Re: [-empyre-] is data ever neutral?

[Patrick Lichty <voyd@voyd.com>]

> data is gathered in certain ways, for certain intents, by certain gatherers,
> the software is never neutral..it has an inherent signature and bias of the
> person who wrote  it.. key strokes input into a key board are never neutral
> they have a rhythm of the user..   we are never objective , never have an
> uncompromised overview.. yet data tries to trick us to  think we do.

Well, the earliest metaphor for the neutrality of tools, technologies or 
codes of any sort id the Thamusian question of language.  The problem is 
that given any device's constriction, purpose and context, there can be no 
neutrality.  In the case of data, I think M has it spot on in regards to 
methods of gathering, structuring, and representation.  Lest we forget the 
technologies, the sociocultural contexts that drive them such as access, 
wealth, education, etc., as well of the purpose. However. to delve deepen 
here is another whole thread, and I would begin to rave on a bit about Lang.