BIG DATA How the Information Revolution is Transforming Our Lives BRIAN CLEGG
For Gillian, Chelsea and Rebecca
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I’ve had a long relationship with data and information. When I was at school we didn’t have any computers, but patient teachers helped us to punch cards by hand, which were sent off by post to London and we’d get a print-out about a week later. This taught me the importance of accuracy in coding – so thanks to Oliver Ridge, Neil Sheldon and the Manchester Grammar School. I also owe a lot to my colleagues at British Airways, who took some nascent skills and turned me into a data professional; particular mention is needed for Sue Aggleton, John Carney and Keith Rapley. And, as always, thanks to the brilliant team at Icon Books who were involved in producing this series, notably Duncan Heath, Simon Flynn, Robert Sharman and Andrew Furlow.