Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Wed, Mar 30 2005
This Word Game Brought To You By Taxpayer Money
I can't help but wonder how much of the taxpayers' money was used to think up this little word game. And I wonder how long Homeland Security personnel think it will be before everyone figures out that both phrases describe the same basic technology. Do Homeland Security workers think no one reads, watches TV, listens to the radio or accesses the internet?
They would make far better use of their time and our money by using correct terms that are already well-known and explaining how the technology works, and then being clear and precise about the ways in which they plan to use it. People are not so much afraid of RFID technology as much as they are of the misuse of that technology. Using covert pet names is not going to do much to soothe the public's fears, except in the short run. I can't believe officials wouldn't realize that. Of course, if the point is to get the technology in place and then use it, and any future versions of it, in any way they wish, peoples' fears would be very justified. Either way, I fail to see how reinventing terms promotes security or even the illusion of security.
posted at: 08:16 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
I can't help but wonder how much of the taxpayers' money was used to think up this little word game. And I wonder how long Homeland Security personnel think it will be before everyone figures out that both phrases describe the same basic technology. Do Homeland Security workers think no one reads, watches TV, listens to the radio or accesses the internet?
They would make far better use of their time and our money by using correct terms that are already well-known and explaining how the technology works, and then being clear and precise about the ways in which they plan to use it. People are not so much afraid of RFID technology as much as they are of the misuse of that technology. Using covert pet names is not going to do much to soothe the public's fears, except in the short run. I can't believe officials wouldn't realize that. Of course, if the point is to get the technology in place and then use it, and any future versions of it, in any way they wish, peoples' fears would be very justified. Either way, I fail to see how reinventing terms promotes security or even the illusion of security.
posted at: 08:16 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
