More or less? 7

[Dimandja]

I was explaining the finer points of OO programming, when I stopped and asked if I was still making sense. The answer was "more or less".

Although I understood the meaning of that phrase, it still grates my ears.

Is this phrase correctly used in this context? I have heard it a lot in similar contexts.

 

[Dimandja]

In case you misread my post, here it is again. And my questions are real, not rethorical.

You said: "First, what are the finer points of OO (object oriented) programming, and 'finer' from whose perspective? Could that be such a broad scope that no simple answer makes sense? Perhaps the 'more' aspect of the answer relates to inheritence, and the 'less' answer relates to polymorhpism."

Me: "This is besides the point, I'm afraid. Would it have helped if I had said "Does my explanattion of polymorphism make sense so far?"." Maybe you'd prefer a narrower question? Here, I am asking for what a fitting question would be, as an example from you.

Me again: "I seriously doubt it. But if you have an example question that would make the "more or less" answer a good answer, I'd like to know it." Since you have taken an interest into the specifics of the discussion (OO), I am asking for what you think would be the "best question, for the best answer".

I think these are legitimate questions, and I would like to know more about your ideas.

 

[Thadeus]

Well in fact, I say that there is no "best question"... Meaning, there was nothing "wrong" with the original question. It got you an answer that you understood.

That's a good question and a good answer. The two of you were communicating (which is better than can be said for you and CC...)

~Thadeus

 

[Dimandja]

> The two of you were communicating (which is better than can be said for you and CC...)

Good point... unfortunately...

 

[CajunCenturion]

About my interpretation -

Me: "This is besides the point, I'm afraid. Would it have helped if I had said "Does my explanattion of polymorphism make sense so far?"." Maybe you'd prefer a narrower question? Here, I am asking for what a fitting question would be, as an example from you.

You disagreed with my comments by initially saying, "This is besides the point, I'm afraid.". After that dismissal, you ask the question, "Would it have helped if I had said "Does my explanattion of polymorphism make sense so far?", which you immediately answer yourself, "I seriously doubt it.". To this point, you've made a claim of it being beside the point, and supported your claim with a self-answered rhetorical question. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that position. Since you have already said it was beside the point, and answered your own question, I find no hint that you're asking me for an example of what might be a narrower or more fitting question.

However, that being said, Yes, I do think it would have helped had you asked, "Does my explanation of polymorphism make sense so far?", because you would have narrowed the scope of the question. Rather than being about and a 'finer point' of OO programming, you are asking about polymorphism.

To be clear, in this thread, I have taking an interest in the discussion about the use of 'more or less', not in a discussion about the finer points of OOP. With respect to the 'best question, for the best answer', that depends on the environment and context in which it is asked. More importantly, the best question is one that will lead you to the most informative answer. I gather from this thread, that you were not looking for a 'more or less' answer to your question.

In this situation, I know you understand what the 'more or less' answer meant, and that's not what you originally asked. Is the answer appropriate for the question? I think it is because the question is not specific. But is the answer informative? Partially. To a point. The answer does tell you that not everything has gotten through, because the answer was not 'yes'. However, you don't know where the holes are and now you need to follow up with another question to gather the specifics?

My question to you, Dimandja, did you want to know if you were making sense? Or did you want to know if your associate was understanding some of the finer points, or even better, a specific point, about OOP?

Good Luck
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[edfair]

More or less" seems to relate to one value. I would probably have answered "more and less" given the original question and my interpretation of what was really being asked.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[tsdragon]

Now that I look back, I think Stella had probably the best response to the question so far, and the simplest.


Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[Dimandja]

I vote for earthandfire, SantaMufasa, sleipnir214, anotherhiggins, craigsboyd, and others who recognized the simplicity of this thread, and gave clear and concise commentary. Oh, and Merriam-Webster for serving as referee.

 

[Dimandja]

A virtual beer to earthandfire! I am being treated to a real one as a result of your link.

Bruises notwithstanding, all is well that ends well.

 

[TheRambler]

Maybe I would have said "so-so", but after reading this thread I will try to avoid those adverbs.

 

[earthandfire]

At least I'll only get virtually drunk, Dimandja, thanks.