Re: [Pesci-discuss] "ADs are the central focus of technical expertise"

[Elwyn Davies <[e-mail]>]

Brian E Carpenter wrote:

> Scott W Brim wrote:
>
>> On Fri, Oct 21, 2005 09:12:51AM -0500, Spencer Dawkins allegedly wrote:
>>
>>> I'm quite a bit more comfortable with "central arbitrators of 
>>> technical expertise", and think the statement is probably even true 
>>> - others?
>>
>>
>>
>> Can you find a phrase that sounds a little more natural and less like
>> George Will? 
>
>
> I don't know who George Will is 

Neither did I, but I happened to come across a reference to him 
yesterday. For the benefit of the uninformed in the rest of the world he 
is apparently a venerable (since 1977!), conservative opinion columnist 
for the Washington Post and television talking head. I presume he has 
some of the same predilictions for flowery language to which I am prone. 
Maybe also the same urge to ensure that some of the more precise words 
in the half million or so that English provides us with do not fall into 
abeyance.

> but I agree the phrase is a bit
> clumsy - if we agree on the notion, we can surely find a better word.

The word you are probably after is 'arbiter', rather than 'arbitrator'.

 From the OED:


    arbiter

• *noun* *1* a person who settles a dispute. *2* a person who has 
influence over something.

— ORIGIN Latin, ‘judge, supreme ruler’.

Both senses and the origin seems quite appropriate ;-)

Regards,
Elwyn


>
> Brian
>
>>
>>
>>>> 2. I believe a more accurate statement is the the ADs are the central
>>>> arbitrators of technical expertise. They get to appoint WG chairs,
>>>> expert reviewers, and the like. That's at least as important as their
>>>> own technical skills, imho.
>>>
>>
>>
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