The Webster's Dictionary defines acronym as "a word formed by the combination of initial letters, or syllables and letters, of a series of words or a compound term." However, it turns out that "acronym" is just an acronym for "A Crazy Reminder Of Names You Misplaced."

Acronyms may have started with the military (e.g., RADAR, AWOL, snafu), but technology is the driving force. There are now an estimated 250,000 acronyms and abbreviations in common usage. In a hundred years, the English language as we know it today could be unrecognizable, comprised mainly of TECACS (technical acronyms). The French language, which often takes its acronyms from the English, and then reverses them, is expected to be in even greater trouble.

Problems arise when the same acronym stands for multiple organizations. DOA, for example, often stands for the Department of Agriculture, but also has 45 other meanings, including "Dead on Arrival" and "Department of the Army." EDT could be "Eat, Drink and Travel," but also "Eastern Daylight Time," "Electronic Data Transfer" or "Effective Date of Termination" - the last three being registered acronyms.

Organizations that change their names constantly present another challenge. Some government departments have changed names so many times that those who held on to their old business cards could use them again (a possible budget-saving item?). In the meantime, confusion reigns with "Which acronym is the correct one to use now?"

Connecting the Acronym - As we have seen, an acronym can have many meanings and this can be a source of confusion, especially for the uninitiated. An acronym that is well known in Atlantic Canada, for example, could have a totally different, even conflicting, meaning elsewhere. In these days of international trade and global website audiences, it is more important than ever to include the full spelling of the name, along with the acronym, to avoid confusion.

If you would like to check for potential misinterpretations of your organization's acronyms, see the website www.acronymfinder.com.

A poll conducted in December 1999 by Vote.com asked Internet surfers: "Do you believe in Santa Claus?" Of the 4,114 votes cast, 66% voted for the option "Yes! He spreads Christmas spirit around the world," while 34% voted "No! Bah, Humbug! Santa's nothing but a marketing ploy." So Virginia, it seems there is a Santa Claus after all - at least in the minds of most web surfers.

Voice-over-Internet-Protocal (VoIP) phone provider Vonage Inc. is calling on the red-suited, white-bearded, jolly-one to help with customer service management (CRM) this holiday season. The company is sending out e-mails telling customers there is no need to go to the mall and wait in line to speak with Santa. "Now, from your Vonage line, you can have your little ones dial *101 and leave a message for good old Saint Nick!" Calls are free on Vonage phones from December 8th up until Christmas day. The e-mail copy assures readers they can leave a message whether they've been "naughty or nice." (However, naughty message-leavers might find a lump of coal in their inbox.)

Some last thoughts on the above:

1. Using acronyms to "keep it short and simple" (KISS) does not always provide BLISS (a Base Level Integrated Support System).
2. Santa Clause does exist and wishes you "A Very Merry Christmas!"
3. Look for some big sales starting around the 27th (perhaps on VoIP equipment).

In lieu of sending Christmas cards, the Novus Consulting Group has made a contribution to the United Way here at home and another contribution to the African Grandmothers' AIDS Relief Fund.