Newly Invented Words in the English Language

New words: Dimino

It is likely that every person, at one time or another, in his or her life, has probably coined a new word or two. Whether or not those new words continue to remain in the English language or in any other language, remains to be seen. How long a word remains in a language becomes a test of time.

The ultimate question is one of whether or not the newly coined word is viable, feasible or preferable to other words, which are currently in usage within the same context.

Dimino is a new word that I coined fairly recently, in terms of its use in the English language.

I am aware that this word may have been used somewhere else in our world, within another context, at some time, or that it may be in use currently, in other contexts. I now claim the total, exclusive rights to this new word, in terms of using it in our current English language.

Dimino? What is the origin of the word dimino?

Let me ask you first, does a new word have to have an origin? No, it does not have to, but this one does, at least for me personally.

The word dimino originated for me, when the word domino which I had suggested as a user name, was not correctly spelled by my service provider. Thus, my use of the word dimino began, as a typo that had gone unnoticed, until I tried to use the word domino for my inter-net connection. I wound up having to call the service provider a second time because the word domino did not work.

When I realized that there was a typing error, I was stunned at first, but I liked the word dimino immediately.

After all, my name is Diane and for me, it is appropriate. I felt like it was a gift that had been given to me, although it came about in a rather unique and different way. It did not occur to me, that it might be an intentional error and I do not think that the error was intentional. Things tend to happen the way that they are supposed to happen. I perceived what had happened in a positive light.

So, rather than make the service provider correct the error in spelling, I decided to keep the word dimino as my user name, although I knew that using that word might raise a few eyebrows. Of course, it did. I think I took a number of people by surprise.

"What kind of a word is this?" I had someone ask, almost immediately. "What does it mean?"

What does dimino mean?

Is possible to give the word dimino some meaning or significance? Could it have signification as di meaning twice, twofold or double? Maybe it might be more significant in terms of dia, like through or across?

The next question became one of "How do I pronounce it?" I asked, "How do you think the word dimino should be pronounced?"

I decided that in reality, since there are no rules or regulations in this coin-a-new-word game, a person could pronounce it any way that he or she wanted to pronounce it, because for me, the word dimino did not exist in the past. I certainly could not find any reference to it, in any dictionary that I had access to at that time.

My personal preference, for the pronunciation of the word dimino is that it be pronounced like Di, as in my name, Diane. My best friends always wind up calling me Di, for some mysterious reason.

But does my personal preference mean anything to anyone else? I have already had a few people look at me rather strangely, when I used the word dimino. They have repeatedly asked me, "Isn't that word dimino supposed to be pronounced like the word dim?"

At first, I was offended by that. To me, it was not to be pronounced like dim at all. I wondered why the majority of people that read it, wanted to diminish the word dimino, to a lesser meaning or signification, when it was not intended to be diminished at all?

Perhaps it is because the majority of people, tend to see most things in a negative context at first, until their eyes are opened further to an awareness of the reality that for everything, there will always be another perception, that is possible and plausible.

Now after thinking about it for a number of years, I begin to understand the word dimino and why it was given to me. The word dim, in terms of understanding the word dimino, seems to be heading in the right direction. Dim could designate the nature of the faint light, initially perceived to be at the end of a tunnel. At first, the light may appear to be very dim.

So, there might be a place for this new word, that I claim to have coined, after all. Only the dictionaries of time will tell the tale.

Could it be that dimino means a new awakening or perhaps an emerging revelation?

That works for me, because there is no good word in the English language, that clearly depicts something coming into the light or emerging from utter darkness.

Coining a new word is like the bringing into existence or the shedding of new light on something that was formerly in the darkness, or unheard of, prior to a specific time or place. It is stated that everything comes out of what appears to be nothing. Maybe we could use the word diminoing or dimino effect, in this context and thus, coin another new concept too?

I will continue to think about this and will write about it again, because I believe that it does have some merit in the English language. For me, the word dimino has signification and meaning now, even if it not yet known or understood by others.

