My interest in all the shiny new web services, betas, and networks is obviously not representative of the masses. Most people will not jump at the opportunity to check out anything that has the words “invite-only beta” in the description. I understand that.
Today I saw a forum post from a Hoffa, and he asked the following:
how much of the blogosphere/web 2.0/social networking/dynamic multi media/crisp edge web-based app technology is *actually* important in an objective sense, and how much is given an inflated sense of importance by the relatively small group of people who work with and/or are fascinated with it?
I think there’s a threshold of how much content the average person is going to consume in the course of their lifetime, and I see a ceiling fast approaching on how much the world in general is going to give a shit about. Yet, the more I read about the cutting edge of web-based technology, it’s becoming more and more advanced, more integrated and more about pushing all this content, and I wonder - who’s consuming it all?
Is it all a colossal waste of time?
How much of our new technology is being driven by need or desire, and how much by “vision”?
So, I offered my take. I’d love to hear yours. My reply:
Well, my friend, I think you may have reached a “when I was a kid we only had three TV channels” moment. I have a lot of those. I have moments like that when I see commercials selling ringtones. It makes no sense to me, but it’s an entire sub-industry. And that’s the common thread- the majority of these things being built, researched, and launched aren’t aimed at us. They’re aimed at the next generation of kids that simply do not know what life would be like without these technologies.
One quick example: Music- The iPod is a perfect example of an innovative product that was conceived out of “vision” rather than any need whatsoever. And the iPod didn’t just change the way people listen to music, it changed the entire distribution model of the music industry. Though you may still shop for music at a record store, I bet it would be nearly impossible to find a teenager who doesn’t buy their music through the iTunes store alone.
But let me back up and try to answer your question by breaking down what you’re actually saying:
how much of the blogosphere/web 2.0/social networking/dynamic multi media/crisp edge web-based app technology is *actually* important in an objective sense, and how much is given an inflated sense of importance by the relatively small group of people who work with and/or are fascinated with it?
So, you’re basically asking if all of the following are actually important in an objective sense. That’s kind of a tough question to answer, as you’d need to define what qualifies as being “important.” How do you judge something as “objectively important”? Regardless, let’s just move on assuming that there’s something called objective importance that exists, and it can be seen as a worthwhile and satisfying activity for human beings to take part in. So here goes:
Blogosphere- I think blogs can be seen as important under this definition, as they’re basically a source of information. Given the idea that learning is a worthwhile human experience, I’d argue that blogs are important.
Web 2.0- Since web 2.0 is just a completely worthless term, I don’t know how to go into this one. There is absolutely no meaning behind the term whatsoever. It’s basically a blanket term applied to web sites, services, and tools that all fall under one umbrella: they exist. I’ll give you this one: web 2.0 is not important because it doesn’t map to anything in reality.
Social Networking- Social Networking- to me- is a term used to describe a set of tools allowing human beings to communicate with each other remotely through a model that is based on their own interpersonal relationships in physical reality. Being able to communicate with friends in a convenient way from disparate locations has value to me. Social networking sites allow people to have discussions, share content items, and reinforce interpersonal connections when presence-based physical interactions are impossible. I think that’s a good thing.
Crisp edge web-based app technology- I’m guessing this is yet another buzzword-laden phrase without meaning. And since it means nothing, I’d agree that it isn’t important.
The second part of your question is this:
how much is given an inflated sense of importance by the relatively small group of people who work with and/or are fascinated with it?
So, you’re asking whether those that are enthusiastic about these services believe that they are more important than they actually are to the masses? I’m not sure that’s really a question. Isn’t this true with anything? If you’re a person that is extremely into video games, wouldn’t you believe that video games are far more important than the value placed on video games by non-gamers? I think the same could be said for any activity, hobby, or “favorite”.
You then say:
I think there’s a threshold of how much content the average person is going to consume in the course of their lifetime, and I see a ceiling fast approaching on how much the world in general is going to give a shit about.
