What do we think of this coinage?

"Over time, the computers in Robert Beanland's office began to take oven the work he and his fellow statistical analysts did – processing information, crunching the numbers, composing spreadsheets. At first, Beanland's department had six employees, then five, four, then two. He and the other survivor finally got pink slips about two years ago. He's a victim of a trend you might call 'compumation.' Compumation is like automation, but instead of industrial machinery that's taking away your job, it's digital technology."
(Reader's Digest, Sept. 2004)

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Compumation is like automation, but instead of industrial machinery that's taking away your job, it's digital technology."

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I fail to see any need for it. Computers are still machines, so "automation" works just as well.

Just kind of silly.

Well, I don't know. I kind of like it. We are always looking for that specific word. Besides, it is very close to one of my favorite words: "compunction."

I was so excited, I just used "compunction" in a limerick to rhyme with "function;" however, the other part of the rhyme I couldn't think of, so I used "hunks ti' shun" (you had to be there to get it; really it worked. )

However, I don't think it's going to meet CJ's strict rhyming rules!

[Flight of ideas, I know!]

Junction? Unction?

I was made redundant from a previous job working in a bank because computers became more "intelligent" and many of the tasks prevously carried out by middle-managers like me were automated. Notice I say "automated", not "compumated".

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Originally posted by shufitz:
He's a victim of a trend you might call '_compumation_.' Compumation is like automation, but instead of industrial machinery that's taking away your job, it's digital technology"
(Reader's Digest, Sept. 2004)

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Welllll, since "digital" refers to fingers, does this mean that machines are giving him the finger?

Where I work, we are "harnessing the power of customer self-service" rather than compumating anything. One of my staff, a few weeks ago, actually had a customer using the self-serve check-out machines turn to her and say "that's your pink slip right there, honey!" Of course, type-writers were supposed to make secretaries obsolete . . .

Hmmm - compumating - that sounds like something entirely different!

Welcome, Caterwauller! Another woman!!! And, I love it too when someone actually posts a profile. Yours is so interesting. Three "geeks" in one family!

Thanks for the welcome, Kalleh! I find myself wanting to set the goal for posting more often than you someday! Problem is, I'm heading back to work soon (I've been recovering from surgery) and I'll have to find a way to . .. umm . . . compumate my work enough to be able to play more???

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Originally posted by Caterwauller (on her profile):
... long slow wet kisses that last 3 days . . .

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Wow, that must be some kiss! That's a new record!

Tinman

I find myself wanting to set the goal for posting more often than you someday!

You should have joined us yesterday. I didn't post at all!

Actually, Tinman, that is from Bull Durham, a line given by Kevin Costner. I've always appreciated the sentiment.

Kalleh, I'm going to work on getting to know how it all works around here for now, and as I have time I'll compete for most posts. I've been laughing so hard today my abdominal muscles are crying out for mercy!!! I really can't tell you how much I wish I'd found this site a month ago!

Good to have you aboard! Now we've got a well-behaved Cat in the UK and a fussy Cat in the US!

I take it you're a librarian? Two of the "Great Loves of My Life," including my present girl friend, were/are librarians, so I'm bound to like you!

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Originally posted by Asa Lovejoy:
Good to have you aboard! Now we've got a well-behaved Cat in the UK and a fussy Cat in the US!

I take it you're a librarian? Two of the "Great Loves of My Life," including my present girl friend, were/are librarians, so I'm bound to like you!

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Fussy? Say it isn't so! When I was recruited (convinced, cajoled, not quite coerced) into going to grad school for my MLS, they assured me that being gregarious and witty (a.k.a. loud and obnoxious) would not be a hindrance.

" . . . bound to like . . ." is that a book joke?

Oh - and thank you all, really, for the great welcoming messages!

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Originally posted by Caterwauller:

Fussy? Say it isn't so! When I was recruited (convinced, cajoled, not quite coerced) into going to grad school for my MLS, they assured me that being gregarious and witty (a.k.a. loud and obnoxious) would not be a hindrance.

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I took "Caterwauler" to mean "fussing," as used by Southerners, as in "A-fussin' and a-fumin'."

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" . . . bound to like . . ." is that a book joke?

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Since you're married and I'm significantly involved, I think we can rule out its being an invitation to enjoy some kinky stuff! I just don't have the spine for it!

'Round these parts, caterwauller generally refers to one who is screeching like a cat (either fighting or during coitus - the cat, not the person . . . well, maybe the person,too.) In my case it was a "catty" remark about my singing (totally inaccurate, as well <ahem!>.

As far as our attached states, I quite agree. Regardless of the state of your spine, my caterwaulling makes it difficult to be discreet. <evil grin> Is that too much info?

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Originally posted by Asa Lovejoy:
Good to have you aboard! Now we've got a well-behaved Cat in the UK and a fussy Cat in the US!

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Well-behaved? Oh dear, I'm obviously not trying hard enough...

Come along, Cat, let's BOTH misbehave!

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Originally posted by Caterwauller:
Come along, Cat, let's BOTH misbehave!

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You can't "mis" behave; you're married! Mrsbehave or Msbehave if you will!

Jammerkatz, you've really livened up the board! Good show! Now, what was that song about its being a very very very fine house, with two cats in the yard...?

AAhhhhh - good ole' Cole Porter.

I'll choose Msbehave . . . suits me just fine.


As Master Porter wrote:
We're all alone; no chaperone can get our number
The world's in slumber, let's misbehave.


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Nuthin like a little caterwaullin to wake up the neighbors!

I like the song you reference, as well!