Game of Thrones [Req.Social Advantages]

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Social Engineering

I don't get it. Please explain.

How is this a euphemism? What has it got to do with hackers?

I am familiar with the concept as part of political science.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by combatmedic

How is this a euphemism? What has it got to do with hackers?

Hackers use "social engineering" as a euphemism for talking to people using deception, con-games or just simple inquiry to get access to sensitive information; as contrasted with using computer or electronics engineering instead.

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Hackers use "social engineering" as a euphemism for talking to people using deception, con-games or just simple inquiry to get access to sensitive information; as contrasted with using computer or electronics engineering instead.

Hmmm...interesting. I had no idea hackers used it that way. Thanks, Sir Pudding. :)

I had assumed that the GURPS editor or writer who picked the name was thinking mainly of the ordinary use of 'social engineering.' It means a deliberate, planned, large-scale attempt by a government or other entity to alter the thoughts and habits of the people.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by combatmedic

I had assumed that the GURPS editor or writer who picked the name was thinking mainly of the ordinary use of 'social engineering.' It means a deliberate, planned, large-scale attempt by a government or other entity to alter the thoughts and habits of the people.

Yes, I'm aware of that meaning too and I suspect that the book will also cover propaganda and other forms of mass communication and manipulation. Therefore it seems the title is triply meaningful, which is why I think it's playfully appropriate as long as book covers:

• Social worldbuilding. The GM as social engineer.
• Personal communication in order to achieve a goal. The hacker, con-man, interrogator, salesman et. al. as social engineer.
• Propaganda and mass communication. Governments and other powerful entities as social engineer.

then the title will be very apt.

[combatmedic]

It sounds pretentious to me.

GURPS Dog Breeds and GURPS Kitchen Fixtures, however, will fill gaping voids in the rules.

[Langy]

I really don't see how that's pretentious at all. It's an accurate description of what the book is about. How is that more 'pretentious' than something like 'City Stats' or 'Mysteries'?

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Langy

How is that more 'pretentious' than something like 'City Stats' or 'Mysteries'?

Twice as many syllables? :)

[combatmedic]

Hhehehehe...


:0

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Langy

I really don't see how that's pretentious at all. It's an accurate description of what the book is about. How is that more 'pretentious' than something like 'City Stats' or 'Mysteries'?

Social engineering does rather strike me as a self important way to say "lying". But GURPS Lying would be a bit much.

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

Social engineering does rather strike me as a self important way to say "lying". But GURPS Lying would be a bit much.

Add GURPS Lying to the list in the other thread (GURPS books you DON'T want to see).

:)