So you’re saying that we’re at a point where content consumption is about to max out, and that people are going to be overburdened by content. I think you have a point in some ways here. First, there is a glut of available content out there, and there’s no way a person could consume it all even if they wanted to. However, it’s not like this information is constantly coming at us. It’s out there to be consumed by those that choose to consume it.
And I think that’s the point of all this new cutting-edge stuff: There’s an enormous disconnect between content and people. There’s absolutely worthless garbage out there, and there’s great stuff out there. The question is how to get to the good stuff while filtering out the junk. If you really look at it, you’ll see that all the social networks and web tools aren’t really about slamming people with more content to waste time on. Instead, they’re trying to build connections and filters. Connecting people to what they deem “objectively important” while trying to shield people from what they deem “a colossal waste of time.”
Your final question is this:
How much of our new technology is being driven by need or desire, and how much by “vision”?
I’d agree that very little innovation is driven by actual need. I can think only of vaccines, new methods of food production, and technologies aimed at trying to provide for life’s necessities. Almost all innovations are guided by vision. We didn’t need to go to the moon. We didn’t need to invent the automobile. Look at everything you own, and tell me how many of these things are actually vital to your existence here on earth.
Summing It Up
Again, I know I’m not representative, and I could be overly defensive. Who knows. But I’d love to hear what people think about the question.
A lot of people shit on Boston’s beloved Manny for not hustling, goofing off, and being an elusive douchebag to the media. Well, what do you have to say about this play? Of course, this is a contract year for Manny, so he’s got a little more spring in his step out in left field.
A couple notes on this video:
-notice how loud the crowd (in Baltimore) cheers when he makes this play. No Red Sox Nation? Go fly a kite, Steinbrenner.
-Arm strength. He barely ever uses his body to throw. He just whips that arm and throws a strike. Every time.
-The child-like grin on his face after the play. This is a guy who plays a game for a living, and it shows. He’s just having a good time.
We here at THF spend a fair amount of time hanging out together, including our other friends that frequent the Tell Him Fred Forums. In a thread titled “This Weekend, What are You Doing?” we bounce ideas back and forth during the week and eventually come up w/ a plan.
This being a rare weekend that myself and Mrs_Opposite are around, I posted asking if anyone was up for hanging out on Saturday. ms_connections was the first to reply, and the conversation goes like this:
opposite_prime: “Then” is Saturday. My brothers and I aren’t working on the tree farm this weekend, so we’ll be around. Who else will be around this weekend?
ms_connections: Sorry Lads, but R and I (roommate) are heading to Flo-ride-a. Otherwise I/we would definitely be in.
opposite_prime: Have a good time! What part of florida, out of curiousity?
ms_connections: Orlando…we are going to Epcot to do an around the world…hoping to have a beer at each country. I’m also hoping it cools off and rains a little before we get there, my grand father lives in Daytona Beach and they actually had to evacuate a section of town because of brush fires.
opposite_prime: Too bad they stopped alcohol sales Disney World-wide. They cited some BS that they wanted a more “family-friendly” environment and that alcohol does not fit into the new Disney World philosophy.
ms_connections: If this is true, I have made a grave error in vacation planning…
jimmy hoffa: Yeah, there’s a series of articles in several beer magazines talking about how they don’t have the “around the world” beer trip anymore - which used to be a really popular thing.
opposite_prime: An attorney we work with took his sons (and wife) down there and was bullshit that he was staying, for a week, at a place that didn’t have beer anywhere except in the hotel lounge/bar.
ms_connections: Hmmm…if you guys are pulling my leg you are in for a world of hurt.
opposite_prime: I’m not! Here, I found the old Newsweek article / blurb:
ms_connections: Ok…as long as its just MK…Epcot still serves alcohol and that’s the only park we are going to. Thank God.
