Re: [compost_tea] Re: Re: My compost

From: David Anderson <squtch_at_gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2005 12:11:02 -0800
On Sun, 6 Mar 2005 10:25:20 -0900, Jeff Lowenfels <jeff_at_gardener.com> wrote:
>
> Kirk, you may be on to something. For years I have used the concept
> that when I say compost, I mean compost....if it isn't properly made
> then it is not compost.  I think many of us think this way.  If you say
> compost, we know what you are talking about because we know what
> properly made compost looks like, feels like, tests etc...
>
> Unfortunately, the term is not ours to control and there is no question
> that some businesses pass off 'not really compost' to an uneducated
> public.

Actually Jeff, I suspect that your definition is far narrower than the
word really means, and has meant for a long time. All it really means
is a mixture. It is very close to the same word as composite or
compound.

The idea of hot, biologically active compost is certainly no where
near what the word had come to mean long before. Even sheet
composting, trench composting and anaerobic composting have a
legitimate claim to the name.

It is actually a very common problem for a technical group to take a
common word, narrow the definition for their own use, then try and
force it back on the populace in general. I had a naval architect
insisting that sailboats and kayaks can't plane, because the
definition only applies to power boats. The problem with his argument
is that the word has its naval etymilogical basis in sailing vessels,
and an even earlier basis in things like the tool"plane" that is so
named because of its planing action.

The same goes for compost, you can't redefine what the word already
means. What you can do is apply specific adjectives to "compost" so
what you are saying is what is meant.Just like you should say ACT when
you are meaning to disclude the "dunk a sck of compost" version of CT.

If you mean hot compost, then say hot compost or thermophilic compost.

You don't have to say it every time, but don't get upset if someone
gets congused when you are using the more generic term. As a writer,
you certainly are familiar with, and might want to consider the value
in using the standard writing technique of using the more specific
term first, allowing you to  go to the more generic terms later in the
article.

Dave

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Received on Sun Mar 06 2005 - 15:41:33 EST

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