Hi everyone,
Although it is less of an issue for the DIY/hobby end of things (we all seem able to use the word 'drone' without thinking of hellfire missiles), but I've been getting pretty tired of the argument in wider circles and dancing around trying not to use the 'D-word' when dealing with the media.
So... I wanted to write my thoughts down in one place so I can refer back to them whenever this comes up, and I thought I'd share it here in case you guys find yourself repeatedly having the same debate too:
http://www.skymount.com/its-okay-to-call-them-drones/
Keen to hear if you agree or disagree!
Comments
I'm with Guy. Technical docs I use UAS (because the FAA does) and drones in casual reference.
I'm left to shake my head at some of the "embrace drone" and "people are excited" comments because my experience has been so radically opposite to what's being suggested. The only thing I can come up with is that most of you on that side of the argument do not live in the United States, as is the case with the author, and have more fertile ground for "drones" to be perceived positively. Perhaps your peers have actually seen them in positive use thanks to a more reasonable regulatory environment?
In contrast, the US media is largely responsible for the demonization of the word and the US population has mostly never seen them in use in the real world, especially not in positive (commercial) ways. The damage is done here, and I strongly doubt that the average American will ever feel good about using the word "drone" to describe the technology, no matter how accessible and/or useful it's allowed to become.
What's tiresome is not this argument ... what's tiresome are the looks I get when people see a camera on my foamie and the suspicion I can sense when they find out I'm a "drone enthusiast."
+1 Scott, exactly my first thought. The term "Hacker" has been used by media for people breaking into systems for the last 20 years or so. It's not the correct (original) meaning or at least only part of it. I don't think this is going to change with the word "Drone".
I speak at area agricultural meetings and discuss the use of this technology often, if I try to use UAV/UAS everyone says "you mean a drone?" I attempted to stay away from the D-word at first but I think, as stated above, most intelligent people know the difference between military and civilian.
Several Dallas media outlets have been to my ranch when I hosted "group gatherings". Most articles were presented in a positive outlook until we had a few bad apples talk about flying over Dallas landmarks.
I no longer host anything at my ranch because of this bad press, which sucks because we always had large turnouts and there was great brainstorming going on.
I agree with Bill English, embrace the suck
I'm with you, Guy. After countless attempts to use UAV/UAS when talking to the general public, I've realized it's easiest to skip the acronym and inevitably accompanying explanation and just say drone. Nearly all of the time they're too impressed by the technology to be drawing connections to the politicized term anyway.
I don't mind pushing UAV a bit, but frankly as far as the publics concerned if it quacks like a drone then it must be a drone.
I've produced a page for public distribution, designed to be printed with control P from Explorer, Chrome and Firefox that presents our activity in a positive light.
http://dronesarefun.com/DronesAreOK.html
So print out a few copies, that way the next time some psycho is sitting on you at the beach you might suggest they read a copy to while away the time while they wait for the police.
Of course it won't help with the real psychos, but everybody else might find it useful.
And we could use some positive reinforcement.
Best Regards,
Gary
A agree that the word 'drone' should be embraced. The majority of people show interest when you are out flying. I think there is always going to be a minority that feel threatened, but it's no more than previous tech of DLSRs and telephoto lenses. Sane people understand the benefits drones can bring. i.e. small, light weight flying machines vs manned helicopters and planes. you only have to read about the helicopter crash in Seattle recently to understand that. And people understand they are not firing hellfire missiles :-p
I think it's much better to talk with the media about drones and what the benefits are, and have them project that message. Using tech acronyms isn't going to help anybody.
Now where did I park my PRTD? (Personal Rapid Transit Device aka Car) ;-)