Noesis

A new online dictionary and thesaurus has been launched, called WordSource.

Its a dictionary with a difference in that it brings social networking to another level.

However, what really irritates me is its lack of user functionality. Take the word DEAF.

It defines it as:

- lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing wholly or in part; - people who have severe hearing impairments; "many of the deaf use sign language"

It then allows you to:

- upload a photo associated with that word;

or say:
- if you like that word;
- if you think you are that word;
- if you feel all warm and fuzzy inside about this word;
- if it would cause you to fail an English test;
- always have trouble spelling this word

There's problems with this. I don't agree with the definitions the site has to offer, e.g. impairment, depriving of a sense. Thus it because of the definitions on offer, does not make me feel "warm and fuzzy inside", but frustrated as to how the majority is capable of being oppressive. As soon as someone starts uploading a picture of must cure on there, of course its not going to make me feel good: I would just stare another example of oppression in the face. Perhaps someone should upload four positive photos before its too late.

Yet my definition of DEAF, can evoke warm and fuzzy feelings. The lack of ability for groups to define their own meanings, is a huge downside as far as being a social dictionary goes.