Occasionally, the free/very cheap software model works by spreading a brand name further. iTunes is a prime example of that. Even though Apple makes virtually no revenue from their music store, it has become such a mainstay that it seriously drives sales of the iPod. It's common now to see people in Best Buy pick up a Napster gift certificate, carry it over to a salesperson and go, "Will this work with an iPod?" The salesperson says no, and the person puts it back. iTunes and the iPod are in a state of total dominance and are reaping the rewards.
Similarly, most people use AIM over any other service. However, targeting businesses seems to me like a bad idea. Regular users tend to spend their money on whatever is the most popular, but business users always look at the bottom line. Sharp budgeters handling company finances are going to see other messenger services with free video and voice as a simple way to trim some fat. I think that AOL will fall flat on this one. Although it doesn't surprise me - I'm sure they're getting desperate now that their primary service is becoming a bigger joke every day.
But I do agree with the previous posters who hope that AOL does begin to charge for instant messenger. It'll help our nation's youth to stop using such stoopid sPeLLiNg 'n gramer jus 2 type fstr.
(sarcasm)
Yeah, it's great that we're exporting hundreds of thousands of high-paying positions while importing more day laborers, secretaries, and food service workers. I don't see WHY us geeks are so angry; Food Lion and Wal-Mart have PLENTY of positions open. Stop complaining and get a job scrubbing bathrooms, ya deadbeats. Your PHD is just for decoration anyway.
(/sarcasm)
So for all of you naysayers who are dissing portable video, I'd like to point something out to you. I may be wrong, but the image of the media player on their website appears to be displaying Jenna Jameson. Again, I might be wrong... but if I'm RIGHT - that means ALL PORN, ALL THE TIME! You just can't beat portable poontang.
You know, this is really just an example of my own ignorance/stupidity - but I guess I've just always figured that hardcore geeks like Linus wouldn't have kids since they demand so much attention.
"Daddy daddy! Come look at the bug I found!"
"Bug? What bug? My system is perf... ohhhh THAT kind of bug. Not right now, sweetie - daddy's compiling."
I'm not as big of a techie as many of the folks on slashdot, but I am very much on everyone's side for why I don't use Windows. I consider myself a writer, so my computers are primarly used in writing essays, editorials, and manuscripts.
Now, when anyone uses a computer, they're using it because a computer is supposed to make things easier and faster than conventional methods. For instance, typing is much quicker than writing by hand.
However, Windows defeats this function by crashing and corrupting my files. It's great that Word has an auto-save feature, but anytime it crashed I was guaranteed to lose at least some of my writing. This defeats the purpose of computing entirely - at least for me. When writing in my old paper-based notebook, I never have to worry about my pages or pen spontaneously combusting. Similarly, I shouldn't have to worry about my computer crashing.
For me, using Windows and suffering from its consistent lack of reliability was the absolute most sound and solid advertisement for other operating systems. Apple may produce cool hardware, and Linux may be backed by a passionate geek community, but neither of those sides ever made an argument as convincing as using Windows itself.
I now work on a 15 inch powerbook with Mac OS X 10.3.4, and my desktop has fedora and gentoo on it. I've only reinstalled Mac OS X once, and that wasn't even because something was wrong. I suppose it was really more because I was nostalgic for the days of formatting my Windows machine weekly. I type all my manuscripts in OpenOffice (when in Linux) or ThinkFree Office (when using my Mac).
I don't miss windows at all. I am, however, having difficulty adjusting to all the free time I have now that I don't have to do daily system maintenance.
What can be said about this article but bravo? Whatever the reason may be - whether motivated by money or otherwise - it's a good choice. Anyone who works in the tech industry knows that the people who usually handle money and decisions regarding computing are usually clueless. Far too often they just throw money at Dell or Gateway and say "Send us school stuff." This indicates that there was actual research done and is a good sign that administrators may actually be catching up with the technology.
On a side note, I must remark on all the Canada jokes. I myself am not Canadian, nor have I ever been there - but I find the jokes rather tired. Considering most of us that will be reading this spend our spare time INDOORS on COMPUTER TERMINALS while using terms like l33t and w00t!, I think we lack the necessary leverage to effectively make fun of any country or native persons of said country. Yes, that includes Canada. America Junior has just as much of a right to respect as we geeks do. Pocket protector jokes are just as tired for me as 'aboot' is for them, I'm sure.
