

Be intentional when you define what your social media strategy needs to accomplish. Whether you’re just starting out with your first social media account, or you’re trying to revamp existing campaigns, know your purpose. Is this solely a brand awareness initiative? Are you trying to define or further enhance your brand’s personality? Are you trying to tangibly increase revenue through social media tactics? Understanding the “why” to your social strategy is a crucial first step when defining goals and measuring your success.

2. Pick the right social platforms

There are two big factors to consider when choosing your social platforms: your brand and your target audience. More times than not, they’ll go hand in hand. Consider your target audience demographics to help determine which social sites they’re most likely to use. For example, Facebook might make sense for you if you’re primarily targeting women 45 years and older with a household income between $50,000 – $99,000 (according to a study by Mashable.com). Targeting people in their 20′s and 30′s with at least some college education? Twitter might make more sense.

Once you understand whom exactly you’re targeting, direct your attention to what realistically makes sense for your brand. Is your company B2B? You’re likely to have the most success with a business-networking platform like LinkedIn instead of pouring your energy into a site like Pinterest, which is designed primarily for reaching out directly to consumers.

Every social site will have its individual merits and challenges. Understanding why you’re choosing (and not choosing) certain social outlets will go a long way when establishing your goals and tracking your performance against them.

3. Set the right goals

Remember to be reasonable. Choose success milestones that are specific, attainable, meaningful and measurable. Consider the capabilities and constraints of each individual social network. Then, identify your baseline for achievement and outline a scalable plan for growth in the coming months and years.

For example, instead of setting a goal of gaining 100 Twitter followers, set a more specific, meaningful goal like growing your community of followers within your target audience by 50% over six months.

Establishing the right social media goals upfront will allow you and your colleagues to come to a consensus on what constitutes “success” for the social leg of your content marketing plan.

4. Don’t be BORING

Ah, if only it were that easy. If you’re struggling to develop content that your audience will truly find informative, interesting and engaging, you’re not alone. According to Marketo, this is the biggest challenge social marketers face, with 36% admitting they struggle most with creating engaging content.

We frequently encounter this with our clients, too. Fresh content is the food that keeps your social media sites alive – and just when they’ve finished one meal, they’re hungry for another.

The key to taming this “content appetite” is to build a content strategy relevant to your readers that you can realistically manage. Consider your audience. What do they want to talk about? What questions are they asking? What conversations are they having? How does your brand fit into that mix?

And don’t forget, social media content isn’t about talking AT your audience. It’s about engaging in conversations about shared interests. Ask yourself what your brand should be talking about and then find people already having those conversations and join the discourse. Contributing to existing social conversations (rather than just creating them) will establish your brand as a genuine thought leader in your industry. And, it’ll bolster your credibility as a subject matter expert.

5. Go all-in

Having a successful social media presence is an investment. Consider the following resources at your disposal:

-    Who will manage your social media initiative?

-    How much time can your company dedicate to developing content and interacting with users?

-    What is your protocol for engaging social media users?

Don’t get too tripped up here. Every brand’s resources will be different. The person managing your social media should intimately understand your target audience as well as have a firm grasp on your industry, brand and the products and services you offer. Your time commitment can be intense or more casual – just make sure you’ve chosen your purpose, social platforms and goals with your available resources in mind.

6. Don’t be gun-shy

Striving to deliver thoughtful content is smart. But don’t become paralyzed by the desire to make every post perfect. Be authentic, not calculated. Try to connect with your audience rather than trying to blatantly sell them. Post your opinions. Ask questions of your users. Showcase your brand’s personality. Allow yourself the freedom to interact naturally with your users and then enjoy as you watch your engagement soar.

Still feeling unsure about how to build a social strategy that works for you? We should talk – we love this stuff. Let’s chat about your specific challenges and opportunities to make your brand the social media All-Star you know it can be.

Cary, NC — February 26, 2013 – In an era where employee tenure averages 5.4 years*, R+M marches to a different drum. Susan M. Nettles, with 18 years of service, has been named Vice President of Brand Culture and Chris Holleman, with 14 years of service, has been named Executive Interactive Director.

