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As for our opinion (which is just that, an opinion) why we think that the statistical foundations and knowledge about more traditional algorithms is important,

As for our opinion (which is just that, an opinion) why we think that the statistical foundations and knowledge about more traditional algorithms is important, it's based on the business needs and our experience. While it might seem less necessary if the goal is to "learn deep learning", it is highly relevant if your task is to "solve this business problem". Our perspective is the industrial one. And while there are certainly many complex business problems where deep learning is required, there are more cases where a traditional approach is sufficient and actually the better solution (e.g. due to the memory footprint, latency or other reasons). We routinely work on both kinds of problems on a day to day basis, but we would never go straight to deep learning approaches if simpler and faster traditional methods comprise a better solution in a given use case. So, our employees are expected to know both and to be able to judge when to apply which approach.

tnbalsam 6y ago
Yes, this makes sense. I'd suggest retitling the article to be something along the lines of "ML Expert Roadmap", and then continue to flesh out all avenues. As it stands, the roadmap has really nothing to do with AI at all, but your point about not just jumping to the shiny hammer certainly rings true and makes sense. I certainly think that's the right approach algorithmically, especially if you're looking to be a more generalist data shop. In a world of senseless marketing hype, I think it's a good idea to take the high road on this one. Reputation alone, even if less-buzzy words like ML are used in favor of AI, really carries a long ways. Plus, we're nearing the disenfranchisement hump, and AI's going to start taking a negative connotation with many businesses, I believe. Just shoot straight and I firmly believe it'll carry you for a long ways, there.

tnbalsam 6y ago

Yes, this makes sense. I'd suggest retitling the article to be something along the lines of "ML Expert Roadmap", and then continue to flesh out all avenues. As it stands, the roadmap has really nothing to do with AI at all, but your point about not just jumping to the shiny hammer certainly rings true and makes sense. I certainly think that's the right approach algorithmically, especially if you're looking to be a more generalist data shop. In a world of senseless marketing hype, I think it's a good idea to take the high road on this one. Reputation alone, even if less-buzzy words like ML are used in favor of AI, really carries a long ways. Plus, we're nearing the disenfranchisement hump, and AI's going to start taking a negative connotation with many businesses, I believe. Just shoot straight and I firmly believe it'll carry you for a long ways, there.