WEEK 3 ~ Why Geeks Need To Know How To Write

     First and foremost, why use a standardized word like "geek"? Here's Google's definition so we're all on the same page:

geek

ɡēk/

noun

informal

plural noun: geeks

1. 1.

   an unfashionable or socially inept person.

   • 
     

verb

3rd person present: geeks

1. 1.

   engage in or discuss computer-related tasks obsessively or with great attention to technical detail.

     Oh. Geek. The sort of merge between both verb and noun form of the word. Geeks speak geek. Interesting.

     I made an effort to look up the word "geek" for a reason. Words are the way we communicate and the way we use words can definitely change our understanding. Geeks don't always have to speak geek.

     Geeks need to know how to write just as well as anyone else. Okay, maybe not write just as well but the necessity is just as high as it is for anyone else. Geeks need to be able to express themselves, explain themselves and promote themselves. The ideal way to do this is through writing because writing is, in a sense, communication. Writing is an essential skill that helps sharpen the skills you already have.

     From my own experience, writing has taught me to pay attention to the finer details of the topics I've written about. By doing that it helped me realize the things I didn't yet understand about the topics and how much more I need to know. Alternatively, it gives me a pretty good idea of what I do know best and alternative ways of approaching the same thing.

    Why do students in the Humanities work so hard in improving their writing skills? This is because it is the ideal way that they can communicate their ideas and their understanding of other peoples ideas. If it can't be put into words, meaning can be lost. No one wants to be lopsided (i.e. good at one thing and one thing only), we all want to be well-rounded in terms of our skills. Once you master the art of prose, communication and articulation of your thoughts comes easy as well.

     Primarily, for geeks, it's about finding meaning beyond your work. Let's say you're a geek and you come up with the best program in the world. You want others to see what's so good about it and why it's the best thing around. How can you do that if no one understands your work but you?  When you can make this transfer of knowledge from one form to another you really show your colleagues you know what you're doing and that you are the professional.

     Alternatively, maybe you're not much of a professional. Maybe there's a lot of things you need to improve on. In this case, writing can help bring out what's lacking so that there can be improvements. Whether it's writing for yourself or writing for others, there is nothing wrong in knowing how to write.

    Cheers