Non-Linear

From a computer science aspect, it reminds me of an application I once worked on where one part of the code modified the instructions it would do later. That application would never run twice the same way because what it did depended on the input transactions you gave it.

Searching for information is similar, the search strategy I would construct initially would be changed as I went along. Discovering and learning information that would affect my search strategy itself. I would be considering ways to search I hadn’t thought about before.

From a math aspect in finding solutions to non-linear problems, goal seeking comes to mind. Finding the overall best solutions depended on where one started the search

Imagine an area where there are 3 hills, A, B, and C with A being the largest hill. Imagine a blind person parachuting down seeking the tallest hill A. Depending on where they landed and began their walk, they would encounter A, B, or C. The only way to insure you find the highest peak is to keep parachuting down in different random places and begin the walk.

In the same way in searching, we often need to start with entirely new starting points and strategices to reach the best overall search result.

Teamwork

I totally agree with the team effort concept. It is about asking the right questions, analyzing, delivering information, gaining feedback from practioners and the audience being served.

Ethics

Where I worked in Information Technology and Corporate Responsibility, the importance of being ethical was paramount. Avoid the grey zone.

I look forward to more interviews, experiences, and viewpoints!

- Dennis