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ArchivesRe: Disgruntled about poor quality baby name books
in reply to a message by Melina
No and there is something you can do: don't buy them. My rule is that any book/website that links the words 'Baby' and 'Names' are inherently crap and to be avoided with absolute vigilence.
I look for 'Lexicon' and 'Dictionary'....boring words that show a distinct lack of sales initiative. And I'm picking about my press....if they publish cook books I'm not really interested. And I look for linguistic references - ie. (Greek) beautiful maiden isn't enough, I want to see from the Greek kalos 'beauty' blah blah blah. Even then, humans are fallible and no one knows everything. They may be able to list 20,000 names but they'll no nothing about most of them....small, specialty.
I like the obscure ones put out by obsessed researchers - Names of the Indian Sub-Continent - try used book shops and jumble sales. For some reason they tend to end up in those sort of places.
Devon
I look for 'Lexicon' and 'Dictionary'....boring words that show a distinct lack of sales initiative. And I'm picking about my press....if they publish cook books I'm not really interested. And I look for linguistic references - ie. (Greek) beautiful maiden isn't enough, I want to see from the Greek kalos 'beauty' blah blah blah. Even then, humans are fallible and no one knows everything. They may be able to list 20,000 names but they'll no nothing about most of them....small, specialty.
I like the obscure ones put out by obsessed researchers - Names of the Indian Sub-Continent - try used book shops and jumble sales. For some reason they tend to end up in those sort of places.
Devon
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Replies
I agree. I look for books with dictionary or encyclopedia in the name, big hardcover books with no cute pictures of babies on front. Basically, the more boring the book looks the more I like it. I found a great one when I was in college at the university's library. It was in the Reference section. I agree with Devonelisa with checking out used book stores and thrift shops but don't forget to check out local libraries too.
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I try to find books on myth, cultures, and languages, instead of just a name book. I buy every name book I encounter though, if only to rate it or to find names to research.
But my problem is I can't stand others buying these inaccurate books, like the parents on A Baby Story. They are spreading the disease of inaccurate information. That little girl is gonna live her life think her name means something it doesn't and it irks me.
I think what really got me angriest is my sister saying her name means 'Gift of God'. It's Jessica...I had to explain, no...it's not Gift of God. She replies, "Yes it is! Momma says it is! It said so in her baby name book!". I have to explain name books are always right, just to get raised eyebrows and 'You're crazy' looks in return.
Thanks for the replies by the way.
-Mina
But my problem is I can't stand others buying these inaccurate books, like the parents on A Baby Story. They are spreading the disease of inaccurate information. That little girl is gonna live her life think her name means something it doesn't and it irks me.
I think what really got me angriest is my sister saying her name means 'Gift of God'. It's Jessica...I had to explain, no...it's not Gift of God. She replies, "Yes it is! Momma says it is! It said so in her baby name book!". I have to explain name books are always right, just to get raised eyebrows and 'You're crazy' looks in return.
Thanks for the replies by the way.
-Mina
1