atw: Re: What do you call it??? (Caution: Now a flame.)

Michael,
I have just looked in three trade catalogs [dated 2003 and 2004] issued 
by Australian electrical trades suppliers.

'Globe' is only used when the luminous object is globular, the rest of 
the time the object is called a 'bulb', a 'lamp' or a 'light bulb'. In one of 
these catalogs, the index listing for 'Globes' says 'See lamps'. And 
'luminaire' is the industry standard name for a complete lamp holder 
with socket, lens and shade.

Your belated apology is only just about acceptable. Your SME 
argument is not. A common dictionary is of little use in technical 
[read SME] areas.

Brian
  You micturated into the wind:

  Ah, Warren (L) et al.

  It is always amusing to watch a technical writer "inform" a subject
  matter expert (SME) what the SME really thinks he means.
  (While I'm ducking for cover behind the nearest solid object.)

  Brian (C), you've excelled yourself here.
  (Teaching Electronics and "electrotechnology" is not the same as being
  a working electrician in the field, installing stuff in people's homes
  and cars and dealing with customers at the coalface - and this all
  started with a question about common Australian language.)

  Isn't it "Those who can do.  Those who can't teach."?

  Did you happen to miss the fact that Warren was "was an automotive
  and household electrician"?

  He (not you) is the real SME here, for the purposes of this question.

  (Me?  I just looked up the dictionary for an answer in common usage.)

  How about acknowledging and respecting this SMEs knowledge,
  experience, worldly wisdom and professionalism on this matter,
  instead of telling him how wrong he is and how right you are?

  BC: "I think you'll find it's 'luminaire' "

  (Pause for sounds of awe struck masses.)

  Oh, really!

  A true "luminary" in our midst.

  Pretentious? Moi?

  Vous!

  Michael E. Granat
  T/as Write Ideas
  Technical Communicator
  Without Prejudice. E&OE.

  "First get your facts; then you can distort them at your leisure."
  - Mark Twain
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