When I think seriously about the word domino, which is the word that I started with, I begin to realize that everyone knows that it is the nature of the domino to fall down. I don't need or want to use that word as a user name now, even though I still like playing the game of dominoes.

I am going to suggest that a dimino will stand even while all the dominoes, in the entire world topple over. If one domino falls down, all of the other dominoes standing in that row will all fall down, too.

A dimino will stand alone and never fall down.

In reality, new words like dimino, will come and go, as people love to coin new words. Truth alone will stand the test of time, but isn't the love of coining new words, a challenge to one's creative genius? Coining new words is fun.

Can Reality Be Defined?

Attempting to define reality

In attempting to define reality, it becomes immediately apparent that one is looking for a needle in a haystack, in terms of an actual definition. Reality is a concept and has to be understood, as a concept.

This article will look at the concept of reality and its definition, by comparing it to non-reality and its how it is defined. This entails looking seriously at the word real and its opposite, the non-real.

We know that we deal with reality and non-reality on a daily basis. That does not appear to present a problem for us, at all. Neither does looking at the concept of real or non-real.

If one was to take the word real and to place it on one end of a line and to put the word non-real, on the other end of that same line, it could be construed as constituting a continuum. One might suggest that a continuum of the real versus the non-real or reality versus non-reality, could be perceived on a scale of one to ten, one to a hundred, one to a thousand and so on.

real....................non-real
reality..............non-reality
1.............................10
1............................100
1...........................1000

Then, if one was take a concrete object like a book and attempt to decide which end of the continuum, it would be most appropriately placed on the question of the reality of that book could be ascertained. It would perceived as real or as a reality, unless of course, the book was an imaginary one. In that case, it would be on the end of the continuum that defines the non-real or non-reality.

1.............................10
real....................non-real
reality..............non-reality
book..............imaginary book

If one was to take a concept like love and place it on the same kind of a continuum, the resolution of the real versus the non-real question or the reality versus non-reality question, would become more difficult to resolve.

Is love on the end of the continuum that designates reality, or is it more appropriately placed on the other end, which defines non-reality? Is love real or not real?

Could it be on both ends of the continuum?

Yes, it could be, if the love was a figment of one's imagination, that would make it non-real love, even though it would still be considered by some to be definable as the concept of love.

1.............................10
real....................non-real
reality..............non-reality
love..............imaginary love

One can take any real thought, feeling, idea or concept, from the heart or mind and seek to determine its reality or non-reality, by employing the use of a continuum.

What one finds is that there is a fine line that divides the real and non-real or reality and non-reality.

What one also discovers, is the reality that the closer one gets to the center of that continuum, the more indistinct any definite answer appears to be. In other words, something that is placed at about a 4, 5 or 6 on the continuum, would be just sitting on the fence, so to speak. It could appear to be real or not real or as reality or non-reality, depending upon how one perceives or interprets it.

An example of this might be a feeling like fear. Is fear real or not real? Is fear a reality or is it a non-reality?

The bottom line becomes the reality that it is merely subjective in terms of actual interpretation.

Complicating this even further, is the truth that what one person perceives as a reality or as a non-reality, may be perceived in a different way, or in a different light by another person, based upon that other person's perception.

In other words, what I might perceive to be a reality may appear to be a non-reality to someone else. What is real to me might not be real to someone else. Something that I might consider to be a real fear might be considered as a non-fear to someone else.

Does that matter?

As people, we function well in both the real and non-real, as well as with respect to reality and non-reality, in our day-to-day lives. We live in a world where there is a multiplicity of interpretations of the real and the non-real or reality versus non-reality.

In other words, what we see as a reality and someone else might construe as a non-reality, does not determine our lives or how we live them, even though we may be influenced by their perception to some extent.

We are advised to get real and stay real, whatever that means. If that suggests we can only deal in terms of concrete objects, then we would be in trouble. We also need the world of thoughts, feelings, ideas and concepts in order to comprehend our own reality.

The final question becomes one of whether or not our own reality is real or non-real. We can try to ascertain the answer to that question by using a continuum. If nothing else it might be fun, or it be perceived as an exercise in total futility. Even an exercise in futility might serve a purpose, namely that of expanding our knowledge and the understanding of our world of reality and non-reality.

