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[learnedax]

There is some debate about what the best definition of 'meme' is, in that many latter commentators prefer more generality than Dawkins originally suggested. However, it is well established that 'meme' is not a synonym for fad, much less rumor, joke, or figure of speech. A self-contained idea (such as that of memes) can be argued to have memetic properties, but the latest Q&A does not.

And, as long as I'm bashing innocent bystanders, take a look here.

Comments

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

meme has unfortunately taken on a very specific meaning on LJ and similar communities, to wit, a quiz/idea/template for an LJ entry that lots of people follow for a time. While Journal Entry Fashion Fad might be a better descriptor, JEFF has something lacking as an acronym, and people use meme instead.

Their meaning does appear to be a subset of the older meaning of the word, however. There is hope. The annoying thing was the 3 clueless people showing up at the "memes and you" panel at Arisia, all upset when the session wasn't about how to write your own Quiz. That and the stinky guy who needed the website for slashdot spelled out for him. I thought membership on /. came automatically when you wore your Star Fleet uniform to the con?