If only we COULD instead of SHOULD

End of another week….thought I’d discuss my most hated words used in this world of IT.

So why do I hate should? Because it’s used constantly by technical people when ever they’re asked a question they don’t know the answer to, by people they know who can’t question the statement. 

My favourite use of the word is the oft used: “It should work?” - Admit it - how many times have you heard it?

What does this sentence really mean?

To the techie it means: “I really have no idea but in order to protect my aura of technical competency I’ll pretend I know the answer. If it works I’m a star, if it doesn’t then I can always say I wasn’t certain? Sorted!”

To the non-technical questionee it means “He’s very clever and it’s going to work. Sorted”

The word should is an opinion and must never be applied to the black and white world of engineering – which I’m afraid is where we are with these kind of discussions.

In my world there should (I think it’s OK to use it there?) be three answers available for the question. They are Yes, No and I don’t know. How much easier would that be and it would stop us disappearing down rat holes of deceit based on dodgy uninformed assumptions – don’t get me started.

Have a good weekend and see you next week – 1 year older!