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michael

Michael Edwards

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        The word 'medium' has several meanings. It can refer to the communication outlets or tools used to store and deliver information or data. In the art world it refers to the different materials or supplies that an artist uses in order to create a work of art:  the type of paint used (oil, acrylic, watercolour, etcetera) or the base or ground to which the paint is applied (canvas, wood, paper, etcetera). So far so good - but ''medium” also has two plurals: media and mediums. The correct use of the plural is the subject of debate.  When medium refers to communications then it is generally accepted that media is the correct plural but when it refers to the different materials or supplies that an artist uses in order to create a work of art then the plural is not so clear. From a quick Google search you will see it quoted as being either media or mediums or both on different sites. Generally, however, American sites seem to prefer media whilst UK sites seem to prefer mediums and being a true Brit I've always used mediums – in fact when I see media in print, probably quite irrationally,  it sets my teeth on edge. So there you have it – I would urge you to use mediums but it’s up to you - take your pick. 
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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There we differ Michael.  I just prefer the Latin plural as “medium” is a Latin word.  My understanding of the word is a conduit and therefore means, the form of communication, whether it is paint or radio or print.  However when referring to someone who performs seances,  we should knock that one on the head!
IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

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I’m with Linda on this one but I like her exception to the rule😁

Bari Marsh

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How does that work when most of the clothes in my wardrobe are medium....
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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Aha - a marvellous point of pleasing pedantry before I go to bed! I take 'media' to mean the various (in our case anyway) art media - e.g. "my main medium is oils, but I also work in other media".   Whereas "mediums", in arty-farty terms, are in my opinion things like Linseed oil, turpentine, flow-enhancer - e.g. "these are the mediums I use with oil paint". We could of course spend many happy hours talking about this, but I agree it gets a bit irritating - what I dislike is the general application of the word "media" - usually pronounced "meejah" by people who ceaselessly and wearisomely bang on about them - when people really mean "news media", sometimes referred to, though not by me, as "the MSM": I've forgotten what that's supposed to stand for (I thought it was some kind of car...) and choose not to be reminded. 
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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How does that work when most of the clothes in my wardrobe are medium....
Bari Marsh on 17/03/2022 23:28:48
Most the clothes in my wardrobe veer towards the large side - medium when compared to Oliver Hardy's, perhaps, but otherwise I would more tactfully describe my clothing as "comfortable".  
michael

Michael Edwards

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Ah Linda but paint isn't a means of communication - only could it be regarded as such after it's applied to the canvas. 😁 So I'll leave media to communications but yes, anyone who performs seances should be knocked on the head - if they haven't already that is.   Sa for clothes mine consist of larges - I don't wear mediums lol. Just for Robert - MSM = methylsulfonylmethane. Simples ent it.

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by Michael Edwards