Eggs - plaining the Bacn!

Every now and then we take a look at a word that is being used to describe an element of Web 2.0, to help you understand the wonderful world of the web  - today is bacn.

Bacn is a new word and refers to the messages that you receive by request. For example, if you are a member of a Facebook group then you will receive messages from the group as by being a member you have opted in for that commuication. So you have given them the right to send you the messages.  Let's have a look at the Wikipedia definition

"(pronounced bacon) is the term given to electronic messages which have been subscribed to and are therefore not unsolicited but are often unread by the recipient for a long period of time, if at all. Bacn has been described as "email you want but not right now"^[1].

Bacn differs from spam in that the emails are not unsolicited: the recipient has somehow signed up to receive it. Bacn is also not necessarily sent in bulk. Bacn derives its name from the idea that it is "better than spam, but not as good as a personal e-mail".^[2]

The term Bacn was originally coined at PodCamp Pittsburgh 2 and since then has become popular amongst the blogging community. However, some find the term to be little more than manufactured marketing material to sell merchandise.^[3]

Common examples of Bacn messages include news alerts, messages from social networking sites and wiki watch lists."

At The Podcast Sisters we like to demystify Web 2.0...there maybe many terms but don't let the terms stop you from trying a wonderful world of connections to help you grow your small business.

Comments

[Joanna Young]

Thanks Anna - that was a really helpful definition!

Just wondering - is there a netiquette on how much bacn to serve up?

I try not to message people too much on facebook for fear of bugging them - but perhaps I'm underdoing it and missing some of the (expected) social interactions

Joanna