h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In regard to names:

Young Darkwin of Nepal U223483 has called the first bit, the bit that doesn't change - the 'static' part of a nickname.
eg:
static: ~jwf~

He calls all the other bits, the 'modifier'. These are the lines that keep getting changed to reflect some new or ongoing aspect of the researcher behind the 'static' bit.
eg:
modifier: "a fool on a hill"

I had long pondered - in a kind of "now there's a thing that needs a name" kinda way - just how to refer to specific areas of researcher nicknames and sluglines. And I was so amazed when Darkwin made some comment about my name in such clear and concise terms.

I made comment to him and thanked him for his creative and inventive use of language. Ever since, whenever I see a researcher's nickname I automatically apply the terms 'static' and 'modifier' in my mind as I classify the elements.

Because words like 'nickname' and 'slugline' are not new and not of h2g2 origin, I highly recommend adding 'static' and 'modifier' to your paragraph on names with all due credit to Darkwin.

~jwf~

And while I'm feeling bossy, let me also suggest you add a discreet link to h2g2Jargon, as you have done on your homepage.

~jwf~

Yes teacher.
I've done it.
Now can I go and play?

Sure...just remember there'll be company coming so don't get your shoes all dusty. We'll be linking to this page in next week's issue of CAC. So you can keep making changes to it but you must never never ever ever delete it.

~jwf~