Waiting for a bus recently, I had what is possibly an obvious epiphany. Sometimes the technically correct answer isn’t the answer you need.
For instance, if you were to ask me, “Where is the nearest bus stop?” I could easily point someone to it. But using what we librarians call the reference interview, maybe I should ask a few clarifying questions to make sure it’s the answer that would actually be helpful.
For instance, “Where are you trying to go?” The nearest bus stop might not be heading in the correct direction. Or that bus doesn’t operate on weekends. Or it might not be running in the middle of the day.
Recently, I happened across a guy who was waiting in downtown Albany for a specific bus in the late morning. Because I know these arcane things, I was sure that route would not be operating for another four hours! But I aware that another bus that ran every 20 or 30 minutes would get him fairly close to his destination.
I’ve mentioned before that I have to be vigilant against false information. In the cases of the former First Lady Barbara Bush, and the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, reports of their deaths came out two or three days before their passing. Why? In order to be first with incorrect reporting?
Conversely, I was sitting in a deli hearing guys talking about a woman dying from dog saliva, a story I had not heard. It turned out to be true. But one fellow said to another, “They shouldn’t report that. It’s doesn’t happen often and it’ll get people all worked up.” I disagree; the story correctly noted how RARE the phenomenon was. Intentionally not reporting it is untenable.
Check out analytics evangelist Ann Jackson on being the voice of data, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting aside intuition. It’s something I strive for, but I haven’t gotten there yet.
For ABC Wednesday
HOw right you are…. most of the time by questions asked, my mind goes in different directions, in a search for the most suitable answer… wondering at the same time, on what I want to base that suitability ;-0
News…. I never read newspapers, don’t follow in on any form of media either… its never objective, seldom truthfull..so why bother reading/listening to it…
Take care…have a wonderful day and more
M e l o d y
I hear you!
My ABC WEDNESDAY
I recall going into the gas station and asking for info. So I giving out my age.
Coffee is on
I kick myself when I didn’t check a meme or article, which I had passed on, to find out later that the it gave incorrect or misleading information. I wanted to believe the facts so much. I’m getting better, too, about doing my research.
Neat post for I and so appropriate from a Librarian ~
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores
I have noticed that there are different versions on the same subject when reading or listening to information it depends where and from whom you get it ! as I can listen or read in different languages, I also get different information !!
Yes information should reported and not hidden for fear of people’s reaction.
Happy ABCW!