What are correct words to use in order to name a user that updates something?

Question

I would like to find correct words to use in order to name a user that updates something. That is, if for a user that creates something I say "creator user", what may I say for a user that updates something?

For example, is "updater user" correct?

It's not clear to me whether by 'user creator' you mean 'one who creates users' or if you simply mean 'a user who creates '. The term 'user creator' definitely implies 'one who creates users'. — Jim, May 05 '12 at 20:58
@Jim - Maybe I was wrong. I updated the question (in particular, from user creator to creator user). — user502052, May 05 '12 at 21:13
It's a user. Not an user. (Since you have made the mistake not once but four times I assume it wasn't just a typo.) The article is decided by the pronunciation of the following word. We have three dozen questions on that, including one specifically about the word user, and even a blog post. — RegDwigнt, May 05 '12 at 21:18

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered May 05 '12 at 20:56

3

It depends on what the application is, but for something like text or content you could use "editor".

answered May 05 '12 at 20:56

Jennifer Davis

480

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered May 05 '12 at 22:20

2

Editor is probably good enough, but you might also consider contributor or collaborator.

answered May 05 '12 at 22:20

user3490

732
3
5

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered May 05 '12 at 21:23

I don't know how sophisticated your program is, but I typically will use roles for this. I.e., define a creator role, an updater (or editor) role, etc. This might be all rolled into an 'admin' role if that fits your use cases. In any case you can then talk about 'users with the < fill-in-the-blank> role.'

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered May 05 '12 at 22:14

You can use the word 'updater' for your application as others suggested.

I tried to find the word 'updater' but it doesn't exist in any dictionary yet. However, it was used at several places in computer related stuff. I can't think of a word that would describe the job of this person but I'm sure 'modifier' doesn't fit perfectly, or does it?

Massoud Pakdaman · Answer 5 · 2012-05-12T09:40:50.547

0

"the man who updates" may be a better choice.

For example:

I become the man who updates blogs.

edited May 12 '12 at 09:40

answered May 10 '12 at 08:57

Massoud Pakdaman

361

1

This seems like an overly verbose construction, some people might call it sexist too. – Matt E. Эллен May 10 '12 at 09:13

Andrew Leach · Answer 6 · 2012-05-05T21:33:49.873

-2

Updater is alright, although editor might be an alternative.

I'm wondering why you use "creator user" and "updater user" though: why not just "creator" and "updater"? Surely a creator and updater can only be users, or they wouldn't be creating or updating? Is the word "user" really necessary?

edited May 05 '12 at 21:33

answered May 05 '12 at 20:59

Andrew Leach

101,901

Those words are technical. However, I updated the question as said in response to the Jim comment. – user502052 May 05 '12 at 21:16

What are correct words to use in order to name a user that updates something?

6 Answers6