I actually first experienced a network aware gui via OS/2, and I remember thinking how incredible it was. Then I was forced down the path of least resistance...
I pin everything I need to my taskbar, then once I've windows keyed M to the desktop I've got what I want. If I need something else I use "run" or search via the annoying windows search. But the key is for me to just pin everything to the taskbar or make shortcuts on the desktop. What is ridiculous is that MS forces the tile bullshit.
Yea, when I saw that statement I knew a history nut like myself would chime in about the Robber Baron era, and pretty much up to the FDR administration...
Hair splitting, yes...
However I think his point is probably that since WWII wealth inequality has never been this bad. Look at taxation rates during Eisenhower. How about the difference in pay between CEO's and workers from the 1950's until now.
My point would be that the uber wealthy have stolen the U.S. from the people who built it, and they now control the government(including the NSA) and the media. Between attacking via those two vectors they have easily strangulated any resistance to omniscient surveillance.
"That the world would accept something like the Circle’s omnipresent software without debate, of course, is the most far-fetched of the book’s assumptions."
What?!? The world already has accepted something like the Circle. Those of us that don't use FB are very few and far between and get harangued as Luddites for not using it. To most of the twenty-somethings and younger, FB IS THE INTERNET.
Once unemployment reaches 20% or more(in the U.S. anyway...) there would be massive unrest. Essentially, to "keep the lights on" for the other 80%(most of whom will be hanging on by their fingernails) Martial Law will be implemented, and the surveillance state will come "out of the closet" and integrated tightly into American society. A scenario like that would be analogous to the sea change that took place after 9-11, though much worse. Through robotics and the omniscient surveillance state control will be implemented.
Once technology puts enough people out of work it will enable the creation of a true police state in the U.S. That is the only way something like this will be dealt with. Does anyone really think Congress, etc will be able to function and get things done, for their constituents, in a high stress situation like that? It would be just like when Bush II took the reins after 9-11.
What will happen to the millions out of work who would still need money to survive? Yes, they would still need money, because as much as I love the idea of the "post scarcity" world(what bullshit...) those who control the needed goods and services to survive will never give that up. What will happen is a massive social control system will be implemented to house and feed and CONTROL the ever increasing numbers of unemployed and homeless. How else is this going to play out?
Your post is one of the best I've read on here, and your logic on how to rectify this situation is right on the money.
However, sometime I like to take the role of the Devils Advocate, and now is such a time...
For starters, lets look at the Distribution of Wealth in the world, and in the U.S. in particular. We all know where this has been going in the last 20-30 years. It is much worse now than at anytime since I think the 1920's, maybe longer. For lack of better phrase, "The 1%" are no dummies, and when it comes to ruthlessly marginalizing the vast majority of the human race, they have done an expert job of it. They will never agree to any sort of system that doesn't keep them where they are, whether that means putting billions of people out of work or not. If they can design a system, using robotics at it's core and technology as it's foundation, they will continue to live their lifestyle at the expense of the rest of humanity. They are only "keeping us around" in the meantime until the day arrives when sufficient technology is in place(robotics, omniscient surveillance, etc;) for them to truly take over and live in a world without the billions that are below them, and, for now, an annoyance.
As much as I hope a scenario like that doesn't play out, I see the proof of it on a daily basis.
Sage wisdom my friend...
I continually troubleshoot my LG TV / Onkyo Receiver / Sony BD/DVD. I'm always amazed at how slow and klooodgy this high tech setup is... Once it is working, it works great though. I love the roundabout I have to take to get audio to play from USB via Receiver AND watch over the air TV simultaneously. Yea, I know, I need a universal remote.
Put your TV on the curb, download a copy of adblock plus, Ghostery, NoScript, HTTPS Everywhere, TrackMeNot and in six months this entire article will seem the very definition of the hedonistic treadmill.
Well, using your logic, if changing the station or adjusting environmental controls requires use of a touch screen as most smart phones have, then I would agree. However, changing the station and adjusting environmental controls don't require the use of a touch screen, so I don't have to look at them while I change the setting.
Automobiles have been designed with safety in mind.
Slashdot Mirror
The first all-African-American heavy metal band.
iDon't give an iShit.
I like pinning apps (but I can pin apps to a taskbar toolbar in win8 and that works the same), and I like the quick search widget to run programs.
Bingo! Thats all that I need on 8 and I haven't had any issues getting to whatever I need quickly, either using a mouse or keyboard. No big deal.
They should have called it "Scarface", and had an ad campaign based around "say hello to my little friend!"
I actually first experienced a network aware gui via OS/2, and I remember thinking how incredible it was. Then I was forced down the path of least resistance...
Right, but with "Windows 8.11 for Workgroups" there is no joining domains... only Workgroups!
