Perfection

This podcast by Gallup is PERFECT. They’re discussing the sins and virtues of media, both traditional and social. They get EVERYTHING right. They grasp the vast sins of the media, and they grasp the needs and desires of real people. They don’t softpedal or downplay anything. They don’t pretend that media used to be better. I can’t find even the slightest quibble.

They don’t offer a solution; overall they think media should ASK PEOPLE WHAT THEY CARE ABOUT AND LISTEN TO THE ANSWERS.

Carver said it best. His advice to scientists also applies to other groups that try to observe the world.

LOOK ABOUT YOU.
TAKE HOLD OF THE THINGS THAT ARE HERE.
TALK TO THEM.
LET THEM TALK TO YOU.

One of the participants tells a story revealing a clear understanding of what INFORMATION means.

She used to work at a TV station. When she went out for a story, the producer already wrote part of the story in advance. The producer would tell her to find the angry neighbor who was shocked at the event. After she reached the location, she found that nobody was angry or shocked. Everyone said this is what always happens around here. In other words, there was NO INFORMATION, no surprise.