On 2/5, Pat Galloway wrote:

...snip...
>I argue what I argue about symbol processing because I am a humanities
specialist who
>found it very easy to cross the line once I learned the language-...snip...
>I think it is important for people to understand how their tools work, whether
they want to make them or >directly use them or not, ...snip...

Lingo and language are different. Lingo includes "My new Micron is a screamer
133P5 w/ a 1 gig HD and that new Soundblaster." Curator lingo includes "
Postcard, Documentary Artifact, Communication Artifact."

Language is what you program in, C++ for example. I think most computer literate
curators learn the lingo. Remember, getting a grasp of the difference between an
operating system and an application is only the first baby step toward
programming. No doubt many of us are capable of learning to program. Why would
we want to? I've got better things to do with my time. Like manage collections
and design exhibits.

Of course it is important to understand the basics of how tools work. That
doesn't mean you have to be the tool designer or repair man.

Gutenkauf
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As always, my opinions are my own and do not reflect those of any institution
with which I am affiliated.