converting data to information

[Nora von Gerichten <wlg -at- pacificcoast -dot- net>]

We convert data into information.
(corollary: we also sometimes convert a lack of data into information)

Getting data into information is like stopping before the finish line. Data 
needs to be turned into knowledge to be of any use. Your corollary of lack 
of data into information seems a bit off. Data cannot be pulled out of the 
sky but must be "unearthed", "found", all those nice archeological terms. I 
am one of those nasty people who red pencil projects because their data was 
pulled from the sky. As long as you use your corollary, you can not 
withstand any rigors of anything.

I work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) on collaborative 
telemed projects in SA and Africa. I like the simplicity and elegance of 
their idea of turning data into knowledge. There is a nice graphic that 
goes with it and good text, albeit in a medical context.

Data in context is information and information in context is knowledge.

"We turn the radio static of information overload into (usually visual) 
music for specified audiences."

This analogy needs more work to be rigorous. As is, it is poetry.

"We decipher and convey complex concepts into more easily comprehensible 
packaging."

What does this have to do with the price of tea in China? You need a 
transition from your "data to info" model. This statement appears at first 
to be going from knowledge to data. Suggest you explore some of the 
literature on tech transfer. Tech transfer is, in part, the social 
acceptance of the technology, otherwise it is not sustainable. You have 
necessary but not sufficient components to your presentation.

Don't mean to be harsh, just happened to have my red pencil in hand.

Nora



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