'Genius'

=The Difference between me and a Genius Bar employee= The idea there is that it doesn't take much CS background to operate an iPhone or a Mac Book or even a Windows 7 machine these days. The barrier to entry is fairly low, almost anyone can get something working on a modern computer.

And that's great, access for all, everyone should have these things. The issue I have is that I am a computer engineer, I like the science of computers, and I do not like helping my parents fix their problems. Problems I am not familiar with, because I use my computer like a hobbyist, not a consumer.

So when I tell them to get an Apple, because they can go to the 'Genius' Bar to get help on their device, I am pointing them to available help, to free my own resources and reduce my stress. The thing that upsets me is that people presume the people at the 'Genius' Bar are actually geniuses.


 * Apple makes the phone, Ford makes the car.
 * Apple sells the phone, Ford sells the car.
 * Apple sells their phone in Apple stores, etc., Ford sells their cars at dealers, etc
 * Apple support helps you with your problems, Ford dealers help you with problems
 * The Genius Bar gives your phone a 'jump', AAA gives your car a 'jump'
 * Computer experts fix computer problems, Mechanics fix car problems.
 * Computer engineers write code, mechanical engineers design cars.

But then again, how can I expect people to understand the difference between a 'Genius' and a computer engineer, if there are people walking around that think Samsung makes the iPhone.

Dumbing Down the Audience