the miscast Net

[Thomas M. Paikeday]

My earlier query about "the Net" was misdirected. Databases can't answer my question because their evidence is like that of a museum, not quite dead, but static, not dynamic, as the fast-changing English language is, especially in regard to usage.

I happen to be leading the life of medieval monks, especially Trappists and Cistercians, with no communication with the outside world. But SOME OF YOU PROFESSORS OUT THERE must be in touch (in spite of the summer) with groups of young students. So here is the question again:

What comes to your mind first when you hear the word "net" in isolation?

Thanks for any help.

TOM PAIKEDAY
www.paikeday.net



----- Original Message ----- 
From: Thomas M. Paikeday 
To: American Dialect Society 
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2003 12:42 AM
Subject: Fw: the Net