Slashdot Mirror
Acts of the Apostles/Cheap Complex Devices
First of all, I'm not going to be doing another review of Acts, as I've already done that once. It is worth noting, however, that this is the first time both CCD and Acts have been brought together in an omnibus edition. I've got two different copies of Acts, but greatly enjoyed reading the two together again. Why? Because they fit together like two sides of the same coin -- or better yet, like Walther Matthau and Jack Lemmon.
Cheap Complex Devices's backdrop is that of being (supposedly) machine-written. (The foreword and descriptors of the book itself are greatly entertaining. It's that kind of writing that flows over into Acts.) While the scene may (or may not) have not even the slightest passing resemblance to reality, it's still something that grips your mind. You believe that the "Hofstader Prize for Machine Written Narration" could exist, and that the Society for Analytical Engines sounds pretty reasonable. Heck, it sounds at least as reasonable as the ACM.
BTW, if you can't be bothered to read Acts of the Apostles, take my advice and do it. I believe my standing quote on the book is that it's what Tom Clancy would write if he wasn't dumb. Essentially, it's a great techno-thriller, except the technology is something that a geek would appreciate -- but it's also written well enough that non-geeks will enjoy it. The hero of that book makes an apperance in CCD as one of the heroes in one of the automata written texts.
The actual text of the stories in CCD are just as amusing as the commentary about them, although oddly enough I think I actually like the commentary more then the stories. "Bees" is a commentary on what it means to be human, albiet with a peculiar focus on Gatorade. And the Bonehead Computer - well, just doing a little Googling for it.
I'm not sure what else to say about these books, other then read 'em. If you liked Naked Lunch, or any sort of thrillers, or thought GEB was an amazing work, or just like to read, these books will thrill ya.
To get them, John has a website to purchase CCD. He takes Paypal or checks in the mail. You can buy them in PDF or have dead tree versions sent, or both. Whatever -- you do what want. One caveat though: "Final 'truth in advertising' note: the version of CCD on my website is 87.9842% the same as the final book form (the book is better). I'll reconcile them soon. " (note from John)
Enjoy.
Okay, I read it a while back, and Acts of the Apostles is a good argument against self-publishing, or at least a good argument for finding an editor. The tech is okay, but the story suffers for it. The story is clunky and some of the characterization is kind of weak.
I suppose you might think it was good compared to Tom Clancy, but Tom Clancy is lowbrow jingoistic pap, so _that's_ hardly a compliment. At least you can escape the chest-beating in Acts of the Apostles...
It was okay, but it was just okay. Worth a read if you aren't doing anything else for a long time and don't have anything better kicking around.
and I'll say it again: the phrase "Acts of the Apostles" has a very specific meaning to the moral community, and I for one am not at all happy to see it hijacked for use in some trashy thriller. People of faith have been mocked for centuries (millenia, really) but I don't see why Slashdot needs to give these bozos any more coverage than they warrant.
What's next, a 15-year anniversary review of "The Last Temptation of Christ?"
"The Last Temptation of Christ" was a great film, and probably one of the most realistic portrayals of Jesus ever made.
"Acts of the Apostles" is a good way of challenging "the moral community" because it frees the expression. Many people persue thier interests with devotion, and purpose...just as religious people persue god. It's not up to you to determine the correct way to persue god. If someone finds god in a kernal, or a diesel engine, or a dusty old book...it's better than not finding god at all...wouldn't you agree?
The government has a defect: it's potentially democratic. Corporations have no defect: they're pure tyrannies. -Chomsky
Dead tree version? Does that mean environmentalists shouldn't read that one? ;)
Depends. Is the electronic device you are gonna read it causing more consumption that a book?
That's actually a good question... Unless you're solar charging your palm-device to read it, it's probably a tossup.
I didn't read the first edition. I have no idea whatsoever what these books can be about.
Now re-read the "review" with this in mind. See? Or actually don't see?
Some guy sells a book the reviewer liked but can't describe or at the very least give a good reason to read. You can buy it on paper or as a PDF.
So what? I still have no clue whatsoever what this is all about.
It's a book. A review should allow me to decide wether it might be a book I'll like or not. I just know that I can buy it using Paypal.
I'll go and read what's online. To achevie this goal, a simple link was enough.
Don't call it a review.
I can write tons of 'reviews' about books I loved: I can't tell you why it's good, it's just sort of Brin & Robinson come togeter, you'll like it! Even If you're not interested in reading a book, give it a try, you'll like it for no reason I can describe, but its a sure hit nonetheless! I could even add more exclamation points to mask my total lack of arguments by some textual manifestation of over-excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my opinion, Scientology is a cult you should avoid.
I second the notion that Acts could indeed have been a substantially better book with the input of a good editor.
I'm all for making your own way, but the previous poster was correct in saying that the flaws detracted considerably from a potentially good book. As is, I'd say 'Acts' has it moments but its annoyances obscure what should have been a much more fun read.