Third party?  [Scripting News]
Dave Winer touches on why I abhore the word "third party" that is so deeply ingrained in the software development world. I was brainwashed into using it during my stint at EDS Corp, where it was used correctly used because in most cases EDS was the third party. (Click the blue arrow above to see Dave's discussion if this confuses you.)
Many of my current colleague toss the term around without pause, but when pressed they can't explain who the first and second parties are! So, right on Dave, let's get rid of this vestigal word.
But while we're at it, let's abolish "user" too. At least its use by developers. The correct and more meaningful word is "customer." Try saying "customer" next time you want to refer to the poor slob who actually has to use your product. A subtle shift but one that will pay off. Refering to the people who trust, pay for, and use your services as "users" is every bit as disrepectful as "third party."
9:12:03 AM 
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