Question about J.D. Robb

[Nancy2]

Okay, don't say it, I'm out of anything good to read.

Anyway, I'm reading her new novel and she keeps using the term "
'link ," which appears to be a cell phone. WTF is 'link, and how
come I haven't ever seen that used before?

Also, she says a girl had on "skids." These appear to be some kind of
casual shoe, but I have no clue about that term, either. Never heard
it before.

And, finally, the characters have terrible headaches and need
"blockers." What are blockers? The only ones I know of are beta
blockers, and you don't take those for a headache. Why not say
ibuprofin or something? So, again, WTF? That 'link usage is
supremely annoying, and I'm only on the second chapter.

N.

[Louann Miller]

Post by Nancy2
So, again, WTF? That 'link usage is
supremely annoying, and I'm only on the second chapter.

I think the idea in all three cases is that colloquial speech may have
changed over the next fifty-odd years. Treat it as you would any book about
a slightly different culture from your own.

[Nancy2]

Post by Louann Miller

So, again, WTF?  That 'link usage is
supremely annoying, and I'm only on the second chapter.

I think the idea in all three cases is that colloquial speech may have
changed over the next fifty-odd years. Treat it as you would any book about
a slightly different culture from your own.

Well, that would be logical, but then I wouldn't have an excuse to
complain....and it does not make the term 'link any less annoying.
LOL.

Thanks.

N.

[Pogonip]

Post by Nancy2

Post by Louann Miller

Post by Nancy2
So, again, WTF? That 'link usage is
supremely annoying, and I'm only on the second chapter.

I think the idea in all three cases is that colloquial speech may have
changed over the next fifty-odd years. Treat it as you would any book about
a slightly different culture from your own.

Well, that would be logical, but then I wouldn't have an excuse to
complain....and it does not make the term 'link any less annoying.
LOL.
Thanks.
N.

The series starts in 2058, remember Roark has a big resort on an
asteroid or planet, and they use a space shuttle to get there. I have
really enjoyed her books -- both the Dallas ones by J.D. Robb and many
of her Nora Roberts books.

Many of your questions are answered here:
http://www.jdrobb.com/fans/indeath.php

[Nancy2]

Post by Pogonip

Post by Nancy2

Post by Louann Miller

So, again, WTF?  That 'link usage is
supremely annoying, and I'm only on the second chapter.

I think the idea in all three cases is that colloquial speech may have
changed over the next fifty-odd years. Treat it as you would any book about
a slightly different culture from your own.

Well, that would be logical, but then I wouldn't have an excuse to
complain....and it does not make the term 'link any less annoying.
LOL.
Thanks.
N.

The series starts in 2058, remember Roark has a big resort on an
asteroid or planet, and they use a space shuttle to get there.  I have
really enjoyed her books -- both the Dallas ones by J.D. Robb and many
of her Nora Roberts books.
Many of your questions are answered here:http://www.jdrobb.com/fans/indeath.php
--
Joanne

That's ..... interesting. ;-) I'm more familiar with the Nora
Roberts books, although I haven't read any lately. The newest idiot
abbreviation I've come across in this book is "comp" or "comps" for
computer(s). Huh? I've worked with IT people my whole career, and
even the geekiest of them never said "comps" for computers.

I think the author (my opinion only) is using these made-up terms to
show the reader that she really knows the "inside" lingo, but it comes
across as ignorance of the real-world terminology. Or maybe she's
just out in space somewhere.

N.

[Jo Wolf]

Remember.... slang terms will change over that time period between now
and the future when these books are set.... It's easiest to come up
with something that will, with some thought, make a little sense to
us....

For instance.... blockers. I take that to mean medications that block
pain. That one was no problem to my brain at all.

Comp makes just as much sense for computer as link does for a portable
communication device that links.... people, data....

Overall, I have had no problem figuring out the odd new terms in these
tales, but, then, I have met up with more difficult to suss out terms in
science fiction and fantasy....

If you look at the Implied Function, it's a bit easier to figure terms
out.... and it's more fun than using the old "just think 'teakettle'
when you find a word you don't recognize" approach.

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia, USA

[Nancy2]

Post by Jo Wolf
Remember.... slang terms will change over that time period between now
and the  future when these books are set....  It's easiest to come up
with something that will, with some thought, make a little sense to
us....
For instance.... blockers.  I take that to mean  medications that block
pain.  That one was no problem to my brain at all.
Comp makes just as much sense for computer as link does for a portable
communication device  that links.... people, data....
Overall, I have had no problem figuring out the odd new terms in these
tales, but, then, I have met up with more difficult to suss out terms in
science fiction and fantasy....
If you look at the Implied Function, it's a bit easier to figure terms
out.... and it's more fun than using the old "just think 'teakettle'
when you find a word you don't recognize" approach.
Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia, USA

I have had my aha moment - and take back what I said about the
terminology. I had no clue until after half the book that this is
fantasy/science fiction - which I never opt to read if I have a prior
warning. There was finally a reference to the "past" being 2016 and
the following Urban Wars, so that was one of those "clues" that
smacked me in he face. LOL. Since it's Robb's fantasy, she can make
up whatever words she wants. But I won't be reading any more Eve
Dallas books in the future.

N.

[Louann Miller]

Post by Nancy2
I have had my aha moment - and take back what I said about the
terminology. I had no clue until after half the book that this is
fantasy/science fiction - which I never opt to read if I have a prior
warning.

Your loss.

SF demands much the same skills from reader and writer as historical
fiction. In both cases, the writer has to delicately indicate world-
building facts such as "all distance transportation here is by sailing
ships or horses" or "these two star systems are meant to remind you of
France vs. Germany" without becoming boring. The reader, for her part, has
to be willing to both spot the clues and work them into her image of the
story-world. Both genres have good and bad practitioners.

[b***@gmail.com]

Skids are sneakers, avlink is a cell, but more advanced and blockers are otc painkillers like ibuprofen or something. Remember we are a very aggressive 50 years in the future. We’ve come ridiculously far in the 50 years.