If we were being pedantic it's more accurate to say that the computers are talking, but one isn't saying what the other wants to hear for a short period of time.
As for your other question, I'd never presume to consider myself either! I'm merely an enthusiast who has the benefit of a (non-aviation related) software engineering qualification on the one hand, but far more importantly on the other I've had the privilege of corresponding with people who really know their stuff and have very kindly shared a chunk of their information and experience with me.