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The Importance of kənˈjekCHər

LPH

Flight Director
Flight Instructor
Conjecture (kənˈjekCHər) is reaching a conclusion based on incomplete information; it is supposition. Tech blogs live off conjecture. They simply attempt to guess features of future products. People read the blog, argue over the merits of the guesses, and even suggest other features.

For example, iOS6 beta is expected soon because WWDC2012 starts June 11. Sites are already publishing their feature guesses. Many are actually wishes or comparison lists to other operating systems (e.g., Android, WebOS).

Karl Popper first used the term to contrast with hypothesis (a testable explanation). His use in scientific philosophy was that conjectures have yet to be disproved.

Conjecture is an important component to online discussions. A blogger starts the conversation with feature posts and visitors make suggestions. Beta products are released and the blogger publishes follow up stories. Next, the product is released and the initial review is done. Finally, a long review is posted with an inclusion of the pros and cons of using the product. The blogger will add laments on missing features - and hopes to get readers to add their opinions to the fold.

With conjecture, a blogger is able to gain attention with five stories from one product. And we love it. We want to discuss features in Windows 8, iOS 6, the iPhone 5, and the new Tablet PCs. It makes us feel good.

Actually, feature-guess stories are the geeky way of being social, showing off knowledge of conjectures is a status symbol in the online world.

What is your reason for reading conjecture based tech stories?
 
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