Mini-rant - not map related

[Jaxilon]

@Hai-Etlik - that is correct.

Another one of these technically incorrect sayings that I have even seen around here is:

"This software has a steep learning curve". If you ever looked at a graph you would understand that a steep curve means you can learn it very fast whereas a gradual curve would mean it takes forever. For some reason however, "A steep learning curve" today, means a thing is rather hard to master and will take a long time.

It's not a huge deal but let's be honest, it's not an accurate description of what we are trying to convey.

A couple more crazy things that catch in my mind when I hear them:

Irregardless - that one should be just "regardless".
I could care less - should be "I couldn't care less" because if you could care less that means you have a measure of care. Probably the exact opposite of what you mean. I suppose there are times that is exactly what you mean because you are trying to trick someone into thinking you don't really care.

Oh well, it's the beauty and the bane of a living language I guess.

[Hai-Etlik]

@Hai-Etlik - that is correct.

Another one of these technically incorrect sayings that I have even seen around here is:

"This software has a steep learning curve". If you ever looked at a graph you would understand that a steep curve means you can learn it very fast whereas a gradual curve would mean it takes forever. For some reason however, "A steep learning curve" today, means a thing is rather hard to master and will take a long time.

I think what that one means is that it's the amount of learning, over time, not the amount of capability. So a shallow learning curve is one where you don't have to learn much to use it, where a steep learning curve is one where you need to learn a lot just to get started. (Like the tutorial thread I've been writing on GIS)

Maybe it's even learning as a function of capability, rather than of time. In which case the second derivatives are probably negatives of one another for steep and shallow learning curves (in general). Most initially steep curves are going to be bending down, while initially shallow curves are going to be bending up. Both will have positive vertical asymptote eventually where no amount of learning will allow you to exceed the inherent capabilities of the software (It doesn't matter how well you know how to use the GIMP, without some sort of extra plugin or re-writing it, it isn't going to produce music.) but software with an initially steep curve is generally going to be much further along.

Of course Infinitesimal Calculus is another of those things with an initially steep learning curve that bends down and makes lots of things easier.