Can reality be defined? That question remains to be answered.

Is the Human Race Evolving or Devolving?

The human race is always Evolving

The human race is always evolving and always will be, even though it may appear to be taking a few steps backwards, now and then. To suggest that it only devolving implies that the human race is headed only one direction and that is towards degeneration and ultimate extinction.

Have you ever heard of any kind of a dance that has steps that only go one direction? That is like the assumption that the human race is eternally locked into one pathway towards death and destruction.

I am going to suggest that there is a greater picture here, than most of us ever comprehend or realize. It is possible to have a higher level of understanding with respect to the evolution of the human race.

While there are many theories and arguments that have been offered about evolution and its opposite, devolution, there are no actual theories that encompass both sides and allow room for both evolution and devolution.

I will suggest is that what is actually happening allows room for both, in their own time and way. When we look seriously at any concept of any kind, what we will invariably find is that there is an argument in the opposite direction, if we can perceive it. But, the whole of the argument itself allows room for both sides.

There are always going to be those who choose one side of an argument, namely the one that fits their perception. Often this is very negative. There are also those who only choose the opposite side, which can be extremely positive. Few people can truly comprehend the reality that there is a greater whole, which allows room for both. When we begin to see beyond the pair of opposites, we can also begin to see that there is some phenomenon at work that is far greater than either one side or the other.

This is what I suggest is happening in terms of evolution and devolution.

Ideally, we allow room for both sides.

What does this mean to us?

It is like taking that dance that I mentioned earlier and allowing room for some steps forward and some steps backwards. The total of the two is what constitutes a dance that never ends. It is an eternal dance with some truly interesting dance steps.

Tending toward an idealistic perspective and one which allows room for the whole to be taken into consideration, I will take the positive stance and say that what is happening is actually Evolution, but on a higher plane of thought that allows for evolution and devolution. You may or may not agree, but then you do not have to agree. That is part of your freedom of thought and your perception.

Life's Domino Effect: Each Existence Contributing

The domino effect versus the dimino effect

In life, each existence contributes in some way and life often demonstrates a domino effect.  

What is a domino effect?

The domino effect is a relatively new phenomenon. Dictionary.com suggests that the domino effect is “the cumulative effect that results when one event precipitates a series of like events” and is the “domino reaction”, (coined during “1965-1970”). 

Everyone loves a good game of dominoes. It appears that it does not matter who wins the game, as it is just that, a game. It is not the game of dominoes under discussion here, although the same basic principles apply to life itself.

For example, in terms of business, there can be severe repercussions when acts or events are interconnected, like dominoes in a row or forming a circle.

Consider the typical picture of each domino standing slightly apart, forming a single row. One falls down and all of the others follow suit, shortly thereafter. One by one, they all tumble to the ground. Each domino contributes to the fall of the entire row. This is the domino effect.

It is evident in business, too. Human beings tend to act like dominoes, at times, as they play the game of follow the leader in business. One human being falls and all of the others fall with him or her. Many times, this has to do with human norms, based largely upon the majority. What one can do, everyone else can do too, or can they? That is a supposition that is predominant in a domino mentality or a domino way of thinking.

There is a higher norm based upon morality, but it takes a single person, family, community or country standing alone to initiate or enforce that norm. This depicts another game in life which people can and do play, although they seldom acknowledge it in terms of a designated name.

In contrast to the concept referred to as the domino effect, consider the use of a new concept, the dimino effect. The difference is this. The domino falls down, with all of its dominoes following suit, while the dimino stands alone.

Although no one has named this phenomenon before, throughout the course of human history, there are many who have taken such a stand and stood the test of time. There are hundreds of individuals, families, communities or countries who have stood alone, often because of a unique, moral stand. Frequently, this is a stand is for truth of some kind.

Yes, there is a domino effect where some kind of a cumulative effect results, when an event of some kind causes the initiation of other events of a similar nature.

