In Everything is Miscellaneous Weinberger makes a clear point that our understanding of the world helps us to order how we organize everything in our lives. The Dewey Decimal System, for instance, now seems so outdated—but because it displayed a deeper order of the universe, we kept it in place far longer than seems necessary. I can see why Dewey would create a system that reflects his beliefs, but at some point it does not seem organizing and finding information needs to be a religious concern. After reading through the assigned chapters I couldn’t help but wonder why we stick (for so long) with archaic and cumbersome ways of doing the things we do. On the other hand, Weinberger also points out that we have also been limited physically by having to use paper as our template to hold and organize all of our ideas. However, being digital, the World Wide Web offers a very different organizational template and challenges the ways we have organized our world for so long.
As Weinberger discusses, compared to paper, the limitless structure of the web demands a new order. But, I wonder about the reasons (or perhaps fear) behind our strict adherence to a tangible text, which reminds me of what Tom mentioned in class the first day that many of us are married to the book—or to the print. A book holds a certain familiar experience for us and we are comfortable with it. However, the web introduces a new world we do not know and we are not sure if being a part of it is selling out or simply moving forward. Also, we fear that we may be taken advantage of, and often times we are. As information is organized in more accessible ways, we as users also become used. For instance, something as harmless as Amazon, we as consumers we are constantly being bated, analyzed, and enticed. Weinberger points out, “it is in Amazon’s interest to introduce you quickly to books you didn’t know you wanted…Amazon takes advantage of “planned serendipity” (59) and as we click on our way to the check out, we are coincidentally given other suggestions for what we may be interested in on the same page that we are purchasing our items. Obviously we know it is not coincidence that this happens, but the fact that people are paid to find out what consumers may buy—just like Staples had figured out—by impulse, highlights the importance of knowing and winning the consumer. Often we do not realize that suddenly seeing the images of what we think we want are actually designed to take our money and keep us tied to the sites that are organized and convenient, and that keep us (and our money) coming back.
So, just as information is becoming more miscellaneous, and therefore accessible, it is changing us-- challenging our beliefs and the way we see the world, organize our ideas and what we deem as valuable to spend time on. We as consumers of the web create a new culture that demands change and adaptation beyond our old way of thinking. Then as marketing agents figure us out, we become more predicable and fooled easier. The concern is still the dichotomy of being a part of a machine that seems to be faster and smarter than us and the fact that we can no longer neatly organize (on a sheet of paper) our beliefs and reasons for what we do.
Jenny, I, too, am concerned with the commercialism that seems to be driving the best research for miscellany on the web. I know that it is usually an economic reason that many humanitarian things are done, but it seems very manipulative to know that the dollar is driving this sort of invention and design. The necessity of the third order to combat a wealth of information by gathering more information is, I think, counter-intuitive to the way that we, humans think. Does that make sense to you?
ReplyDelete"...I couldn’t help but wonder why we stick (for so long) with archaic and cumbersome ways of doing the things we do."
ReplyDeleteI think aside from not having had the advantage of digital media to shake things up, we find change from old routines and habits to be immensely difficult. New means of doing things requires new skills, and there's a certain level of un-comfort to the learning curve. Older generations have a hard time of letting go of things as they way they've always been and accepting the new, even if they can acknowledge it is more efficient.
In addition to the bothersome notion that consumerism and economics are driving miscellany on the web, I am irritated at the idea that people can be compartmentalized in terms of what they shop for. I am thinking, here, of the suggested purchases at the checkout on Amazon's site, or as someone else mentioned, the predictive and suggestive playlists on Pandora.
ReplyDeleteI know my tastes are incredibly varied, and in its attempt to sell me, Amazon, and more so for me, Pandora have succeeded in making my not want to use their services. I don't like being pigeonholed into a mood by a radio station or a book store.
In regards to our love affair with the book that you mentioned...I'd like to offer up this gem.
ReplyDeleteIntroducing ...
* * * The Book * * *
New Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge Device
THE BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology. No wires. No electric circuits. No batteries. Nothing to be connected or switched on. So easy to use, even a child can operate it. Compact and portable. Can be used anywhere -- even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:
THE BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information.
The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density.
THE BOOKs with more information simply use more pages. Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet.
THE BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.
THE BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though like other display devices it can become unusable if dropped overboard. The Browse feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an Index feature, which pinpoints the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional Bookmark accessory allows you to open THE BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session -- even if THE BOOK has been closed.
Bookmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single Bookmark can be used in THE BOOK by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous Bookmarks can be used in THE BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in THE BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to THE BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (Pencil).
Affordable, durable and portable, THE BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, THE BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform with investors growing daily.
* * * The Book ! * * *
Thanks to ..
Hans-Dieter Bertuch