I pin everything I need to my taskbar, then once I've windows keyed M to the desktop I've got what I want. If I need something else I use "run" or search via the annoying windows search. But the key is for me to just pin everything to the taskbar or make shortcuts on the desktop. What is ridiculous is that MS forces the tile bullshit.
Try this
If you apply your favorite peanut butter, then the it holds the notoriously fractious cake together better.
Thats funny! Ha Ha, coming from someone living in a police state.
Brit, is that you?
Interesting that the Wikipedia page hasn't been updated with this information...
Conspiracy!
That was the idea from the beginning...
Just like the War on Drugs.
Bingo.
Mod points!
There is only one thing that will bring true freedom from surveillance and that is a massive Coronal Mass Ejection EMP event.
Yea, when I saw that statement I knew a history nut like myself would chime in about the Robber Baron era, and pretty much up to the FDR administration...
Hair splitting, yes...
However I think his point is probably that since WWII wealth inequality has never been this bad. Look at taxation rates during Eisenhower. How about the difference in pay between CEO's and workers from the 1950's until now.
My point would be that the uber wealthy have stolen the U.S. from the people who built it, and they now control the government(including the NSA) and the media. Between attacking via those two vectors they have easily strangulated any resistance to omniscient surveillance.
So by not using FB were going to die?
The Surgeon General may disagree with you
Thats (ahem...) like totally ultra mega hella bitchin rad.
"That the world would accept something like the Circle’s omnipresent software without debate, of course, is the most far-fetched of the book’s assumptions."
What?!? The world already has accepted something like the Circle. Those of us that don't use FB are very few and far between and get harangued as Luddites for not using it. To most of the twenty-somethings and younger, FB IS THE INTERNET.
Once unemployment reaches 20% or more(in the U.S. anyway...) there would be massive unrest. Essentially, to "keep the lights on" for the other 80%(most of whom will be hanging on by their fingernails) Martial Law will be implemented, and the surveillance state will come "out of the closet" and integrated tightly into American society. A scenario like that would be analogous to the sea change that took place after 9-11, though much worse. Through robotics and the omniscient surveillance state control will be implemented.
Once technology puts enough people out of work it will enable the creation of a true police state in the U.S. That is the only way something like this will be dealt with. Does anyone really think Congress, etc will be able to function and get things done, for their constituents, in a high stress situation like that? It would be just like when Bush II took the reins after 9-11.
What will happen to the millions out of work who would still need money to survive? Yes, they would still need money, because as much as I love the idea of the "post scarcity" world(what bullshit...) those who control the needed goods and services to survive will never give that up. What will happen is a massive social control system will be implemented to house and feed and CONTROL the ever increasing numbers of unemployed and homeless. How else is this going to play out?
Your post is one of the best I've read on here, and your logic on how to rectify this situation is right on the money.
However, sometime I like to take the role of the Devils Advocate, and now is such a time...
For starters, lets look at the Distribution of Wealth in the world, and in the U.S. in particular. We all know where this has been going in the last 20-30 years. It is much worse now than at anytime since I think the 1920's, maybe longer. For lack of better phrase, "The 1%" are no dummies, and when it comes to ruthlessly marginalizing the vast majority of the human race, they have done an expert job of it. They will never agree to any sort of system that doesn't keep them where they are, whether that means putting billions of people out of work or not. If they can design a system, using robotics at it's core and technology as it's foundation, they will continue to live their lifestyle at the expense of the rest of humanity. They are only "keeping us around" in the meantime until the day arrives when sufficient technology is in place(robotics, omniscient surveillance, etc;) for them to truly take over and live in a world without the billions that are below them, and, for now, an annoyance.
As much as I hope a scenario like that doesn't play out, I see the proof of it on a daily basis.
I would highly recommend Marshall Brain on this subject.
Sage wisdom my friend...
I continually troubleshoot my LG TV / Onkyo Receiver / Sony BD/DVD. I'm always amazed at how slow and klooodgy this high tech setup is... Once it is working, it works great though. I love the roundabout I have to take to get audio to play from USB via Receiver AND watch over the air TV simultaneously. Yea, I know, I need a universal remote.
Put your TV on the curb, download a copy of adblock plus, Ghostery, NoScript, HTTPS Everywhere, TrackMeNot and in six months this entire article will seem the very definition of the hedonistic treadmill.
There, fixed that for you.
Well, using your logic, if changing the station or adjusting environmental controls requires use of a touch screen as most smart phones have, then I would agree. However, changing the station and adjusting environmental controls don't require the use of a touch screen, so I don't have to look at them while I change the setting.
Automobiles have been designed with safety in mind.
Smart Phones have not.