It has obviously been a necessary word in Germany, because it is over two hundred years old, and was used by Schopenhauer, among others.
Friday 14 May 2010
Word of the day
Today's word is the German word Verschlimmbesserung, which means an improvement which makes things worse. Thank you to Gary, and to the New Scientist, for the word. It is hard to see how we got along for so long without out, especially those of us working in higher education. The word is a combination of Verbessern (make better/improve) and Verschlimmern (make/become worse), and there is a nice dialogue about it here.
It has obviously been a necessary word in Germany, because it is over two hundred years old, and was used by Schopenhauer, among others.
It has obviously been a necessary word in Germany, because it is over two hundred years old, and was used by Schopenhauer, among others.
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2 comments:
Hi Derek,
Do you use any sort of cataloging software for managing your book or dvd collection? I've recently written an article that looked at 42 different cataloging software (paid and free) and then picked the best of the pack.
Could you take a gander when you get the chance, maybe give it a plug if you like it;)
Here's the post:
http://www.onlinecollegeguru.com/blog/ultimate-guides/ultimate-guide-to-cataloging-software/
Thanks,
Richard
Hi Richard
That would have to be one of the most comprehensive surveys of home cataloguing software around. Its answers all the questions, except possibly Why? But I guess if you have to ask that question, you might not be in the market for home cataloguing software.
I wonder if home cataloguers (and there are more than you think) see the journey as the thing (the cataloguing process) or the destination (a beautifully catalogued collection?)
regards
Derek
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