> In other words, matrix factorization is the real deal. It’s the stuff that separates true data scientists from charlatans — the data alchemists, data phrenologists, and data astrologers of the world I certainly hope this is sarcasm. Matrix factorization is, like, the go-to tool for people that don't know anything about what they are studying (i.e. it's the phrenologist's favorite weapon). Factor a matrix, throw the…
Given the overall tone of the piece, I feel sure that it is sarcasm. I laughed hardall the way through the piece, starting with: But before I get into the details, I want to motivate the algorithm by pointing out an application to the most heavily studied problem in computer science: how to get people to buy more things.