The portion of the recent post below is right on. Using metric units is
very useful. I have found that the easiest metric units to say-out-loud
to other people are the liter and the meter. So:
Q: "How much does that big tub hold?"
A: "Oh, about 50 liters."
Q: "How far down the highway is the hardware store?"
A: "Just drive to the corner and turn right. You'll see it about 100
meters on your left."
I also like to say "centimeters" when describing small objects, and mm
are especially useful in talking about wrenches, socket sets, and tools
in general. If people hear this stuff a lot, it does help us.
But going into a lumber yard and talking metric is usually a waste of
time, since everything they sell is cataloged and on their computers in
old units.
HARRY WYETH
We have been "selling metric" and failing as you point out. It's time
to change course. Sell units, forget about selling metric. How to sell
units? Use them. When? Now. Where? Everywhere.