At the same time, there is also a dimino effect, which occurs when some kind of an event of a non-cumulative nature, results in a determined moral stand taken by one unique individual, family, community or country.

Humankind needs to be cautious about its stand in terms of the domino effect or the dimino effect.

Should people follow the norms of the majority or the norms of morality? It appears that each person who exists will contribute to one or the other, the domino effect or the dimino effect. Such is the reality of existence.

Could There Be a Basic Particle?

The unknown basic particle: The invisible butterfly

When we see a question like this, it would appear that the entire field of physics is too broad for one to respond to this question, in any way that could be truly positive or constructive.

Personally, since I know absolutely nothing about physics, that is a good place for me to start, namely, in terms of total humility.

But, central to this question, lies a whole collection of other important issues that have remained unresolved, up to this time. One of those issues is that of the ongoing controversy between eastern and western medicine.

One must ask, "Which one is the method of choice for health care? Which one is the right one? Why is one considered to be preferable to the other? Why is there such a degree of contention between the two approaches to health care, when both appear to want to do what is best for all of humankind, in terms of healing, health and wholeness?"

No one really seems to be able to answer these questions or others like this, while both approaches to health care are deemed to have some merit.

Physics obviously has not gone far enough to effect a total resolution.

Maybe the problem does need resolution, in terms of the basic particle or whatever it may be, that is the genuine link between the two approaches?

Let us take this a bit further, but keeping it easy to comprehend.

In the east, the focus for many hundreds of generations has been on the concept of absence. This absence is interpreted in terms of a void, nothingness, darkness or blackness, particularly when perceived in a context that may or may not be comprehended, in a strictly negative light or context.

"What good can come out of that?" one might ask. "Of what value is a void? How can anything come out of absence?"

From another perspective on eastern thought, one might suggest that there is a more positive approach, leading to a different understanding of the absence or void. At some point, there is an apparent emergence of something, from the depths of absence or the void. This is often perceived in terms of energy or light that somehow emerges from the darkness.

It has often been said that the darker the night, the brighter the light appears to be. We can easily accept that truth.

"What does this have to do with the existence of a basic particle?" one might ask. "What is a basic particle?"

It reality, this comes down to the issue of "To be or not to be," which is a question dealing with creation and the emergence of something, which still appears to be an unknown of some kind.

It would seem that shedding some new light on the subject is a possibility, although whether or not it will be of benefit to anyone in the field of physics, or the realm of health care, remains yet to be seen.

Western medicine tends to focus primarily on what is considered to be already in existence and is provable, rather than on that which may or may not exist or come into being from some supposed abstract absence or void.

The bottom line of creation is this. Even that which is already in existence, had to come from some where, possibly from some place hitherto unknown, like an absence of some kind or a void.

I begin to see how eastern and western medicine could be linked. It is in terms of allowing the possibility of a truth, one that suggests that everything that is, has to come from somewhere.

Nothing comes out of nothing; something comes out of something.

We have difficulty seeing and understanding that which is not already in existence, even though it might exist in the form of some kind of unknown energy or essence. Yet we can accept an abstract concept like love. It has its own kind of energy which we all love.

We can perceive energy, especially when it takes on the form of lightning or electricity.

Interestingly, we can see light, too. At some point in time, this was probably not visible to the naked eye.

But, we are not be able to perceive or comprehend to any extent, a pre-existing energy or essence, while we can perceive an existing substance.

There is another stage of development, or perhaps what might be considered as a third stage between the two realms, one that constitutes the stage of the emergence, from the non-existent to the existent. It is relatively unknown or unrecognized at this time.

I have been working with a new concept that could be used, in order to depict this stage of emergence. I will refer to as the dimino stage of a pre-existent particle. The particle is not yet in existence as a substance. Yet, it has within it, in its pre-existent stage, the full inherent potential to come into existence as a substance.

Consider this possibility with respect to the creation and emergence of a particle:

particle in a pre-existent stage
particle in an energy stage
particle in an essence stage
particle in a dimino stage of emergence
particle in an existent stage
particle in a substance stage

We do know that there is a point in time, where a substance emerges as an actual substance, which can be proved or measured, in some way. Prior to that time, it could have been in an energy or an essence stage of some kind.