Yeah - I'm sure the department of justice is "taking a closer look" for the sake of law and morality. I'm sure it's not at ALL because Ashcroft wants to use American tax dollars to fuel his wildly expensive bukkake and dirty sanchez video habit. Makes you wonder what the d.o.j. REALLY means when they talk about "patrolling our borders."
I guess if you're running a server or using Fedora as your primary system, I could see how someone may run into problems. However, for Linux newbies like myself - Fedora is simple with plenty of online resources that other distros lack. Every single "problem" that I encountered in Fedora was fixed by a simple Google search and following other users' suggestions.
Plus, for inexperienced users, it still has the familiarity of Red Hat and an incredibly easy base installation. Those of us who only mildly play with Linux aren't comparing Fedora to every other Linux distro out there. Yes, I know Gentoo is supposed to be phenomenal, but a casual user like myself doesn't have the time or the patience for a week-long install process.
I personally found myself comparing Fedora to Windows, and in that department - Fedora has been much sturdier and efficient for my basic needs.
Then, of course, there's the classic question that helps keep me calm whenever I encounter a Linux problem: how much can I really demand of an entirely free OS? I've spend hundreds of dollars on microsoft products that were entirely inefficient - so when windows messes up my wallet says I have a right to be mad. If a linux distro goes sour, I just shrug my shoulders because all I've lost is one burnable CD.
Fedora's not perfect, but feel free to try and name a Linux distro that is yet. And keep in mind that every user isn't "l33t", so you have to look at the big picture and realize that perfection is relative. Personally, I'd love to have an OS with little buttons on the toolbar that said "beer" and "naked lady" - and when I pressed them, well - happiness would come forth into my room.
I'm not ashamed of my English degree though. I tried to give math the benefit of the doubt, but I struck out when I recited the pythagorean theorem to a chick in a bar. I ultimately didn't have time to calculate the speed of her boyfriend's fist before it hit me in the nose. On second thought... I guess English couldn't have helped me any more than math in that situation.
I'll see how a discussion about "prime twins" works at a club tonight - then I'll report back the results as a measure on the "black eye" scale.
Aw who am I kidding? I know that all I'll end up doing is posting comments on slashdot tonight. The upside of doing that is that I don't have to use math at ALL.
I tried to read through some of the paper and math websites... and I was suddenly reminded why the diploma that will be handed to me at the end of the summer will say:
"Steven Gregory Woods... ENGLISH major"
Hopefully, math will turn out to be just a fad:)
Aw, my previous post wasn't at all off topic! Who's the person without a sense of humor?
But for those that have difficulty connecting humor to real-world events, I'll explain. What I was trying to get across is that I think the number of items being released that add in mostly useless extra features and hybrid functions is ridiculous.
A phone with remote control, mouse, keyboard, and pop-out canteen are just extra baggage. I have a nice samsung flip-phone with so many features it bothers me. I just want to keep it in my pocket unless I need to call someone. Why is any of this extra stuff necessary?
The mashing of many different kinds of media devices together is useless. Listening to music is something that can either be totally passive or integrate fully into one's day. Therefore - improved mp3 listening, options, and storage is always welcome.
Watching a video screen or playing a game is NOT a passive or easily-integrated activity. It requires mostly full attention to watch, listen, AND interact with something (unless it involves listening to your girlfriend gripe - that's easily ignored).
A cell phone that serves as a virtual keyboard/mouse is as usless as computer tower with lotion dispenser
So you see, the ON-TOPIC joke was that these devices are mostly a waste and will not be making any sort of drastic change in a user's life - save for a few more bucks siphoned from his or her wallet. Most people don't even know how to use all the buttons on their regular mouse - what in the world makes anyone think they're going to try to figure out how to use their phone as a mouse? Baby steps, people... baby steps.
Think about it this way: UNIX is as good as it is because it has several different smaller tools that are organized differently to serve different functions. But the smaller tools within the system remain the same - and they remain the best at what they do. Windows sucks because each program has to reinvent the tools they use every time - and each one does it so badly.
We need phones that can just be phones, mice/keyboards that can just do what they do, refrigerators that keep food cold, computers with hardware/software and not tissues, and digital music players that just play music. Why is the baggage necessary at all?
Personally, I'd RATHER have a jump to conclusions mat.
What a second... do you mean to tell me that the first goal of business is to COMPETE with one another in attempts to gain market control and increase profit potential?
