[Dog Gone]

But some experts say buying a counter is a waste of time as non-scientists don't know how to interpret their data.

Some experts are total snots.

[Gorzaloon]

But some experts say buying a counter is a waste of time as non-scientists don't know how to interpret their data.

Some experts are total snots.

Usually it is compensation for their embarrassment at being an "expert" in a relatively easy field. The old Civil Defense ion chamber devices (OK, before most people's time, now, I suppose) came with instructions written for the Great Unwashed and unilluminated.

We had a senior PhD in our R&D group who, upon having to leave some books behind, sniffed that people would "probably enjoy looking at the pictures".

The reason he had to leave some books behind is because he was _fired_, but that's beside the point. Maybe.

[TLI]

The Geiger counters start ticking wildly when exposed to radiation, like that from a 'dirty bomb' or a nuclear meltdown.

But some experts say buying a counter is a waste of time as non-scientists don't know how to interpret their data.

Let's see, no ticking on any setting other than an occasional click, pretty safe.
The thing buzzes like a rattlesnake, back off and take a closer look at the manual and the general circumstances you are in.

Whew, that was tough! < / sarcasm >

Give a moron-at-heart a few days technical training and they want to believe they are Einstein. 

Give a FReeper the instruction manual for one hour and they will be "good to go."