Can we suggest that in the absence or the void, there is a pre-existent particle that goes through a dimino emergence, into an existent particle? Yes, we can.

Simplifying this further, we can see an energy becoming an essence, which in turn becomes a substance. How this all occurs, we don't know. The pre-existent particle becomes an existent particle.

Yes, there is a particle. The reality of the Particle from a higher level of understanding, is the reality that we have not comprehended all of its developmental stages. We have only recognized the particle in its substance stage of existence.

It appears that the pre-existent particle, is initially in its pre-existent stage and needs to emerge, like some kind of an invisible butterfly, initially depicted in terms of some kind of an energy or an essence. It will finally go through and emerge from some kind of a cocoon stage, like the dimino stage, into a fully visible, perfectly and wonderfully formed butterfly, as an actual substance which finally reveals its existent stage.

It is said that "East is east and West is west, and never the two shall meet." I think that I might just refute that too.

Reflections: Why Writers Write

The dimino effect and the emergence of communication

Inherent within the human heart and soul is the desire and the ability for self expression, as well as the need to communicate that self expression to others. That is why writers write. If that were not so, there would never have been any form of writing or the communication of it, by humankind.

This article will discuss my theory on how human self expression and the communication of it with respect to other human beings, first originates and then, develops further. I will show how it is communicated to others, using a model that I am going to refer to as the pebble effect.

How we all love to take a pebble and to let it skim across the water!

Consider this as a form of writing on the water, for a moment.

Or, take a pebble and toss it into a pool of water and watch the formation of concentric rings, which appear to radiate out from the center.

Now consider that in terms of how writing begins to be manifest to others, by an individual as a form of communication.

I am going to suggest that the desire to express ourselves or self expression, begins in the heart and soul because God within us, cannot be contained. This desire has to find some kind of an outward expression.

Employing a model that demonstrates the pebble effect, I will suggest that self expression begins with the individual. I will depict this as the initial or first point of impact, when the pebble hits the water.

From there, communication begins, as it spreads outward to others like the concentric ripples that form on the water.

The first communication of self expression would be with respect to another individual or a second person. Then, the horizon of communication could be perceived as expanding to a couple, family, community, country, world, universe, or multiple universes.

The pebble effect model is a helpful tool with respect to comprehending human society and their interaction in terms of communication. It is useful in terms of perceiving what occurs with regards to the emergence of writing.

For a moment, let us look at the large picture with respect to self expression and its communication to others, in terms of actual writing.

We are all familiar with the words wholistic or holistic. They do not require further definition. Taking each one of those words and expanding them further or coining the words wholological and holological, one begins to see the picture as a greater whole.

Wholological could signify the science of the totality of the whole. Holological would signify the science of the sacred or holy part of the whole. Wholological would focus on the non-spiritual aspect of the whole and holological would designate the spiritual aspect of the whole.

Taking this a bit further, consider the reality that we are all seeking to be complete or whole in terms of healing, health, wholeness and happiness. This is an inherent need for human beings and a desire within us that always seeks to be fulfilled.

It is often said that "No man is an island."

How true this is. We are brought into this world in terms of community and seek to maintain that interaction and communication, regardless of our circumstances or status in life. (Even someone abandoned on an island, seeks to communicate in terms of writing in one form or another. No one really wants total isolation from all of the rest of the people in the world, although we do value our personal privacy to some extent.)

Thus, we have an inherent need and a desire to communicate with others. Our self expression would be meaningless in time, without someone else to share it with. The ultimate gratification in writing comes in sharing it with others.

From a wholological perspective or taking a scientific look at the whole of the emergence of writing, from a non-spiritual direction, consider this possibility, using a newborn infant, as an example. The infant is born with needs and desires for both self expression and communication. Initially, he or she learns how to express those needs and desires to his or her mother.

How quickly he or she finds out that some form of self expression, directed toward the mother is either a rewarding or a non-rewarding experience. It may also be a neutral experience in terms of not being either one way or the other.

