Pet peeve: "For those who don't know, X is Y". What about those who do know? Is X not Y for them?
Just say "X is Y". It's short, to the point, and clear.
@liw I think the main function of that preface is to locate the speaker on the side of Those Who Know.
@pbx As someone who could conceivably write such a preface, I have to point out that oftentimes it's not a show-off — it's an attempt to not be seen as condescending.
@liw
@liw 'x is y' -well that was random...
Lars and friends
@liw I think the main function of that preface is to locate the speaker on the side of Those Who Know.