[Sigia-l] data as information?

[Dan Saffer]

On Jun 30, 2005, at 12:28 AM, Listera wrote:

> I'm still waiting for an explanation of "[Data] is the evidence of a
> relationship between two things." Besides mumbo jumbo, that is.

Sorry, I went to bed...

Let's take a realm you are familiar with, financial services. Here's  
some typical data:

25.09 0.0 0% 1,400 24.36

Does this data make any sense unless you understand it as the  
relationship between a company (in this case Microsoft) and the stock  
market? I'm trying to think what else data would be if not indicative  
of some sort of relationship between things. Gifts from the gods?  
Natural phenomenon? (The stock market is pretty unnatural.)

If you don't like this model, I'd be interested in hearing another.

Dan
Credo Elvem ipsum etian vivere