As the infant becomes aware of having been or not having been rewarded, there is an increase in his or her personal knowledge and awareness with respect to the positive, negative or neutral response to early attempts to communicate basic needs and desires.

A baby, who is a bit older, quickly learns that playing with his or her food is one of many ways to communicate with a parent.

Watch the patterns that a child makes, by playing with his or her food on a highchair tray.

This could be considered to be a primitive or early stage of writing or as an attempt to write. (There may be few people who will agree with that idea.)

Note that while there is the potential of a positive or negative re-enforcement from the parent, which either encourages or discourages the initial early attempts at writing, the baby is aware of both the positive and the negative reaction or lack of response, to what he or she is doing or has done, as well as some degree of awareness with respect to the reality that he or she is communicating, in some manner with someone else.

Communication brings about the possibility of a response of pleasure or displeasure, or one of a non-response for the baby.

Quietly watch a baby moving food about on a tray. He or she may appear to be creating all kinds of different designs, which he or she seems to be pleased with. These, in some sense, could be regarded as words. We are not always aware that this might be some primitive or early form of writing, as the baby's way of communicating his or her self expression.

Then watch a baby who is angry, frustrated or upset, as he or she strikes out at the cereal, baby food or whatever he or she is eating with displeasure, causing it to splash all over the tray or drop on the floor. What the baby is communicating has a negative context in terms of what he or she has written this way. This gives a totally opposite message or one might suggest it is written in a different context. 

As the baby becomes a toddler, if properly taught and encouraged, he or she will attempt to do some form of writing, but in terms of playing with sand, paint or finger painting. An older child learns to write in terms of actual words with crayons, pencils, paint brushes and more acceptable writing tools.

I think that the holological or scientific look at the sacred or holy aspect of self expression and the communication thereof to others, comes at a later date, perhaps to an older child or one who is in the early adult stage of development.

Considering the whole picture, the self expression and communication needs and desires are gradually expanded and expressed in terms of actual writing.

We do not know at what point actual writing, as we comprehend it, emerges. It is probably at an earlier stage of development than we realize.

I am going to suggest that writing diminoes in some way, from what was appeared to be non-existent to something that appears to be existent. Obviously, there is a pre-existent need and desire for self expression, that suddenly takes on a form of an existent stage that can be proved. The existence of the communication of self expression to others surfaces in terms of writing.

A dimino effect or an emergence with respect to writing, allows something to come into being and because it is legitimate, it will stand the test of time.

This is opposed to a domino effect where something is totally dependent on something else that stands prior to its existence. It topples as soon as what it is dependent upon, falls over. This is more commonly known as the domino effect. Each domino leans on the previous one. If and when the first one falls over, for whatever reason, the rest of them will all fall down as well.

The dimino effect reveals that writing stands as an emergence of the communication of self expression directed toward others.

So, whether you are skimming pebbles across the water, or dropping pebbles into the water, consider the pebble effect, at least with respect to self expression and the need or desire to communicate it to others, in terms of writing on the water.

In summary, let me suggest that why writers write has to do with the inherent need of the individual for self expression and communication. Self expression emerges initially and then, leads to successful or unsuccessful attempts at communication.

Judging Rebates: Rewards or Ripoffs

Why rebate submission may prove to be a total disaster

Each individual makes some kind of a personal judgment with respect to whether or not a rebate proves to be a reward or a rip off. Sometimes rebate submission can prove to be a total disaster or appears to be what is referred to by many as a rip off.

One must ask "Why?"

If the experience of trying to obtain a rebate proves to be a positive experience, the rebate submission may be considered to be a reward. On the other hand, if trying to obtain a rebate turns out to be a negative experience, it may be deemed to be a rip off.

How a person responds to his or her own personal experience, depends more or less upon his or her personal interpretation of the experience, which may be perceived in a negative or a positive light.

Everyone enjoys receiving the anticipated reward of a rebate.

"Rebates are instant money."

"Rebates are an easy way to get money!"

But, few people respond in a positive way, to what they consider getting taken advantage of or being ripped off. Nobody likes to think that he or she has been victimized with respect to obtaining a rebate, although that may not be what has  happened.

