An organization which cannot put these problems into perspective is likely to have other blind spots. The presentation of statistical information is especially dismal. Most of the statistical concepts can be presented in graphical form without using any statistical terms, and we would all be better off for it. The purpose of descriptive statistics is, broadly speaking, to put the data into perspective. In addition, it is the control of anxiety.
Anxiety is enormously expensive in forest inventory.
We need to alleviate it with technique, not just by pounding in more plots. Find a way to make it simple or you are gone . It is time, perhaps, to tell our statistical friends something similar. In any case, the scientific truth is undoubtedly in the details. The message, however, is in the presentation.