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Interesting Items...

EEPhil said:
The Institution of Engineering and Technology. (IET)
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That's rather a leap isn't it, from Institute of Electrical Engineers? The "electrical" bit seems to have been dropped, but I'm quite sure mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, etc have their own professional bodies.
 
They have a long history of not knowing what to call themselves.

I agree, though, that title sounds superordinate.
 
The IET was formed by the amalgamation of the IEE (electrical) and IIE (incorporated, multidisciplinary) about 10 years ago. Hence the more generic title.
I think the IME (mechanical) may have been invited to join in too, but declined.
 
MikeSh said:
I think the IME (mechanical) may have been invited to join in too, but declined.
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That rings a vague bell now you mention it.
I left some years ago, as it all seemed a bit pointless (not to mention the cost), and can't see myself rejoining (even if I could find a supporter).
 
It's all about making money. In some cases, it's also about subsidizing the extortionate cost of printed academic journals, and thus keeping publishers in lucrative business.

There must be a better way!
 
Black Hole said:
Sounds like an own goal on the part of the IEE then.
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I was a member off the IIE back then, though left before the amalgamation was finalised, and I think there was some debate about whether it was a good idea :)
But as the two posts above suggest, it probably came down to the money needed to keep the dinosaurs fed.
 
Black Hole said:
Sounds like an own goal on the part of the IEE then.
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I'm currently a member of the IET and before that the IEE (Every year I question the need to remain a member. Remain or leave - where have I heard that before?). People I know, who still work in the universities, tell me that the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is far better. I'm not in a position to judge. I understand that they remain members of the IET because they want/need CEng. status - and the IEEE is not a UK based institution.
 
Mike0001 said:
It's all about making money. In some cases, it's also about subsidizing the extortionate cost of printed academic journals, and thus keeping publishers in lucrative business.

There must be a better way!
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Quite a lot of new academic papers are appearing in draft form for free on university websites. They still have to be published in a recognised academic journal otherwise they are not counted for box ticking purposes. (How many papers for this department. How many papers for this researcher. etc)
 
I also lusted after C.Eng status, but there's little point now and it would be money for nothing. I have resigned from MENSA for the same reason.
 
Black Hole said:
I also lusted after C.Eng status, but there's little point now and it would be money for nothing. I have resigned from MENSA for the same reason.
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I was never interested in CEng. (and little point now etc.). As for MENSA - can't find a smiley for 'big head'.
 
The average IQ of Mensa members is rumoured to have dropped by 10 points.
 
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