The Name of the Game Long Version       Starting from scratch, it doesn't matter how things are called, what names or visual symbols they are given.   For example, house, door, dog, cat, upsull, hgnoof, color, green, cloud, frup, pringe, desk, icon,     .   After some time, say years, decades, centuries, special associations and connotations are connected to each token. And that is the point where naming and re-naming become a sensitive matter.   For example, mentioning  the word "supercar", certain things come to mind, such as high speed, acceleration, beauty, power, style, you name it. The same applies to single marques and their badges.   Think of Ferrari, or Lamborghini, or Ford GT, or Porsche Carrera, or Pagani Zonda, or  ....   Now imagine if someone labeled a slow, dull, boring, tinkered car with some established brand name, put the respective emblem on it and tried to sell it. What were the chances to get away with that ? How would customers, dealers, and manufacturers react?   Giving something new or modified an already existing name or part of an already existing name is misleading unless there is overwhelming overlap in essential properties.        Anyone for walking onto a mound in order to get revered as a mountaineer ?   Consider another term, say "martial arts". Again, certain things come to mind, such as dynamics, high speed, elaborate techniques, timing, toughness, discipline, exactness, control, and mental power.   Again, imagine if someone put a martial art label on some convenient, complacent, coddled, opportunistic, show-off, superficial, fun-generating, or whatsoever improper behaviour and training regime and tried to sell it. What were the chances to ... --- Oh no, wait, it is successfully done, even common practice, at least in certain parts of this planet.   There are really some impressive names out there - even patented ones.   Sensible language is based on reliable correlations between symbols and content. Not sticking to such a simple rule will contaminate the language and destroy its function to describe, store, conserve, and transport information, concepts, and ideas over space and time. First, the content will get diluted, then it will be forgotten and finally get extinct.    Let the wannabe martial artists do what they want to do, but have them use completely different names or at least some addition clarifying what their stuff is really about. Some phrases lend themselves as brand names, for example, pseu-do, bonsai-budo, fun combat, wishy-washy-way, feel-good fighting, tenth of point nearly hit wrangling, wellness brawl, and partial martial art. And let them tell people that they are not getting ranks for having reached an advanced skill level, but because they have successfully completed the waiting period, have dilligently flogged dead horses, are to be motivated to stay in the club, should be feeling good, are just around, and finally -- why not ?     Consider yet another example, the common word "master". It is used in different areas in everyday life. If, for example, somebody is a certified car mechanic, one expects that he got his diplomas for being able to repair brakes and other stuff; and not because he is a nice guy, tried hard but unsuccessfully, and paid some fee.   It is the same when calling someone master in the martial arts. Ranks, also the student ones, must not be awarded because someone is useful or a nice person, helped diligently, practised regularly but without success, paid some fee, or will leave the club if not being promoted.    As for the pseudokas, the more proficient ones according to their standards should not simply be called master but, maybe, fun-master, super apprentice, grand master boast fist, frequent rank buyer, or upgrade rookie king. And the color of their belts has to be changed, too. Because certain hues, for example black, are already reserved for something completely different. Let them take fresh and innovative tints. How about checkered turquoise with pink spots and a touch of metallic moron maroon.   On different scales it is the responsibility of martial arts associations, examiners, and instructors to prevent and counteract charlatanry and trademark piracy.   Or rather, it should be. In practice, more and more of those in charge fail, mainly on purpose. Undeserved promotions are awarded by the score, for popularity, favors, money, vanity, social pressure, and career thinking. The results are rank inflation, lack of orientation, and loss of content.   To stick to the above car analogy: today's roads are filled with wobbling, rust blooming, disintegrating, squeaking wheeled metal cages boasting with badges showing horses, bulls, wildcats, snakes, stars, wings, and propellers. And these vehicles are populated by proudly smiling passengers adorning themselves with the flair of the marque on display.   Nowadays, the responsibility to navigate the world of martial arts gets shifted from organizations and teachers to the students themselves - and most of them will be spoiled and shipwreck.     In a nutshell:   Selling glass pearls is not fraud, but selling them as diamonds indeed is.     © 2006  NED + SWV + UNE