Posted by Jed Lewison on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 7:11 PM Pacific

Acronym of the day: FUD

FUD stands for fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Here's a good definition from Wikipedia:

Fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) is a tactic of rhetoric used in sales, marketing, public relations, and illiberal democracies. FUD is generally a strategic attempt to influence public perception by disseminating negative (and vague) information. An individual firm, for example, might use FUD to invite unfavorable opinions and speculation about a competitor's product; to increase the general estimation of switching costs among current customers; or to maintain leverage over a current business partner who could potentially become a rival.

I first heard the term FUD when Microsoft announced it would was going to compete with an internet startup I was working for back in the mid-1990s.

I haven't heard the term used often in politics, but it should be used more, especially this campaign season.

FUD is not a good thing, but it can be an effective tactic, and right now, it captures the essence of the Clinton campaign. Fortunately, there's an antidote: Barack Obama and his unbeatable delegate math.

Acronym of the day: FUD

FUD stands for fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Here's a good definition from Wikipedia:

Fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) is a tactic of rhetoric used in sales, marketing, public relations, and illiberal democracies. FUD is generally a strategic attempt to influence public perception by disseminating negative (and vague) information. An individual firm, for example, might use FUD to invite unfavorable opinions and speculation about a competitor's product; to increase the general estimation of switching costs among current customers; or to maintain leverage over a current business partner who could potentially become a rival.

I first heard the term FUD when Microsoft announced it would was going to compete with an internet startup I was working for back in the mid-1990s.

I haven't heard the term used often in politics, but it should be used more, especially this campaign season.

FUD is not a good thing, but it can be an effective tactic, and right now, it captures the essence of the Clinton campaign. Fortunately, there's an antidote: Barack Obama and his unbeatable delegate math.

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