Editor

I am writing about Kort Patterson's article on the "Technical Competence Gap", appearing in the 12/96 issue.

I agree completely with Kort - this issue has troubled me for some time. I think the problem is worse than even Kort asserts, because I believe the technical competence gap grows at an exponential rate. While the technically disfranchised remain relatively static in the extent of their knowledge, the technically adept are riding a wave of expanding knowledge that is increasing in speed - witness the explosive growth in computing applications.

If our society does not work hard to disseminate at least basic outlines of expanding knowledge areas, we will be inadvertently building walls that will more effectively divide our community than language or custom.

Best wishes,
Eric Vollrath
email to Eric Vollrath