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From: daveb@rtech.UUCP (Dave Brower)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Re: What Do You Do?
Message-ID: <564@rtech.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 20-Jul-85 13:58:32 EDT
Article-I.D.: rtech.564
Posted: Sat Jul 20 13:58:32 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 22-Jul-85 04:22:54 EDT
References: <1030@trwatf.UUCP> <33100024@ISM780.UUCP>, <3133@cornell.UUCP> <753@drume.UUCP>
Organization: Relational Technology, Alameda CA
Lines: 50

> ... the description: "I'm working at developing a mathematical
> framework for analyzing whether certain types of computers behave the way
> you want them to.", could be changed to "I try to see, mathematically, if
> certain computers do what you want them to do."
>      I agree wholeheartedly that, when talking with non-computer people
> about your job, you should simplify as much as possible, but please don't
> forget that, unless large words are absolutely necessary (i.e.
> mathematical, in the example above), you really should leave them out of
> your communications, both written and oral.
>

I'd even try to avoid "mathematical" and "certain computers" until a lot
later in the conversation.  It's intimidating jargon that you should
sneak in only after you prepared your listener.  Try to find analogies
to things the other person is already likely to understand, and then
use concrete examples as much as possible.

	q:  What do you do?

	a:  I try to see if it's possible for computers to do what you
	    want you want them to.

	q:  How do you do that?

	a:  Well, the same way you can call shapes "squares"
	    and "circles," we try to find categories for different
	    computers.  Then we try to see how well a particular
	    computer fits the category.

	(take a breath, check for continued interest)

	    Say it's a computer that *name a manufacturer here*
	    is selling as a "square." Does if have four corners?
	    Are the sides all the same length?  The idea is, if it
	    really is a "square" computer, it won't be able to
	    do some of the things a "round" computer can do.
	    A square tire on your car, wouldn't work too well, right?

	(still following? if not, then don't push it further)

	    Now we all pretty much agree what a square and a circle are.
	    I'm trying to find the same kind of mathematical models to 
	    classify computers, and to see how well they work.

I'd hesitate to go into much more detail at that point, to avoid the MEGO
(My-eyes-glaze-over) syndrome in your listener.
-- 
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