whats up with "benchmarks?"

[frogcycle]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/benchmark


bench·mark
1. a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged: The new hotel is a benchmark in opulence and comfort.
2. any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged: The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.
3. Computers. an established point of reference against which computers or programs can be measured in tests comparing their performance, reliability, etc.
–adjective
4. of, pertaining to, or resulting in a benchmark: benchmark test, benchmark study.



http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/milestone
mile·stone

1. A stone marker set up on a roadside to indicate the distance in miles from a given point.
2. An important event, as in a person's career, the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point.



Benchmarks are reference points from which to evaluate other things of similar nature. Milestones are measures of progress against some plan.

Benchmarks are specific markers set by the US Geological survey establishing precise elevations around the country; surveyors use them as the starting point from which to determine topology.

Milestones, originally markers along a road, are a commonly used term in project management. Achieving a specific milestone is a measurable goal in a project plan. You don't "achieve" benchmarks. The metaphor is just wrong. "Achieving" a benchmark would be going and standing on the USGS marker which is already in place. Doing nothing. Achieving a milestone would be going someplace, doing something. Something which is a prerequisite to doing something else.

This "gang that couldn't shoot straight" can't even pick the right slogans to spin their bs.

[twilight_sailing]

1. My fave was

the one that read (something like) benchmarks are different from time tables, because everyone knows the difference between a bench and a table.

Durn, I wish I could remember who wrote that so I could give them credit.

[frogcycle]

2. the logical response to that would be

we're just marking time

:rofl:

[frogcycle]

3. ok, so this is completely self-absorbed, but

i'm kicking this.

doesn't it seem like any and every thing that can be thrown at them to disrupt their propaganda machine is worth a shot? Get someone to challenge them on "benchmarks" and watch them rush off to their madison avenue cronies to "rebrand" their message yet again.

They are using the term in an idiotic way. Bush is repeating it like a frigging mantra.

I want David Gregory to ask him why he is using the word in such a dumb way and see what he does. With any luck he might start to cry!