Long-form Reading

Abstract

Dianna and Fred discuss long-form reading. Is it in decline?

Key Points

Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss long-form reading.
Topics include:

• the impact of the digital age on our ability to focus.
• why detailed reports and documentation are essential for engineering and reliability work.
• the risks of relying on checklists without understanding the underlying context and history.
• how documenting lessons learned can save time and resources for future teams and projects.

Gain valuable insights into improving reading habits and the benefits of broad reading for problem-solving.

Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to field data analysis approaches.

SOR 1055 Long-form ReadingDianna Deeney

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Show Notes

In this episode, Fred and Dianna engage in a discussion about the importance of long-form reading, particularly within the context of engineering and reliability professions.

They emphasize the critical role of detailed reports in their work, citing examples such as HALT testing and experimental reports. We also need to document findings, even negative ones, to provide valuable context for future work and prevent the repetition of past mistakes.

They raise concern regarding the potential decline in the ability to focus on long-form content, possibly influenced by the prevalence of short-form digital media. Their discussion also touches upon the dangers of over-reliance on checklists and templates without a thorough understanding of the historical context and the “why” behind them.

Both Fred and Dianna advocate for the value of reading diverse materials, including technical documents, biographies, and even fiction, as a means to broaden perspectives, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster continuous learning. They conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace reading as a vital tool for personal and professional development and to recognize the lasting impact of well-documented work.