<h1>Questions which contain a large number of undefined abbreviations or acronyms</h1>

<p>One of our close reasons is "Unclear what you are asking."</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>I'm comparing an XYZ model to a YYZ model using the ABC and DAR statistics. Using the LLV test on the OOP dataset, my results are not good. Perhaps I failed at TTR?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>CrossValidated is a site for everyone, not just working or practicing statisticians or scientists.  Questions that contain multiple (or sometimes even single) undefined abbreviations may be not understandable to a large number of otherwise interested readers.</p>

<p>As a rule, good scientific writing should avoid unnecessary abbreviations, if you only use a phrase once or twice, please take the time to type out the entire thing</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>I am confused by the formula for <strong>confidence interval</strong> given in my textbook.  It seems to rely on the z-scores from the standard normal distribution, but I'm having trouble conceptualizing where the normal distribution comes into play in this situation (...describe situation...).  I'd like to know, what is the relation between the z-score and the <strong>confidence interval</strong> in this situation?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>You may think that confidence interval is such a common term that everyone will immediately recognize CI as a substitute, but consider a very beginner searching for an answer to their question:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Search: Confidence intervals and z scores</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If you have abbreviated to CI all your references to the subject of your question, this user will never uncover your question or answer.</p>

<p>If you must repeatedly refer to a complex multi word term in your question or answer, please <em>define</em> your abbreviation or acronym on first use</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>I'm wondering about how Hyper-Complex Kahler Manifolds with a Holomorphic One Form (CKMwaH1F) ...</p>
</blockquote>

<p>One last point that follows from the previous.  Please avoid abbreviations completely in question titles.  Titles are meant to be consumed quickly and give a summary of content to tell the reader if they have possible interest in the question, you are only doing yourself a disservice if you alienate a few readers by using unknown abbreviations.</p>

<p>Of course, there are counterexamples to this advice.  Some abbreviations have become so standardized in our common language that the abbreviation/acronym has <em>become</em> the name, ANOVA being a prime example.  This poster urges you to use your best discretion, but lean towards utmost sympathy to your readers.  When in doubt, write it out.</p>
