The distinction is not too clear. A question is a special form of transformation? In both cases there is knowledge in the function about how to answer the question or transform the argument. But there are no side effects in either case (presumably).
Clean Code
"By the customers" is the key here. This will make sure these stories matter and hopefully will make them measurable.
"and you knew exactly what to do" - this does mean that "anyone can do it" but removes the ramp-up time from the equation.