“As a service-based company our success is a direct reflection of our team’s commitment to relentless improvement and service integrity. We’re so fortunate to have such dedicated visionaries on our leadership team,” shared Beverly Murray, R+M’s Founder and CEO. Murray continued, ”Susan and Chris provide stellar leadership helping our clients more effectively mobilize their employees and optimize communications channels, respectively. In their new roles they will aid the agency in its expansion and launch of new services to aid its clients integrate and onboard new technologies to improve sales and marketing alignment and outcomes.”

In addition to their promos, Susan was bestowed the Wand of Applause and Chris was honored with the Mallet of SEO.

Susan M. Nettles joined the agency in 1994 as a Graphic Designer with a focus on translating client strategies into measurable creative. She continues to impact client success today through her leadership on strategic planning and employee-directed communications to ensure agency clients optimize marketing investments. And, as the agency’s second employee, she has been instrumental in fostering the company’s award-winning culture as recognized by TBJ’s award for workplace environment and employee incentives as well as First Citizens Bank Amazing Customer Service Award.

“From the beginning, I knew I was somewhere special. We were encouraged to ask questions and dig for solutions. Everyday I encourage our team, and our clients, to consider both internal and external audiences from a more informed perspective — to find the values they share and the motivations that matter. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to offer our clients services that will take their brand to the next level,” noted Susan M. Nettles, Vice President of Brand Culture.

Click here to learn more about Susan and the valued perspective she brings to R+M’s clients.

Chris Holleman joined the agency in 1997 as a Graphic and Web Designer. Chris’ blend of technical acumen and boundless curiosity keeps the agency and its clients on their toes. With technology changing by the day, this is definitely not a role for the faint of heart as Chris identifies, evaluates and integrates relevant technologies and creative for each client.

“I have the best job on the planet. I spend everyday with a hilarious group of people I respect, working with clients who are trying to make a difference in their customers’ lives, doing creative that moves hearts and exploring technological channels that others fear. And I still have time for epic UNO games and to maintain my Pac-Man champion status. Here’s to blowing minds,” exclaimed Chris Holleman, Executive Interactive Director.

Click here to learn more about Chris and the valued perspective he brings to R+M’s clients.

About R+M
R+M creates experiences that get people talking about brands that positively impact our health, well-being and social responsibility. The agency’s whole-brand approach leverages traditional tactics alongside unconventional approaches that connect clients with their customers. Though the agency has garnered its share of local and national recognition, it’s most proud of the fact that 80% of its growth comes from referrals. It’s the result of client partnerships built on trust, going above and beyond, delivering, debating and respect. R+M is proud to be Referral Grown. Get activated at www.rmagency.com.

*Employee Benefit Research Institute research reports job tenure in 2012 is 5.4 years.

Weekly at R+M, we discuss what we call THIRST^®. When a brand delivers a remarkable experience that leaves you thirsty for more, we consider those THIRST moments. To help our clients create THIRST with their customers, we view brand communications with a critical eye and look at every one through the eyes of the customer. Needless to say, we consider ourselves pretty tough to impress, so when a customer service experience gets our attention, it’s worthy of applause.

Congratulations to the following companies for delivering these THIRST moments!

Crystal Tailors and Cleaners, Morrisville, NC
How much is one shirt is worth? Greg Norton, our big cheese, took some clothes in for the usual. When he went to pick up his freshly pressed duds, he was greeted by the owner, not just the manager, the owner. He knew there was a problem. The owner points out that they had made a tiny, tiny tear on one of his shirt collars. Greg was ready for the apologies and maybe reimbursement. He wasn’t ready for the owner to present him with a brand new shirt – an exact match – found by the owner after scouring multiple Banana Republics. Greg attempted to pay for the shirt but they wouldn’t hear of it.

Greg adds, “Just the other day, they texted me asking if it was ok to replace a button on one of my shirts! These guys are amazing!” To the folks at Crystal Tailors and Cleaners, one shirt means customer loyalty, and that’s priceless.

