Kill the word "Guru"

by 15 replies
17
Is it possible for the IM world to make a stand and put the word "guru" to rest. If everyone is claiming that they are not one, then what is one?
I am so sick of hearing it, it hurts. Ok, i feel better now that I got that out.
All in favor say I
#off topic forum
  • Guru is another word for teacher.

    It also has the connotation of a teacher that others blindly follow.

    On the other hand, some people think of a guru as someone who has wisdom to share.

    So, the word guru, in and of itself, isn't bad.

    For the record, I have used the phrase "so-called gurus" in my sales copy. I do that to differentiate between real gurus, and self-professed gurus.

    The funny thing is that most real gurus never call themselves gurus, even though they are. While those who claim to be gurus usually aren't even close to living up to the title.

    All the best,
    Michael
    • [2] replies
    • From Wikipedia which is pretty much the same as what you said
      Anyways another similar word I have issues with the use of is Diva.
      Growing up I was taught a Diva was an exceptionally talented female Opera singer. Now it seems to mean any female singer or a female with a big attitude. Seems the words meaning has been downgraded considerably.
      • [1] reply
    • INCORRECT!

      Guru WAS another word for teacher.

      NOW, it seems to just mean arrogant jerk.

      It NOW has the connotation of a "teacher" that others blindly follow.

      It USED to be a sign of respect.

      On the other hand, some people THOUGHT of a guru as someone who has wisdom to share.

      NOW it seems that people want to just be able to sell even INCREDIBLY basic stuff, at a high price!

      So, the word guru, in and of itself, IS NOW WORTHLESS!!!

      For the record, I have used the phrase "so-called gurus", and often quote stuff to distinguish the devaluation of the terms!

      The funny thing is that most real gurus never call themselves gurus, even though they are. While those who claim to be gurus usually aren't even close to living up to the title.

      WOW, we AGREE on that last one!

      One of my pet peaves has been the co-opting of terms, awards, etc... , to try to gain acceptance or credit. EVENTUALLY, people catch on and the terms are devalued RETROACTIVELY! Guru is only ONE such term.

      Steve
  • Can't say I have much of if any opinion of the word lol.
    • [1] reply
    • Great, thanks for the lesson guys, but i know what it means, i am sick of hearing it, bottom line, especially in sales copy, so I thought I would post it in the off topic section, what ever happened to the word Professional.
  • It reminds me of a dude in loose clothing sitting on a cushion administering to his flock of followers.
  • I like when gurus refer to "gurus" in their sales copy in a negative way in an attempt to separate themselves.

    Gurus (in IM) have become known as the "enemy to newbs" so now nobody wants to be known as one. lol

    I know where the OP is coming from, but if you're going to get rid of guru for the overuse of the word in IM, you're still going to be left with another 137 overused terms that fill the annoyance void, so it's better just to forget it not let it bother you. lol
  • Who's your favorite Internet marketing swami?
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    Kill the word "Guru"

    Is it possible for the IM world to make a stand and put the word "guru" to rest. If everyone is claiming that they are not one, then what is one? I am so sick of hearing it, it hurts. Ok, i feel better now that I got that out. All in favor say I