Design News for Mechanical and Design Engineers

In Defense of E-Mail

It's true there are times it's best to visit in person or pick up the phone. But visits can drag out into gab fests and so can undisciplined phone calls. Also, speed in business is very important now. The race more and more goes to the swift. And making sure the right people are in the loop—worldwide sometimes—is pretty hard with visits and real-time phone calls. E-mails fill the bill. Spam? Learn how to be fast on the delete key. Or get a spam filter.

And, finally, "robs us of our social skills"? We're engineers for Pete's sake. What social skills?

Charles E. Kinzer SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

I read with interest your recent article entitled "Career Outlook: Mixed Signals for Engineers," (DN 07.07.03). It is obvious you did a lot of homework gathering data.

Nick Corcodilos states 85% of engineers made the right choice in staying where they were because seniority helps in not being laid off. I would like to add that quality work is also an indicator of one's ability to remain at a company. Granted, some companies rely on longevity for retention. However, a majority of those who remain have received compensation above the norm because of the effective work performed and not just because they have been there the longest. It is true, some companies used to keep those who remained loyal regardless of an employee's output or performance. Since the Engineering boom of the '90s companies now recognize superior work over seniority more.

Andy Newman LIBERTYVILLE, IL

In your editorial on engineers who make a difference (DN 06.02.03), I can say that the State of Texas is well represented by Ray Almgren. I've had the privilege of knowing Ray for a few years and we couldn't have a better advocate for enhancing engineering education. When Ray sets his sights on getting something done things happen.

Donnie Curington HOUSTON, TX

In a recent editorial (DN 06.02.03), you asked about organizations that make a difference with engineering/technical students. I've got a great one—the Foundry Educational Foundation (www.fefoffice.org). While many programs to attract students to various segments of industry are "trendy" and recently formed, the metal casting segment of the manufacturing industry realized that to get young people interested in their "non-glamorous" industry they needed to work at it. And they have—since 1947!

Leo J. Baran CHICAGO, IL

I'm afraid that I don't share your dismay at the "abuse" of the weed-out courses (DN 06.16.03). You imply that "diversity" is harmed by such tactics. In this country we have allowed the desire to include (probably better to insert inject) everyone in every aspect of society to fog our judgment and lower our standards to the point that we no longer have any standards. The goal in engineering education should be to produce good engineers regardless of whether or not there is diversity in the sense that some "social scientist" determines is necessary.

The answer is excellence in education at all levels, challenging the students to always do their best, and driving them to do what we as teachers know they can do. Instead, we lower our standards and change our tests so the "socially disadvantaged" can pass thereby lowering the standards even more. We have lowered our standards to be "inclusive" but in reality we have harmed everyone including those we intended to help.

Michael W. Morgan SOUTH HOLLAND, IL

I agree with you that we need to maintain high standards in our education system. But I think there is a difference between challenging students and threatening them. A statement on the first day of class about the likelihood that one- third of the students will drop out has some rather distressing things to say about the college admissions policy, among other things.