I... I'm speechless. I thought that companies simply enjoyed creating stuff for people, and that the money was an unimportant "perk" of giving openly to the community.
What kind of a sick world do we live in? And why didn't anyone tell me this kind of thing sooner?
This just in... the internet has crashed. Repeat... the entire internet has crashed. Apparently, all major servers and clusters running government-mandated "Windows HPC" have severely malfunctioned and automatically reformatted the entire internet. Thousands of IT workers and webmasters have reportedly killed themselves by jumping out of top floor... um... windows. Could irony BE any more ironic?
Developing...
I know this is even more off topic - but I love the term "sweet baby jesus." It really is funny to me - like "Jesus tap-dancing Christ."
(sigh)... I'm far too easily entertained
Just wanted to make sure you saw my follow-up:
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=108785&thresho ld=-1&commentsort=0&tid=137&mode=thread&pid=924544 5#9245519
Um... it was just a joke. I am up late finishing up some work, was bored and decided to distract myself by being silly. I'm sorry if I offended anyone's tender sensibilities by having a sense of humor. I will humbly revert to "excessively serious, boring, and 100% facts" mode now.
I must admit that I'm a little saddened every time I look at a fantastic case mod... because the machine lurking within the piece of art will be obsolete before the piece can be fully appreciated. That's why the average computer user looks at me like a lost puppy dog when I mention case modding - because the art doesn't even have time to make it into the public eye before becoming scrap.
Imagine this, if you will:
Gallery owner: "Uh, I'm sorry sir, your marble is severely outdated. We have no use for it at a high-class place like this."
Michelangelo: "Aw, crap! What the hell am I supposed to do with this big-ass naked statue then?"
Gallery owner: "Well, there's 'ye old ebay' gallery right down the street - I'd try there."
Michelangelo, walking away dragging 'David' behind him grumbling: "Stupid old marble... bet it won't even fetch 20 bucks at auction. And who'd wanna keep it clean? Bah... I wonder if the chapel needs a janitor..."
If it becomes a trend that users get in trouble for visiting specific websites, I could screw over everyone I hate just by lugging my laptop within range of their unprotected wireless network
I think I just had a lightbulb go off in my head. This is how I shall eventually rule the world... eliminating my enemies via paranoid government... muhahahaha!
Do not speak to anyone. Try to stay indoors (but be absolutely CERTAIN that you own the property and the house and the objects within the house that you are hiding in, else someone with an arcane old property deed might come a'knockin'). Try to live off of bugs in the house (but don't let PETA see you doing that, they might sue you). If you must venture outdoors, DO NOT DRIVE!! We all know what happens when you tap someone else's car these days. Walk instead - but not in crowds because their might be physical contact in a crowd. Try not to touch anyone or anything, do not breathe near anyone, and DEFINITELY DON'T make eye contact. Are you insane? Also be sure that you're wearing shoes that will not in any way scuff the walkway you are using.
If you MUST speak, don't misquote anyone. Better yet, don't quote anyone. Just grunt to make your points - unless you're talking to a woman, because then she may think it's sexual harassment. Actually, a man might think so too, so just point instead. But don't point AT anyone, or else they might think you're accusing them of something and sue you for slander.
If you do any of these things and find yourself being sued for whatever reason, just kill yourself. That way, you stay in the game because your relatives will sue the gun makers and the government (for allowing guns in the first place). If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Don't think I'm trying to be funny either. I'll sue you for laughing at me and damaging my fragile ego. In fact, I feel a strange crick in my neck just because you're thinking of laughing. I don't wanna say whiplash YET... but I better go to the doctor just in case.
This is America. Here, the unspoken national motto is "Personal responsibility? WORKING for a living? Eh - who needs 'em?" Life, liberty, and the pursuit of someone else's money! Hoo-wah!
Fair enough. I thought "used" wasn't a good word to describe what I meant either. But the dictionary/thesaurus was across the room. It would not come at my command. Also - I was even too lazy to open up webster.com. That meant more typing.
Slashdot Mirror
Occasionally, the free/very cheap software model works by spreading a brand name further. iTunes is a prime example of that. Even though Apple makes virtually no revenue from their music store, it has become such a mainstay that it seriously drives sales of the iPod. It's common now to see people in Best Buy pick up a Napster gift certificate, carry it over to a salesperson and go, "Will this work with an iPod?" The salesperson says no, and the person puts it back. iTunes and the iPod are in a state of total dominance and are reaping the rewards.
