You may have noticed that I use the double slash ( // ) quite a bit around DrumRunners. In article titles, headings, descriptions, and just about anywhere else I can squeeze it in.
There's a reason for that. To me, those two little slashes look like a pair of drumsticks. And since there isn't exactly a universally recognized, easy-to-type drumstick symbol on your keyboard, I figured why not adopt one?
Two Sticks. One Symbol. // Pass it on.
It's simple, it's already on every keyboard, and it doesn't require an emoji menu or a special character. Just two forward slashes. Sure, they already have other uses, but I think drummers can claim this one too.
So that's the idea. A little drum-centric symbol that anyone can use in a message, a social media post, or wherever a pair of drumsticks might seem appropriate. Maybe it'll catch on. Maybe it won't. But if you start seeing // popping up in unexpected places, you'll know where I'm coming from.
And yes, I know it's symbol, not cymbal.
So, how exactly are you supposed to use this new symbol? There aren't really any rules, but here are a few suggestions.
HOW TO USE // IN THE WILD
I'd // that — When you see a drum kit you'd love to play or own.
That deserves a // — A particularly impressive fill, groove, or performance.
Big // to the // — Give a drummer some props.
Keep // moving — Words of encouragement before a gig.
Those are some serious // — chops are off the charts.
Nothing but // today — A full day of drumming.
Sending you some // — A little drummer-to-drummer support.
Two // up — The drummer's version of two thumbs up.
Born to // — Pretty self-explanatory.
Less talk more // — Probably good advice for all of us.
Keep Calm and //— you get it
And of course, sometimes you don't need any words at all.
//
Two sticks. One symbol. Pass it along.
Drop me a line and let me know if you'd actually use this, how dumb you think it is, or if you've got a better idea. Suggestions welcome! We could make an online // Database !