Just because you can...
In response to a recent Wednesday Wisdom on averages hiding the extremes, a past client of mine said: "This reminds of the old saying: Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."
And he's absolutely right! There are many examples of this in data management. Here are just a couple:
+ "While our members are renewing membership, let's ask them a bunch of other demographic questions." Just because you CAN ask those questions, is during the renewal process the right time to do it? I would argue "no" because the more steps you require someone to complete to renew, the less likely they are to renew!
+ "Let's ask them for their [random piece of data] because we might use that data someday." Just because you CAN ask for that data doesn't mean you should. Every piece of data you collect should have some use immediately. If the data isn't being used for something, it shouldn't be collected at all.
And of course, there are many more examples. Technology makes it incredibly easy and inexpensive to collect data. But be sure you've got a good reason to collect the data, and make sure you're collecting it at the right time.
After all, just because you can collect it doesn't mean you should.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Painting the Bridge
Painting the Bridge According to this article, the Golden Gate Bridge is painted continuously year-round. …
Maintenance isn’t sexy
Maintenance isn’t sexy I remember reading once long ago that one of the reasons our …
“Will I still have a job when this is done?”
“Will I still have a job when this is done? While working with a client …
Evolution, not revolution
Evolution, not revolution I don’t recall where I first heard it many decades ago, but …
The power of the users’ group
The power of the users’ group Recently in an online users group forum for an …
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about …
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about …
Ratio of Data to Errors
Ratio of Data to Errors One of the elements of a good data governance plan …
Back to basics
Back to basics Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed that some AMS vendors …
Your people matter
Your people matter I’ve written many times about how people, process, and technology have to …