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That's not a very charitable response. Obviously the OP's social circle will know better than that because they know him (or her) and what they actually work o

That's not a very charitable response. Obviously the OP's social circle will know better than that because they know him (or her) and what they actually work on. Among the general public there's a real stereotype about DOD work. When I mention to strangers that I work for a defense contractor, they more often than not assume I'm working on bombs or something like that. Not every time, but often enough that I'm used to explaining that I only work on mapping software.

reificator 8y ago
> they more often than not assume I'm working on bombs > I only work on mapping software In fairness, those maps are likely used to ensure the bombs go where they should.
- AnimalMuppet 8y ago
  Better that they go where they should, than that they go where they shouldn't. The more accurate the mapping, the smaller the bomb can be, and the less collateral damage (presuming that the targeting information is correct).
  - 8note 8y ago
    that assumes the bomber isn't intending to maximize collateral damage
  - reificator 8y ago
    > Better that they go where they should, than that they go where they shouldn't True, at least when you're not the one being bombed.
    - jfoutz 8y ago
      This is a clever point. I think, even if I am being bombed, I don’t want my neighbors to die[1]. I would care very much about why. But if the hammer is coming down on me, it’s better for everyone if it’s only me. [1] except maybe that one across the alley that starts loud parties at 3:00 am. If I’m going down you can too guy.
- jlarocco 8y ago
  To be more fair, better maps means better targeting and less collateral damage. And the software can also used for logistics, base planning, humanitarian missions, rescue missions, etc.
austincheney 8y ago
> Obviously the OP's social circle will know better than that because they know him (or her) and what they actually work on. If that were true then the OP would not have to explain himself/herself in any way that made him/her feel embarrassed in the first place.

reificator 8y ago

> they more often than not assume I'm working on bombs > I only work on mapping software In fairness, those maps are likely used to ensure the bombs go where they should.

AnimalMuppet 8y ago
Better that they go where they should, than that they go where they shouldn't. The more accurate the mapping, the smaller the bomb can be, and the less collateral damage (presuming that the targeting information is correct).
- 8note 8y ago
  that assumes the bomber isn't intending to maximize collateral damage
- reificator 8y ago
  > Better that they go where they should, than that they go where they shouldn't True, at least when you're not the one being bombed.
  - jfoutz 8y ago
    This is a clever point. I think, even if I am being bombed, I don’t want my neighbors to die[1]. I would care very much about why. But if the hammer is coming down on me, it’s better for everyone if it’s only me. [1] except maybe that one across the alley that starts loud parties at 3:00 am. If I’m going down you can too guy.
jlarocco 8y ago
To be more fair, better maps means better targeting and less collateral damage. And the software can also used for logistics, base planning, humanitarian missions, rescue missions, etc.

austincheney 8y ago

> Obviously the OP's social circle will know better than that because they know him (or her) and what they actually work on. If that were true then the OP would not have to explain himself/herself in any way that made him/her feel embarrassed in the first place.