Cutty: Well, if you actually read the article, it says that it has stopped selling alcohol in “All Disney theme park locations.” That would include epcot.
opposite_prime: Here’s the rest of the text from the article. It’s all Parks.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – In a move designed to bolster the image of their zero-tolerance stand on drug abuse, the Disney Company has issued a press release announcing the cessation of sales of alcohol at all Disney theme park locations. Priscilla James, press secretary to Robert Iger, Disney Company CEO, said yesterday: “The Disney brand is all about children, and we want children to know that drugs and alcohol have no place in our parks, and hopefully, in their lives.” The decision to “go dry” came amid much controversy internally at Disney; the company will be losing an estimated $28 million in alcohol sales, but James says that despite what the public may think, Disney is not concerned with that revenue loss “To us it’s about the image we want children to perceive. We want them to know that this is a wholesome place free of drugs and alcohol.” Neither the press release nor James indicated when the move was to take place, but officials reached for comment at Orlando’s EPCOT Center indicated that they had already received instructions for shipping back stocks of beer and wine.
Barry Freed: Hey, when am I taking you guys to the airport again?
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Ms_Connections, if you’ve read this far, you’re likely pretty effing pissed right now. Hook. Line. Sinker. this is the part where Jimmy and I divulge that this was just a prank.
So, about ten minutes ago, I got the following email:
Dear Friend,
My name is Tony Chan Chun-chuen, friend and close confidant to NinaWang Kung, Who passed away on the 3rd of April 2007. I will save your time by not boring you with all the details at this time, Which has already been disseminated by the international media during the Controversial dispute that erupted between her and her late husband Relatives concerning the huge estate he left behind.
As you will learn after going through the link above, all sorts of stories Have been assumed concerning the huge sum of money she left behind. Some Stories even say she left the bulk of her estate to me .But the truth is,
Although I am the sole custodian of a huge sum of her estate, she left strict Instructions that I hand over the money to charity and also that under no Circumstance should I let any of her late husbands relatives and
even her own Relatives lay their hands on the money. Contrary to media reports, she made Sure her immediate family is well catered for since she had no children of her Own,Before her death Nina Wang went ahead to
dispatch the sum of Eight hundred and Twenty Million British Pounds (820, 000,000.00 GBP) in cash with the assistance Of a foreign diplomat who now resides in Europe, but I will ensure to make her Wish comes through.
Now the reason why I have contacted you is that there is also some other Funds in the tune of $12,000,000.00 with the Hang Seng Bank China,and I want Your assistance for me to transfer these funds in your name to your
account for Both of us I will agree to share with you in a negotiable percentage as far as You agree to take part in this mutual benefiting opportunity.
Please I count on your absolute confidentiality, transparency and trust while Looking forward to your prompt response towards a swift conclusion of this Business transaction through my email address as follows: info_ninawang13@yahoo.com.hk
Thanks & May the Stars Guide us In the Right Path,
I remain yours sincerely,
Tony Chan Chun-chuen
To which I replied:
Dear Tony,
Die in a fire.
Now, I know that my reply will do nothing. I know that this spammer won’t even read it. But I’ve just been getting so many of these emails that I finally just replied to one. It’s totally illogical, but I’d had enough and decided to reply even though I’m 100% it will do no good.
When have you had a moment like that? A moment when you’ve said enough is enough, even though you know your response or reaction wouldn’t change what is driving you nuts?
Ok, so not the best title for a post, but bear with me. Yesterday, Jimmy was telling the story about his motorcycle training course over the weekend. When it came time for the actual test at the end of the day, one person just couldn’t hack it. She folded under the pressure, or, as Jimmy put it, “She folded quicker than a massage table in an immigration raid.”
This got me thinking of all the phrases I use on a regular basis, you know, since I’m such a witty and funny guy. Such as when I’m leaving somewhere, or “I’m out….”
