[IxDA Discuss] Firs time in the USA

[Katie Albers]

>dave malouf wrote:
>>  One difference that you need to be aware of which is even cultural to
>>  different regions and urban landscapes is how comfy people are with
>>  giving you criticism. In NY ... not a problem. In the west coast, a
>  > BIG problem in my experience.

<snip>

>This is worst in the midwest, bad in California and least bad in the
>east/new york area. I can't speak for the south.

I'd issue a particular caution regarding the south -- at least in my 
experience...Things that sounded to me like actual invitations (Oh, 
we're just so pleased to meet you! We're having a barbecue Saturday 
late afternoon! You should come!) were not. I showed up at a couple 
events to be met by baffled hostesses before I realized that these 
invitations were meant as a pro forma politeness, not an actual 
*invitation*.

>Niceness will get in your way in getting criticism, in social
>interactions (people will say they are on board to your face, then go
>behind your back to complain), personal interactions as seen above.
>Engineers/programmers are often immune to this bad habit, but the rest
>can not be trusted to report accurately as you may need. Multiple data
>points at all times.
>
>~c


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Katie Albers
katie at firstthought.com