Similarly, most people use AIM over any other service. However, targeting businesses seems to me like a bad idea. Regular users tend to spend their money on whatever is the most popular, but business users always look at the bottom line. Sharp budgeters handling company finances are going to see other messenger services with free video and voice as a simple way to trim some fat. I think that AOL will fall flat on this one. Although it doesn't surprise me - I'm sure they're getting desperate now that their primary service is becoming a bigger joke every day.
But I do agree with the previous posters who hope that AOL does begin to charge for instant messenger. It'll help our nation's youth to stop using such stoopid sPeLLiNg 'n gramer jus 2 type fstr.
(sarcasm) Yeah, it's great that we're exporting hundreds of thousands of high-paying positions while importing more day laborers, secretaries, and food service workers. I don't see WHY us geeks are so angry; Food Lion and Wal-Mart have PLENTY of positions open. Stop complaining and get a job scrubbing bathrooms, ya deadbeats. Your PHD is just for decoration anyway. (/sarcasm)
So for all of you naysayers who are dissing portable video, I'd like to point something out to you. I may be wrong, but the image of the media player on their website appears to be displaying Jenna Jameson. Again, I might be wrong... but if I'm RIGHT - that means ALL PORN, ALL THE TIME! You just can't beat portable poontang.
I was unaware that black and white could clash with ANYTHING. You know, since they're tones - NOT colors and all. :)
You know, this is really just an example of my own ignorance/stupidity - but I guess I've just always figured that hardcore geeks like Linus wouldn't have kids since they demand so much attention.
"Daddy daddy! Come look at the bug I found!"
"Bug? What bug? My system is perf... ohhhh THAT kind of bug. Not right now, sweetie - daddy's compiling."
Of course that desktop looks better... it looks like Mac OS X :)
I'm not as big of a techie as many of the folks on slashdot, but I am very much on everyone's side for why I don't use Windows. I consider myself a writer, so my computers are primarly used in writing essays, editorials, and manuscripts.
Now, when anyone uses a computer, they're using it because a computer is supposed to make things easier and faster than conventional methods. For instance, typing is much quicker than writing by hand.
However, Windows defeats this function by crashing and corrupting my files. It's great that Word has an auto-save feature, but anytime it crashed I was guaranteed to lose at least some of my writing. This defeats the purpose of computing entirely - at least for me. When writing in my old paper-based notebook, I never have to worry about my pages or pen spontaneously combusting. Similarly, I shouldn't have to worry about my computer crashing.
For me, using Windows and suffering from its consistent lack of reliability was the absolute most sound and solid advertisement for other operating systems. Apple may produce cool hardware, and Linux may be backed by a passionate geek community, but neither of those sides ever made an argument as convincing as using Windows itself.
I now work on a 15 inch powerbook with Mac OS X 10.3.4, and my desktop has fedora and gentoo on it. I've only reinstalled Mac OS X once, and that wasn't even because something was wrong. I suppose it was really more because I was nostalgic for the days of formatting my Windows machine weekly. I type all my manuscripts in OpenOffice (when in Linux) or ThinkFree Office (when using my Mac).
I don't miss windows at all. I am, however, having difficulty adjusting to all the free time I have now that I don't have to do daily system maintenance.
What can be said about this article but bravo? Whatever the reason may be - whether motivated by money or otherwise - it's a good choice. Anyone who works in the tech industry knows that the people who usually handle money and decisions regarding computing are usually clueless. Far too often they just throw money at Dell or Gateway and say "Send us school stuff." This indicates that there was actual research done and is a good sign that administrators may actually be catching up with the technology.
On a side note, I must remark on all the Canada jokes. I myself am not Canadian, nor have I ever been there - but I find the jokes rather tired. Considering most of us that will be reading this spend our spare time INDOORS on COMPUTER TERMINALS while using terms like l33t and w00t!, I think we lack the necessary leverage to effectively make fun of any country or native persons of said country. Yes, that includes Canada. America Junior has just as much of a right to respect as we geeks do. Pocket protector jokes are just as tired for me as 'aboot' is for them, I'm sure.
I'd make that bet with you, but I already spent my money on... well... take a guess...
