Re: Social Computering vs. Computer Science

[hakkr]

"irritate you tremendously"

So you get annoyed by people who just happen to know less computer science than you do?

All I can say to that is I bet you annoyed all the Professors before you got your phd:)

I think computing is already broken in disciplines and you get specialists within each. AI, Human/computer interfaces, RDBMS,Languages,super computing, O/S, graphics, networking to name but a few 'branches of study'.

They will all likely continue to diversify and branch off.

If you don't like the documentation, the buzzwords or the emphasis of something then simply don't use it.

[dimar]

I am glad you made this point, because it allows me to re-emphasize a potential misperception that I intended to preclude. As per the original post:

... not to say that 'social' endeavors and values are 'bad' or 'inferior' (but rather) willy-nilly *mixing of the two* ...

I like bacon, I also like milk, sometimes I even like *both* of them together in the same setting. That does not mean it is fun to buy both bacon and milk tossed into a plastic bag; casually labled and sold as "instant breakfast". You said:

If you don't like the documentation, the buzzwords or the emphasis of something then simply don't use it.

No need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The change in perception is enough. It is enough to realize that "people will try to sell you bacon and milk mixed together in a plastic bag, so be ready for it when it happens ..." This understanding dissipates the annoyance and irritation. It also helps in anticipating likely outcomes in the future. Preparedness is the key, not withdrawal.

Indeed, once you realize what's going on, you might make a name for yourself and a niche business as a competent and capable 'bacon and milk separator' ;)

It has nothing to do with being annoyed and elitist towards other people (external). It has everything to do with adjusting how one approaches and interprets the situation (internal) ... which is really what the meditation was all about.

[hakkr]

Well the dumb user annoys everyone but your internal approach has to recognise that you can do nothing about this kind of thing except occasionally educate others. Many people are simply just not interested.

It is just a fact that the misselling of 'bacon and milk' will occur. People will always add marketing spin and buzzwords to make what they are selling sound better.

So I think your message is simply 'ignore the PR bullshit' which is generally common sense.

If you do then you will find yourself being prepared to withdraw on many occassions. I would say this is mainly a problem for people in decision making positions who have little IT knowledge, to 'us' it is merely annoying/amusing.

It does not apply only to IT, I'm sure my mechanic is highly amused by my social understanding of his trade.

It certainly sounded elitist, I'm glad it's not. Knowledge is power and not just anyone can have power, or knowledge