I’m out like the fat kid in dodgeball
I’m out like a boner in sweatpants
I’m out like Muhammed Ali in Jenga
I’m out like George Takei (Sulu)
With Jimmy’s help, here’s a few more…
Hot enough to fry an egg <--definitely not offensive enough
Hotter than two rats fucking in a wool sock <--there we go!!
As funny as a fart in a spacesuit
Colder than a well digger’s ass
Colder than a witch’s tit
Busier than a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest
Number than a pounded thumb
As useful as a rubber crutch
As useful as a flat tire on a wheelchair
As useful as a screen door on a submarine
As useful as volume control on a caption machine
As useful as tits on a boar hog
Squirrely as a wooden watch <--I dunno. But it's funny.
One of the things that everyone loves about the internet is the opportunity to become a know-it-all busybody. Wikipedians, how-to forum trolls, if you’ve spent any time on the web with a question, you know there’s some sweaty keyboard jockey out there who’s going to answer it with an undertone for you.
Movie notes are netflix’ way of allowing us to impose our saccharine will on fellow viewers. I’ve never watched a movie that someone recommended, or avoided one because of a pan, but it’s a self-indulgent way to be a part of the “I know stuff” community. Some personal favorites? WELL WHY NOT.
Oh my sainted trousers, this movie is awful. There are almost no words, except “if you’re having an 80s party where the object is to laugh at hideous film wrecks, this is my #1 choice
Ed Norton’s first suckfest. Wooden characters, awkward dialog, after-school-special plot complexity, and freaking JESSICA BIEL. She has all the talent of a potato weevil. Boo.
Painful and irritating as a bladder infection, this isn’t a documentary so much as it is 5 wankers spouting nonsense about the band, its music, etc. The people who made this should be ashamed.
A cheese fest with B-actors left over from Star Trek series. George Takei is the “big star”, but Q (remember Q from TNG?) is in it too. Lame script, crappy acting and little else. Do some laundry
Meh. This movie is the cinematic equivalent of a petit mal siezure. You’re like “woah” but it’s really just jittery, shaky, and doesn’t really do much in the end. Williams is mildly funny
Roger Ebert is a frozen turd. This movie has all the excitement of a wheel of cheese and the character depth of the smash hit 1980s Atari 2600 game “Missile Command
I, II and III are all trash. Visually interesting trash, sort of like fruit roll-up wrappers, but trash nonetheless. Watch this movie for the fight scene and the resulting wind-up into Episode IV.
The more movies I watch, the more I realize that World War 2 was one good time after another, and the more jealous I become of everyone who got to take part in it
Ugh. I found myself wishing everyone in this movie dead. There is a scene with Gwyneth in a belly shirt that is worth watching. Mostly you’re better off watching the home shopping channel knife show
Well folks, it’s been a while since we posted here at tellhimfred.com. Sure, we’ve been pretty active on the forums, but we’ve neglected the blog. Sorry about that.
I’ve been trying to think of a post, and came up with nothing whatsoever. I don’t just want to add a post for the purpose of adding a post. So I waited. And waited. Then inspiration hit me.
This morning I needed some funk. It’s been one of those mornings, as I realized I’d bitten off way more than I can chew. On Friday I was feeling pretty ninja-like, as I figured out a way to do some xml grabbing, saving, etc. It was pretty badass when you consider the fact that I haven’t really been coding for about a year now. I was feeling pretty good, then this morning happened. Because of what I’d done, they asked me to take it 10 steps further and do some wild drunken monkey level stuff. Grabbing the xml, parsing, saving data, and throwing it into a database. Stuff that’s really interesting to me, but above my head.
I was a little bit overwhelmed, and frankly, felt pretty stupid. This is stuff our engineers and science folks could do in their sleep, but I don’t know much about. So, what did I do? Did I despair?
Nope. I went to the funk.
Being a lilly white male from upstate New York, it might be strange to some that I use the funk as my security blanket. The funk is my happy animal. And I honestly think that the funk is universal. I think the world would be a better place if everyone spent 20 minutes a day just getting a little funked up.
