Why I Read Nicholas Carr, But I Don't Follow Him
Category Management
Nicholas Carr is famous for his pronouncements, critical of the value for corporate computing. I usually disagree with his conclusions, but his analysis and insights are always instructive. As something of a technology pessimist, he is right 90% of the time.
It's a rule that I'm sure is recorded by some ancient sage. Pessimists are nearly always right in their prognosis for failure. Practice of their skill has probably made them better at foretelling defeat than what is seen by the average eye.
The irony of pessimists, is that while they are 90% correct for estimating failures, they are 100% wrong in pointing to a solution. I've seen too many decisions tilted by the high average of the naysayer who is adept at finding everything but success.
So, if I need to know where the mortar shells will drop, I'm staying close to the pessimist. But, if I must find safe haven, then I'll have better luck with the optimist.
Technorati Tags: Nicholas Carr
Nicholas Carr is famous for his pronouncements, critical of the value for corporate computing. I usually disagree with his conclusions, but his analysis and insights are always instructive. As something of a technology pessimist, he is right 90% of the time.
It's a rule that I'm sure is recorded by some ancient sage. Pessimists are nearly always right in their prognosis for failure. Practice of their skill has probably made them better at foretelling defeat than what is seen by the average eye.
The irony of pessimists, is that while they are 90% correct for estimating failures, they are 100% wrong in pointing to a solution. I've seen too many decisions tilted by the high average of the naysayer who is adept at finding everything but success.
So, if I need to know where the mortar shells will drop, I'm staying close to the pessimist. But, if I must find safe haven, then I'll have better luck with the optimist.
Technorati Tags: Nicholas Carr
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Comments
Posted by Jack Dausman At 10:43:08 PM On 06/09/2008 | - Website - |
Posted by Nathan T. Freeman At 09:16:49 AM On 06/07/2008 | - Website - |