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Unclear Description: Code Name

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MiinU Since: Jun, 2011
#1: Jun 7th 2015 at 8:30:39 AM

To clarify, the current description is strictly character specific. However, it neglects to mention the fact that code names aren't just used for people. For example, military operations, secret projects, and the like are also ofttime given code names in works of fiction.

So I'm thinking of expanding the description to cover those instances as well, but I figured it'd be best to get a general consensus first.

Zyffyr from Portland, Oregon Since: Apr, 2010 Relationship Status: Complex: I'm real, they are imaginary
#2: Jun 7th 2015 at 11:36:58 PM

Do the codenames for Projects/Groups/etc exist in story for the same narrative purpose as for people? If so, then expanding the definition makes sense. If they don't, then they aren't the same thing and expanding would be a bad thing.

MiinU Since: Jun, 2011
#3: Jun 7th 2015 at 11:57:56 PM

Do the codenames for Projects/Groups/etc. exist for the same narrative purposes as people?

Sure.

If someone's planning a covert operation or whatnot, they wouldn't want just anyone knowing what it was. So they'd use a code name for it. That way, if they needed to discuss it with fellow conspirators, they wouldn't have to worry as much about anyone listening in (i.e. enemy spies, muggles, etc.).

Code names can also double as passwords for encrypted files, rendezvous points, and safehouses. That sorta thing.

shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#4: Jun 8th 2015 at 6:24:10 AM

There are also narrative cases of people finding a codename thinking it's for a person and finding out it's something else. And vice versa. It's not always immediately clear in a work what sort of thing a codename refers to.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
AnotherDuck No, the other one. from Stockholm Since: Jul, 2012 Relationship Status: Mu
No, the other one.
#5: Jun 8th 2015 at 7:51:39 AM

I think how a codename is used and what significance it has in a story is far more important than exactly what it applies to.

I don't think expanding it to cover more than characters would change the core meaning of the trope.

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MiinU Since: Jun, 2011
#6: Jun 8th 2015 at 2:11:54 PM

I don't think exapanding it to cover more than characters would change the core meaning of the trope.

I should've said "broaden", rather then "expand" since the current description is pretty lengthy as it is. Here's what I'm suggesting:

  • 1. Simplify and trim back the current description for clarity.
  • 2. Mention the trope can apply to more than just characters.
  • 3. Do a soft split for examples covering military operations and such.

Basically, I'd revise it so it'd be shorter and more concise, while making the addition to cover non-character examples.

AnotherDuck No, the other one. from Stockholm Since: Jul, 2012 Relationship Status: Mu
No, the other one.
#7: Jun 8th 2015 at 6:50:50 PM

Expanding (not exapanding) the definition never means "make it longer" in this context. It's about expanding what it covers.

I think splitting is an additional, non-essential change, and I'm not necessarily convinced it's a change for the better.

edited 8th Jun '15 6:51:00 PM by AnotherDuck

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shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#8: Jun 8th 2015 at 7:40:57 PM

Yeah, I don't think this needs a split. Just a small expand.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
MiinU Since: Jun, 2011
#9: Jun 8th 2015 at 9:19:25 PM

[up] So you'd both be okay with just broadening the description then (just making sure)?

AnotherDuck No, the other one. from Stockholm Since: Jul, 2012 Relationship Status: Mu
No, the other one.
#10: Jun 8th 2015 at 9:33:27 PM

Yes.

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shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#11: Jun 8th 2015 at 10:48:06 PM

Yep.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
MiinU Since: Jun, 2011
#12: Jun 8th 2015 at 11:16:12 PM

[up][up]

[up] In that case, I'll make the addition to the current description and leave it at that... annnd, done.

edited 8th Jun '15 11:45:40 PM by MiinU

AnotherDuck No, the other one. from Stockholm Since: Jul, 2012 Relationship Status: Mu
No, the other one.
#13: Jun 8th 2015 at 11:53:53 PM

I wonder if it's not just best to include it in the first sentence, rather than as an afterthought. That makes it more a coherent trope, rather than a trope with an Obvious Rule Patch.

Probably don't need much, just something like, "In order to hide a Secret Identity, the nature of The Plan or the MacGuffin, or just to make identifying a person or group easier over a static-y radio, a Super Hero, International Spy or even Ace Pilot will have a Code Name." That's still just adding a few things (and can perhaps be done better), but it explains the core of the trope better to begin with.

edited 9th Jun '15 12:00:31 AM by AnotherDuck

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MiinU Since: Jun, 2011
#14: Jun 9th 2015 at 12:30:36 AM

[up] I'd never heard of that trope, until now.

Alright, second revision's done. I also touched up the first paragraph to cut down on the amount of repetition.

edited 9th Jun '15 12:43:59 AM by MiinU

shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#15: Jan 1st 2016 at 1:23:20 PM

Locking as part of New Years Purge.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
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