The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “poppycock” as empty talk, writing, or nonsense. No architect, specifier, or designer should be tormented by poppycock product specifications. Guide specifications should be clear, concise and assist the design professional when selecting a product.

The word “poppycock” originates from the Dutch word pappekak. The word pap means “soft” and the word kak means “dung”. It is recommended that specifiers avoid any 3-part guide specs that are soft or dung. Poppycock product specifications can also be described as nonsense, rubbish, claptrap, balderdash, and blather.

A building product manufacturer hoping to get their products specified will develop guide specifications according to Construction Specifications Institute principles. The specification section templates are crucial for design professionals in product selection. Therefore, your CAD operator, forklift driver, or janitor should abstain from writing this precise technical literature.

There is no worse experience for a design professional than to peruse guide specs that reek of poppycock! Product guide specifications must make sense and be arranged according to a specific format. How does one avoid poppycock, balderdash, and nonsense when developing guide specs?

A building product manufacturer’s guide specs should be based on their product without attempting to close the specification, since closed specifications are rarely allowed. An example of a closed specification would be to write the specification in such a manner that no other building product can meet the requirements. How dare some manufacturer trifle with this process. Specifiers are not to be trifled with!

Another sign that you are reviewing a poppycock product specification is that the absurd document uses promotional language. Greenwashing, propaganda, and ballyhoo will not be tolerated lest it alert the Specification Inquisition. Nobody and I mean nobody expects the Specification Inquisition! Their chief weapons are ruthless efficiency, Word Perfect, fanatical devotion to CSI principles, and fancy titles like CDT, CCCA, and CSI Fellow.

Product manufacturers would be well advised not to anger, irk, or provoke the CSI legion. They are a mighty alliance of over 9500 members and volunteers. Standards and formats shall be administered and managed in a timely and coherent fashion. Best practices and the management of information shall be conducted with compendious attention to detail.

Overall, manufacturers should strive to create accurate, meaningful, and valid guide specs. Manufacturers are encouraged to utilize the services of a professional specification consultant or contact the Construction Specifications Institute to research this in greater detail. But for the love of Odin, don’t torment design professionals with a poppycock product specification!