OT: Random thoughts... 2k13 or 2013?

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Pardon my ignorance but after seeing 2013 as 2k13 numerous times I'm left with the thought that it's a completely pointless exercise.
We write/type T2k as shorthand for T2000 (shorthand itself for Twilight: 2000) with the k standing in for the number 1000 (k being shorthand for kilo in this case, the kilo being 1000 grams/litres etc. etc.)

With a number such as 2001 there would be some benefit to writing 2k1 but once you hit 2010 you have to write the fourth numeral anyway so I am failing to see the point of writing 2013 as 2k13. The Twilight connection is maintained through the T but the k is totally superfluous.
Anybody else have any thoughts on this?

[kato13]

From a search perspective 2k13 is more unique.

Google results
2013 6.2 Billion
2k13 3.6 million

I don't care either way, but 2k13 is more distinctive.

[Tegyrius]

Anybody else have any thoughts on this?

I agree with you and "2k13" always drives me batshit, but that's just my $0.02.

- C.

[Raellus]

There's a platform (Xbox, PS) basketball game that has annual installations. IIRC, it's called NBA 2kxx (this year's version was 2K14). So I can see some potential confusion if one searches the interwebs for a "T2k13".

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, I know it's a really minor issue to have annoy me so much and I'm not really some sort of hard-core grammar nazi but the 2k13 thing does, in the words of Tegyrius, "drive me batshit".

I can however, see the merit in Kato's comments about the number of search engine distinctive hits and I wasn't suggesting that people stop doing what they are doing but for some time I've been very curious to see if 2k13 annoyed other people as much as it did me!

[FPSlover]

Personally, I use 2k13 when conversing with gamers. I use the full title (2013) when conversing with no gamers.