Re: A question that's been bothering me for some while

[TQNELSON@aol.com]

Well, if I may, here is strictly "my opinion" (all I can have is "my 
opinion") on why we refer (some of us: sometimes, some of us: frequently) to 
"Deming."

1. From respect, in the same way we refer to such people as "Lincoln," 
"Jefferson," "Einstein," and "Ghandi," vs. "Abe," "Tom," "Al," and "Mahatma."

2. Clarity, as this is the cultural norm (as illustrated above) for 
referencing a "source," "authority," etc..

And, please note, many contributions do refer to "Dr. Deming," or "WED."

>From my own experience with the good doctor (Yikes! Another way to refer to 
him!), in personal sessions (from meetings, to 4-Day sessions, to dinners, to 
phone contact), I, and many others in such sessions, called him "Ed" (I 
remember well his first call on my answering machine, "Del, this is Ed 
Deming..."), or "Dr. Deming," interchangeably.

Kind of like my own students. Some call me Professor, some Professor Nelson, 
some Dr. Nelson, some Dr. Del, a very few call me Del (my preference), but 
the "culture" tells most not to do this. I had the same problem as a manager 
in the Federal sector (DOD). Most called me "Mister Nelson," vs. Del (though 
that's how I have always introduced myself). 

Bottom line? Don't sweat it!

Hope that helps.

Del Nelson
American River College

When "We, the people..."
Are replaced by dollar$, profit$, and greed,
It is time to start over.