A data-ist is someone who has "data" that proves whatever they say. Chapter and verse. The only thing they never question is where the data comes from.
Years ago I was sitting in a meeting where we were told Coke was the most valued brand in the world, IBM was second and The Learning Channel was third. The account guy asked rhetorically, "the Learning Channel?" and I blurted, "they paid for the study."
But back to yesterday's meeting.
I was told by the dataist that QR codes really are the real deal. They're working for Macy's who's incorporated them into their logo.
OK. I said. People might use them if they think they're getting 40% off.
Have you ever scanned one?
But but, the dataist stammered, I have the data.
We know better than this.
But dataists insist data trumps logic.
Why, because we want to, at our very core believe in magic. We want to believe that tiny ads work. That "content" syndicated can be delivered virtually free. We want to believe we can get something for nothing.
If you really believe the world works that way, I have a bridge to sell you.
