Actually, the word "meme" was coined by Dawkins in _The Selfish Gene_
as a thumbnail sketch. It is only afterwards that people like Dennett were
able to convince him to refine his definition to the one you're asserting.
The original passage contains elements that can be read lots of different
ways. So, pedantic as it may be, the definition of "meme" is still
a controversial thing. And, I smile to think of it, once the academics
get done with it it will be so precise and jargon-laden that it will be
unrecognizable. You'll have to spend 5-10 years in graduate school
to truely appreciate all the intricacies of the meme, and an international
association of memetic engineers will acredit only the most loyal
adherents.
Plus, I notice that while you tell us not to worry so much about definitions,
you couldn't resist putting in your vote. Memetic engineering indeed.
You owe me a thousand dollars, and I want it. But let's think about how to
make more money together, instead of qubbling over these little sums, OK?
;-)
Reed
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Reed Konsler konsler@ascat.harvard.edu
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