Yeah - I'm sure the department of justice is "taking a closer look" for the sake of law and morality. I'm sure it's not at ALL because Ashcroft wants to use American tax dollars to fuel his wildly expensive bukkake and dirty sanchez video habit. Makes you wonder what the d.o.j. REALLY means when they talk about "patrolling our borders."
...might I suggest also carrying this little piece of technology?
I guess if you're running a server or using Fedora as your primary system, I could see how someone may run into problems. However, for Linux newbies like myself - Fedora is simple with plenty of online resources that other distros lack. Every single "problem" that I encountered in Fedora was fixed by a simple Google search and following other users' suggestions.
Plus, for inexperienced users, it still has the familiarity of Red Hat and an incredibly easy base installation. Those of us who only mildly play with Linux aren't comparing Fedora to every other Linux distro out there. Yes, I know Gentoo is supposed to be phenomenal, but a casual user like myself doesn't have the time or the patience for a week-long install process.
I personally found myself comparing Fedora to Windows, and in that department - Fedora has been much sturdier and efficient for my basic needs.
Then, of course, there's the classic question that helps keep me calm whenever I encounter a Linux problem: how much can I really demand of an entirely free OS? I've spend hundreds of dollars on microsoft products that were entirely inefficient - so when windows messes up my wallet says I have a right to be mad. If a linux distro goes sour, I just shrug my shoulders because all I've lost is one burnable CD.
Fedora's not perfect, but feel free to try and name a Linux distro that is yet. And keep in mind that every user isn't "l33t", so you have to look at the big picture and realize that perfection is relative. Personally, I'd love to have an OS with little buttons on the toolbar that said "beer" and "naked lady" - and when I pressed them, well - happiness would come forth into my room.
Touche!
I'm not ashamed of my English degree though. I tried to give math the benefit of the doubt, but I struck out when I recited the pythagorean theorem to a chick in a bar. I ultimately didn't have time to calculate the speed of her boyfriend's fist before it hit me in the nose. On second thought... I guess English couldn't have helped me any more than math in that situation.
I'll see how a discussion about "prime twins" works at a club tonight - then I'll report back the results as a measure on the "black eye" scale.
Aw who am I kidding? I know that all I'll end up doing is posting comments on slashdot tonight. The upside of doing that is that I don't have to use math at ALL.
I tried to read through some of the paper and math websites... and I was suddenly reminded why the diploma that will be handed to me at the end of the summer will say: :)
"Steven Gregory Woods... ENGLISH major"
Hopefully, math will turn out to be just a fad
Aw, my previous post wasn't at all off topic! Who's the person without a sense of humor?
But for those that have difficulty connecting humor to real-world events, I'll explain. What I was trying to get across is that I think the number of items being released that add in mostly useless extra features and hybrid functions is ridiculous.
A phone with remote control, mouse, keyboard, and pop-out canteen are just extra baggage. I have a nice samsung flip-phone with so many features it bothers me. I just want to keep it in my pocket unless I need to call someone. Why is any of this extra stuff necessary?
The mashing of many different kinds of media devices together is useless. Listening to music is something that can either be totally passive or integrate fully into one's day. Therefore - improved mp3 listening, options, and storage is always welcome.
Watching a video screen or playing a game is NOT a passive or easily-integrated activity. It requires mostly full attention to watch, listen, AND interact with something (unless it involves listening to your girlfriend gripe - that's easily ignored).
A cell phone that serves as a virtual keyboard/mouse is as usless as computer tower with lotion dispenser
So you see, the ON-TOPIC joke was that these devices are mostly a waste and will not be making any sort of drastic change in a user's life - save for a few more bucks siphoned from his or her wallet. Most people don't even know how to use all the buttons on their regular mouse - what in the world makes anyone think they're going to try to figure out how to use their phone as a mouse? Baby steps, people... baby steps.
Think about it this way: UNIX is as good as it is because it has several different smaller tools that are organized differently to serve different functions. But the smaller tools within the system remain the same - and they remain the best at what they do. Windows sucks because each program has to reinvent the tools they use every time - and each one does it so badly.
We need phones that can just be phones, mice/keyboards that can just do what they do, refrigerators that keep food cold, computers with hardware/software and not tissues, and digital music players that just play music. Why is the baggage necessary at all?
Personally, I'd RATHER have a jump to conclusions mat.
Coming soon... a refrigerator with a TV in it, plus internet access and mp3 capabilities! Huh? Someone's already thought it up?