Michael and Sons Services, Raleigh/Durham, NC
It’s typically not a good day when you have to call a plumber, and when it’s a Sunday, it’s awful. Upon repeated attempts to save his house from floating away, Chris Holleman’s dad, Larry, finally reached a plumber willing to “take a look.” The culprit in this case was a busted hot water heater, which happened to be located in a very unfriendly area of the house. Before repairs began, the technician took the initiative to make life easier and less stressful in the future. With Larry’s permission, and since he was also a certified electrician, he relocated the entire water heater system to a more feasible service area in the house. Throughout the service call, Larry was continually impressed with the technician’s clean and precise workmanship and his kind attitude. But, when the technician began carrying bucket after bucket of water away from his foundation, he knew he had met someone special.

Upon finishing, the technician offered a service plan, which includes yearly maintenance checks. “Great plan, but my service budget is officially tapped out,” Larry exclaimed. “Understandable,” says the Technician. Before leaving, he got out a pen and demonstrated one of the best actions of brand ownership we’ve seen. He literally signed his name to the water heater, but not before giving Larry that service plan for free!

Thank you, Michael and Sons, for turning Larry’s awful Sunday into one overflowing with joy. Our whole team has your number on speed dial!

Hyundai Motor America, Fountain Valley, CA
Being the brand-aware person that I am, I try to balance my logical needs with my desire to support, and be supported, by a strong brand. When it was time to put my faithful Acura to rest, I was worried the shoes were too big to fill. Over the years, Hyundai has impressed me with their dedication to design, and everyone knows they have the best warranty program in the business. So I took the leap with my 2012 Tuscon. Between the follow-up calls, direct-mail gifts, five years of free 24/7 roadside assistance and free navigation updates, I was feeling confident about my decision. Then Hyundai went the extra mile. Literally.

I received a letter stating that Hyundai had a testing error resulting in a 1-2 MPG difference on the fuel economy rating that what was posted on my sales window sticker. Ugh, did I just buy a gas-guzzler?! What I read next, made my jaw drop. They stated that customer satisfaction is priority #1 and they’re on a mission to make this right. Hyundai has set up a debit card reimbursement account in my name to pay for the additional fuel costs, plus 15%. And, to top it off, they will continue to reimburse me for the life of my ownership! FOREVER-EVER.

Each of these companies truly understands the value of one customer – what it takes to win them, and what it takes to keep them. We congratulate them and happily consider them all Referral Worthy. 

There are few things that brighten my mood more than the mention of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I love the campus, I adore the town and I live for the basketball team. My passion for my alma mater runs so deep that I even managed to get into a heated debate with a fellow R+Mer about the merits of Dean Smith’s coaching style compared to Mike Krzyzewski while he was interviewing me for my current job. Seriously, I’ve got it bad.

So when said Dook fan pulled me into his office this week to show me an ad found on Mashable.com for the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, I was completely taken aback by the snooty copy: “The Online MBA You Probably Can’t Get Into.”

Believe me when I say it pains me, but this week, I must bump Kenan-Flagler Business School’s ad. Here’s why: in my opinion, brand consistency should trump eye-catching pithiness.

As a premier in-state university, UNC hangs its hat on a reputation of having the best balance of tuition, academics and accessibility for students in North Carolina. Kiplinger Magazine ranked UNC the #1 value in American public higher education the last 11 years in a row. With nearly 30,000 students (roughly 1/3 of whom are post-graduates), the university avoids an exclusionary image, while maintaining its reputation as a rigorous institution of higher learning.

In my opinion, this ad drastically departs from that market position by using a one-liner I assumed was meant to make me smirk, click and apply just to show them how wrong they are.

But my perspective is just one woman’s impression, so I reached out to Kenan-Flagler to better understand the intended strategy.

According to the school, this ad is intended to debunk the myth that an online program must have lower admissions standards than a traditional program. In fact, it’s part of a larger campaign that includes lines such as “All online MBAs are not created equal” and “You want the best? So do we!”

And, from a metrics standpoint, the school indicated that this edgier campaign is one of their most successful yet.

So that brings us to the fundamental question: can an ad still be successful if it makes you stop and take notice, regardless of whether it’s in line with its established brand?

In the case of UNC, I think the whole “best academic value for students of North Carolina” line has been drawn too deeply to begin touting a blatantly exclusive message now. But you tell me. Am I completely overreacting? (It’s okay, I can take it.) Is this advertisement more successful than I’m giving it credit for? There certainly are lots of factors to consider. After all, it’s several days later and we’re still talking about it.

