What's the Ask?

[fromthehills]

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/20 ... -as-nouns/

[Rob Lister]

Interesting.

I touched previously on “What is the ask?” As an alternative to “What are they asking?” or “What are we being asked to do?” this can seem crisp. It takes an aerial view of an issue. But it calculatedly omits reference to the people doing the asking, as a way of keeping their authority and power out of the question.

I don't think it is calculated to that end. I see it as a shortcut. An insider's vogue colloquialism at worst.

[Gord]

What was the question?

[fromthehills]

Interesting.

I touched previously on “What is the ask?” As an alternative to “What are they asking?” or “What are we being asked to do?” this can seem crisp. It takes an aerial view of an issue. But it calculatedly omits reference to the people doing the asking, as a way of keeping their authority and power out of the question.

I don't think it is calculated to that end. I see it as a shortcut. An insider's vogue colloquialism at worst.

I agree. I've never heard the phrase before, but I would find it annoying if it starts popping up in common speech. But, I'm still pissed about "impact", and people that say "realaty" and "realater". Along with many other things that no sane person worries about. So, I get what the guy is saying, but I'm sure the people that use this type of jargon just think they are being urbane, and concise. I doubt there is anymore to read into it.

[fromthehills]

What was the question?

Who's on first?

[Gord]

What was the question?

Who's on first?

Yes, I think so.