There are also plenty of other subtle concepts which are easily and frequently misunderstood, even by people with degrees and publications in the field. (Just look at some of the statistics-related criticisms here...) Are there any good ways for an autodidact to avoid making such mistakes?
Look for informal forums where actual professionals from the field hang out (like computerscience forums for example, or blogs of scientists), and try to catch them complaining about people constantly misusing some term?
Kaj raises a significant problem, and I agree with the advice given by Risto and Emile. You can also contact experts directly, though they are less likely to respond than if you stick your neck out on a professional forum or blog and get corrected. These methods are far more efficient that actually getting a PhD in a subject merely to prevent a few such mistakes.
To compliments inflated I’ve a withering reply; And vanity I always do my best to mortify; A charitable action I can skillfully dissect; And interested motives I’m delighted to detect;
Apparently Gilbert and Sullivan knew Robin Hanson :)
Look for informal forums where actual professionals from the field hang out (like computer science forums for example, or blogs of scientists), and try to catch them complaining about people constantly misusing some term?
Seconded—also, discussing the topic in those forums is a good way to get your wrong notions bashed out of you by genuine philantropists.
Kaj raises a significant problem, and I agree with the advice given by Risto and Emile. You can also contact experts directly, though they are less likely to respond than if you stick your neck out on a professional forum or blog and get corrected. These methods are far more efficient that actually getting a PhD in a subject merely to prevent a few such mistakes.
Cute. Playing the midi file there while reading the lyrics is recommended.
Apparently Gilbert and Sullivan knew Robin Hanson :)