Cary, NC — November 7, 2012 – Beverly Murray, CEO of R+M, was elected to the Triangle Family Services Advisory Board during the organization’s August 2012 meeting. Her four-year term begins in November 2012.

As a Raleigh native and 20-year business owner, Ms. Murray annually commits resources to her community: from various board seats, such as CED, ACG and currently Schoolhouse of Wonder; to in-kind and financial contributions in support of the Raleigh City Museum, Artsplosure, Sassafras All Children’s Playground and Interfaith Food Shuttle. She has earned the respect of her peers and has been recognized with the TBJ Platinum Rule Award for community service and induction into the YWCA Academy of Women.

“None of us are immune to the challenges of this economy. It stretches every family, no matter how strong, financially and emotionally. Along the way some of our neighbors may need more support than others to make it to the other side. That’s where Triangle Family Services steps in … they arm families with the tools and resources to re-think, re-build and re-energize for the battle ahead. For example, when I learned that they helped 4,000 families avoid foreclosure in 2011, I could not say no. I love being part of an organization that is strengthening our community one family at a time,” shared Beverly Murray.

As a member of the advisory board, Ms. Murray will provide counsel specific to the organization’s growth and sustainability strategies, ensuring the organization is able to meet the needs of the community today and tomorrow.

“As a 75-year old nonprofit our strategic alliances are essential to our future, our success. Beverly brings a breadth and depth of knowledge and skill set in strategic thought and execution of strategies. Her strengths include the ability to listen AND provide thoughtful directional options. We are honored she is choosing TFS as a strategic alliance for her marketing and brand development skills,” shared Alice Lutz, CEO, Triangle Family Services.

About R+M
R+M creates experiences that get people talking about brands that positively impact our health, well-being and social responsibility. The agency’s whole-brand approach leverages traditional tactics alongside unconventional approaches that connect clients with their customers. Though the agency has garnered its share of local and national recognition, it’s most proud of the fact that 80% of its growth comes from referrals. It’s the result of client partnerships built on trust, going above and beyond, delivering, debating and respect. R+M is proud to be Referral Grown. Get activated at www.rmagency.com

About Triangle Family Services
Since 1937, Triangle Family Services (TFS) has focused on helping families and individuals overcome challenges by giving them the tools they need to move away from crisis and into more stable and healthy life situations. The organization’s mission is to build a stronger community by strengthening the family, and it helps more than 7,000 families in the Research Triangle Park region in North Carolina every year. It provides family safety, financial stability and mental health services in both English and Spanish. TFS is a United Way of the Greater Triangle “Agency of Excellence,” a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. It consistently meets and exceeds the highest program/service delivery standards and is accredited through the Council of Accreditation. For more information, visit http://www.tfsnc.org.

Maybe it’s a sign of age (I’m writing this on my birthday, which brings me another year closer to old), but as a writer I’m getting a bit peeved at these young whippersnappers who are dismantling the English language with their inane quest to coolify words by shortening them.

Words like naturally, totally, whatever, ridiculous, problem, details and sorry are simple words with just a few syllables. But apparently a few too many, as these words are lazily butchered into natch, totes, whatevs, redix, probs, deets and sars. It’s not cool.

My kids are fans of the cartoon Adventure Time on Cartoon Network. It’s a smart show. The writing is clever, funny, juvenile and grownup. Consider a few quotes:

“Imagination is for turbo-nerds who can’t handle how kick-butt reality is!”

“A 4-dimensional bubble casts a 3-dimensional shadow! It is beyond comprehension! Beyond space! Beyond time!”

Maybe the writers are being ironic or subversive. If they are, it’s lost on my eight-year-old. The other morning I asked if she wanted a waffle for breakfast. She said, “Natch.” I burned her waffle and said, “Sars.” My wife told me to pick my battles. Well I’m picking this one.

I’m fine with texting shorthand. It’s useful. With my fat fingers and a two-millimeter wide key, I need to greatly minimize keystrokes. WTF, when it comes to speaking, I will not stand for shorthand. It’s lazy and uncool.