Many rebate submission experiences are rewarding and positive. Seldom does anyone hear about them. The ones that everyone hears about are the negative experiences.

One must ask, "Why do negative rebate experiences happen for so many people?"

"I did everything that I was supposed to do."

"It's not my fault!"

There are a number of reasons why rebates are not a positive experience for so many people.

First, a large number of people do not take into consideration the actual requirements of the rebate, even though they have been advised of these requirements by a person at a retail outlet or a store. Many times, they do not follow the instructions properly, but they may not be able to follow any other kinds of directives well either.

Many people cannot read or properly comprehend rebate submission requirements, guidelines, directions or other instructions, which are written on the rebate form. Rebate guidelines or rules are clearly spelled out or written in clear and concise English or another language. The consumer is expected to read and  follow those guidelines. Many people fail to do so. Many people feel that they don't have to follow anyone's guidelines about anything.

Many people do not read the instructions. They quickly toss out anything and everything that pertains to the rebate submission guidelines.

Most rebate forms, particularly those for mail in rebates, clearly state definite terms and conditions, which must be met by the consumer in order to qualify for the rebate in question. If these terms and conditions are not met, the rebate submission can be disqualified. A lot of people are not aware of this.

"Nobody told me this," is their excuse.

Many people refer to do rebate submission their own way or however they wish to do them, which can turn the rebate experience into a total disaster. Then, they wonder what happened to the rebate.

"I will do it my way," is the attitude taken by a large number of people, who suddenly realize that doing things their own way, may have created problems instead of giving them their anticipated reward or rewards.

A certain degree of arrogance is a part of this general attitude and will never guarantee the success of any rebate submission.

Many other people cannot read well, or comprehend instructions that are written on the rebate form, because their primary language is another language, other than the one in which the rebate instructions are written. They need assistance in order to comprehend the directives. Rebate submissions may be difficult for them, even though they are fully entitled to receive the rebate.

Literacy versus non-literacy is a major issue with respect to mail in rebate submissions.

While many people can purchase something that has a rebate on it, in spite of the fact that they cannot read and write, they may or may not have the skills to fill out the required paper work needed in order to obtain the rebate. They need assistance to obtain the designated rebate reward.

In every country of the world, non-literacy of the population is a major concern with respect to communication of needs and desires and not just with respect to rebates.

Many people feel that if they call the store, customer care or the rebate processing company, they can get around or avoid the directives or guidelines that have been given to them with respect to submitting and receiving the rebate. They feel if they argue long enough or hard enough, they don't have to do what is required of them. Someone else can and will do it for them. Unfortunately, that may not be the case. They may find that the rebate is voided completely.

It comes down to this attitude.

"Those guidelines only pertain to others, not to me."

Many times this has to do with the financial status a person has in society. There is a serious problem when people assume that the guidelines on the rebate form only apply to the other guy and not to them.

Note that the instructions and directives written on the rebate form apply to everyone, not just to the non-wealthier segments of society. There is nothing on any rebate form that states or guarantees that the rich can bypass the guidelines for rebate submission or the terms and conditions thereof.

There are also those who expect to receive an immediate rebate, because there are other kinds of rebates that give immediate gratification. Take for example, an in-store discount. In this case, the rebate is immediately taken off the purchase price, at the time of purchase. The rules for this kind of a rebate do not apply to every other rebate, but people think that they do, for some odd reason.

Frequently time frames are not taken into consideration. Most rebate forms will state clearly, how long it will be before the consumer can expect to receive the rebate. Invariably, there are those who demand immediate payment of the rebate, because another rebate was received within an earlier time frame. Processing does take time and allowances must be made for this reality.

These are only a few of the reasons why rebate submission can be perceived in a negative light and turn into a total disaster.

Avoiding this kind of a disaster with respect to obtaining potential rebate rewards requires a positive effort on the part of the consumer. Rebate submissions do not need to become a disaster and more than likely will not, if instructions, directives, guidelines and requirements are followed properly.