Statisticians Can Matter

statistical argument by comparison with a vivid but often misleading case history. In those areas of statistical applications where the forecasts implied by statistical studies can be checked, it would be useful to attempt systematic collection and validation, and to contrast forecasts made by statistical methods with those made by less formal methods. Recent developments in forecasting of business and economic data make this methodology especially attractive to statisticians in business firms who desire to demonstrate the value of their knowledge, and interactive computing is an excellent vehicle for the demonstration. I have concentrated my attention on statisticians and decision making in business firms. I have had some experience with statistical applications in areas outside of business. I would conjecture that broadly similar essays could be written about almost any area of application. Statisticians will have an exciting opportunity and challenge in the years ahead to see if the technological miracles of computing can be effectively exploited.