Um... okay then give me a second... how about a computer tower with lotion dispenser!! What?! You're kidding me, someone's done THAT too?
OK OK I've got it... it's a jump... to conclusions mat. You see it'd be this mat, and it'd have different "conclusions" that you could jump to!
What a second... do you mean to tell me that the first goal of business is to COMPETE with one another in attempts to gain market control and increase profit potential?
I... I'm speechless. I thought that companies simply enjoyed creating stuff for people, and that the money was an unimportant "perk" of giving openly to the community.
What kind of a sick world do we live in? And why didn't anyone tell me this kind of thing sooner?
This just in... the internet has crashed. Repeat... the entire internet has crashed.
Apparently, all major servers and clusters running government-mandated "Windows HPC" have severely malfunctioned and automatically reformatted the entire internet. Thousands of IT workers and webmasters have reportedly killed themselves by jumping out of top floor... um... windows. Could irony BE any more ironic?
Developing...
I know this is even more off topic - but I love the term "sweet baby jesus." It really is funny to me - like "Jesus tap-dancing Christ."
(sigh)... I'm far too easily entertained
Just wanted to make sure you saw my follow-up:o ld=-1&commentsort=0&tid=137&mode=thread&pid=924544 5#9245519
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=108785&thresh
Um... it was just a joke. I am up late finishing up some work, was bored and decided to distract myself by being silly. I'm sorry if I offended anyone's tender sensibilities by having a sense of humor. I will humbly revert to "excessively serious, boring, and 100% facts" mode now.
I must admit that I'm a little saddened every time I look at a fantastic case mod... because the machine lurking within the piece of art will be obsolete before the piece can be fully appreciated. That's why the average computer user looks at me like a lost puppy dog when I mention case modding - because the art doesn't even have time to make it into the public eye before becoming scrap.
Imagine this, if you will:
Gallery owner: "Uh, I'm sorry sir, your marble is severely outdated. We have no use for it at a high-class place like this."
Michelangelo: "Aw, crap! What the hell am I supposed to do with this big-ass naked statue then?"
Gallery owner: "Well, there's 'ye old ebay' gallery right down the street - I'd try there."
Michelangelo, walking away dragging 'David' behind him grumbling: "Stupid old marble... bet it won't even fetch 20 bucks at auction. And who'd wanna keep it clean? Bah... I wonder if the chapel needs a janitor..."
If it becomes a trend that users get in trouble for visiting specific websites, I could screw over everyone I hate just by lugging my laptop within range of their unprotected wireless network
I think I just had a lightbulb go off in my head. This is how I shall eventually rule the world... eliminating my enemies via paranoid government... muhahahaha!
Do not speak to anyone. Try to stay indoors (but be absolutely CERTAIN that you own the property and the house and the objects within the house that you are hiding in, else someone with an arcane old property deed might come a'knockin'). Try to live off of bugs in the house (but don't let PETA see you doing that, they might sue you). If you must venture outdoors, DO NOT DRIVE!! We all know what happens when you tap someone else's car these days. Walk instead - but not in crowds because their might be physical contact in a crowd. Try not to touch anyone or anything, do not breathe near anyone, and DEFINITELY DON'T make eye contact. Are you insane? Also be sure that you're wearing shoes that will not in any way scuff the walkway you are using.
If you MUST speak, don't misquote anyone. Better yet, don't quote anyone. Just grunt to make your points - unless you're talking to a woman, because then she may think it's sexual harassment. Actually, a man might think so too, so just point instead. But don't point AT anyone, or else they might think you're accusing them of something and sue you for slander.
If you do any of these things and find yourself being sued for whatever reason, just kill yourself. That way, you stay in the game because your relatives will sue the gun makers and the government (for allowing guns in the first place). If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Don't think I'm trying to be funny either. I'll sue you for laughing at me and damaging my fragile ego. In fact, I feel a strange crick in my neck just because you're thinking of laughing. I don't wanna say whiplash YET... but I better go to the doctor just in case.
This is America. Here, the unspoken national motto is "Personal responsibility? WORKING for a living? Eh - who needs 'em?"
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of someone else's money! Hoo-wah!
Fair enough. I thought "used" wasn't a good word to describe what I meant either. But the dictionary/thesaurus was across the room. It would not come at my command. Also - I was even too lazy to open up webster.com. That meant more typing.