So, here’s my gift to you. A small sample of that which will change your entire perspective. Watch these clips, and I defy you to be in a bad mood. It’s physically impossible.
Well, last night at 11:23 was the last time legendary Boston sportscaster, Bob Lobel, signed off the air. He once said, “thousands of sportscasts, and none of them went the way they were supposed to.” I guess last night began about the same. A little after I got home last night, Bob was sitting on top of the Sox dugout, practically in a puddle on Ch. 4. “I’m sitting in America’s most beloved ballpark, in America’s least beloved weather.”
Bob Lobel started at Ch. 4 in 1979 and covered everything Boston sports related, right down to the high school sports. Through all the pain of the Red Sox, the Celtics’ ’80s dynasty, the rise of the New England Patriots, and the legendary 2004 Sox season (which I got to personally chat w/ Bob about once a week for a couple minutes). Some things I remember from broadcasts: He was literally in Carlton Fisk’s kitchen in 2000 when Fisk got the call from Cooperstown. In 2002, he re-enacted Adam Vinatieri’s Snow Bowl game winning kick against the Raiders, in the studio. They had a goal post set up in the studio, Vinatieri kicked it…., right into a overhanging light, which exploded. If you goto YouTube, you’ll find tons of outtakes and funny stuff.
When I was 4 or 5, my father took me to the Newington Mall in Newington, NH to see Bob Lobel and Bob Neumeier (former GM of the Pats) do their “Calling All Sports” call-in show. To me, growing up watching Lobel, he was the icon of Boston sports, when you’re a kid, you don’t realize there’s other broadcasters out there. In 2004, Bob Lobel became a regular of mine at Houston’s restaurant, right through the whole legendary 2004 Sox season when they broke The Curse.
New England will certainly miss you, Bob. Hopefully we’ll see you on NESN sometime soon.
EDIT: Right after I posted this, I found this article on Bob Lobel. Funny how the couple anecdotes I mentioned are in here too, as well as others. Plus some other great info on him.
Several months back, Barry and I made a bet on who’d get the nod from the Democrats to be the candidate to replace the war hawks Republicans. Foolishly, I took Hillary, he took Obama. The bet is simple, winner buys loser a steak dinner. Over the ensuing months, I realized that Hillary is completely batshit crazy and will do/say anything to get into the White House. This is one bet I don’t want to win.
I now support Obama, for various reasons we don’t need to go into here. I leave you with this video, Baracky: The Movie. I have to go now…, I’m having terrifying flashbacks of the sniper fire I avoided while coming across the Charlestown Bridge last summer.
Thanks to KPG for the video.
EDIT: that was not in fact a sniper on top of the Garden. I was just really tired and mixed it up. It was, in fact, a relatively accurate pigeon.
1. The temperature is 76 degrees, with low relative humidity. Basically, this is perfect weather for humans. I don’t care who you are, 76 and not muggy is bliss.
2. Currently, 3 players on the Boston Red Sox are hitting above .400. Those three guys lead the AL in hitting. The Sox lead the league in the following offensive statistics: average, runs scored, RBIs and total bases.
3. The Pats can draft a dead mule this year, and they’re still going to be one of the most, if not the most rampage-through-the-AFC, pile-driving, turf-destroying team in football.
4. The Bruins kind of sucked toward the end of the year, but at least they made it to the playoffs. Boston used to be in love with its Bruins. But then the Bs went on kind of a mental-illness-coke-and-booze bender, and ended up wearing a fennel wreath and paper pants making hemp bracelets on a “farm” for a few years. But now the Bs are back, sober, smelling like Vick’s vapo-rub and CK One, and Boston, while not ready to jump back in the sack with them, are at least willing to do some heavy petting.
5. The Celtics are Godzilla. You are Japan. Deal with it.
6. We can go back to pretending the New England Revolution doesn’t exist.
What part of florida, out of curiousity?
