Actually, yes. Any game that is rated E and is simple enough for the younger audience to play would be considered a "kiddie" game.
While many of these games are still fun to play, they provide a completely different gaming experience/style than the type of games the OP is talking about. So, while I like playing games on the Wii, the type of games I enjoy most are not targeted to that console.
Given a choice of a Wii or a 360/PS3, I would not select the Wii. I think that is the point he was trying to make.
In 1857, at the age of 10, Thomas Edison set up a chemical laboratory in the cellar of his home. Good thing his house wasn't raided by the authorities.
We soon forget that many scientific advances were made by people just like this chemistry professor working out of a home lab.
Just because he had "vessels of chemicals all over the furniture and the floor," does not mean there was any danger. I would assume a person of his credentials would know what they are doing.
And everyone complains about Microsoft and their tactics.
All Apple and AT&T are doing is charging you a large fee for LEASING the iPhone hardware to use on the AT&T network for another large monthly fee.
Regardless of how you feel about the iPhone in relation to other phones, by having the hardware locked into one carrier, you are at their mercy. Sure, you can jailbreak it, but then you are using the iPhone in contradiction to the license agreement. But Apple's DRM doesn't interfere, does it? It just works! How Apple and AT&T want it to work. You don't like it? Tough. You have no LEGAL options other than not buying it in the first place. Like the sheep they are, most people don't care to sign their freedoms away for convenience. At least until a restriction that Apple or AT&T imposes restricts them personally. By then, they are locked into the two-year contract.
Yes, a sale has been made. Without the AT&T contract, however, you just have an over-priced iPod Touch. Of course, you can always hack it, but then it doesn't "just work" anymore. Real convenient.
Really. So the PS2 had a built in hard drive? An online gaming platform for multi-player action?
Didn't think so. The hard drive was a big decision maker for me. I liked the idea of being able to save my games without having to buy memory cards on top of the console. The drive also allowed you to copy your own music onto the console for use as custom soundtracks in games. I don't recall that option on PS2.
Online multi-player for a console? There was nothing remotely close to this prior to XBox Live.
Personally, I liked the controller for the XBox better than the PS2, but that's just my opinion.
"interesting quote from TFA: Your kid can be arrested because they can't prove the songs they downloaded to their iPod were legally downloaded."
Well, this was a quote from a consulting firm that is his prediction of what might happen if the search policies are not reigned in. I see it more of fear-mongering personally. How can someone be arrested in this case? The customs officers would have no probable cause to believe the songs were illegally obtained. Even if they were illegally obtained, it is a case of copyright infringement and not a criminal offense. (IANAL)
In general, this policy seems to fall in line with the rest of the US policies regarding "potential terrorist suspects" in airports. Yes, they are focusing on people of certain race, religion or geographical relevance. Personally, I don't see this as being bigoted, but being logical and playing the odds. While there are terrorists who are not muslim or from the Middle East region, the primary threat is from terrorists who meet that distinction.
Does this place more scrutiny and inconvenience on innocent individuals who happen to fall within these groups? Yes, most definitely. While I detest abuse of power, I believe focusing your resources in a manner that is statistically more efficient only makes sense.
That being said, I believe the US is way over the line with this current policy of searching data. The only time they should have this right is:
1. The person is already on an official watch list - meaning there is already substantial evidence that this person has ties to terrorism.
2. The device does not appear to be a functioning device, but a "dummy device" - after inspecting through x-ray or physically, the device is believed to not be what it appears to be.
In the 2nd case, I would then only allow the customs officer to ask you to turn on the device and show some functionality. Not actually copy data.
We cannot allow unreasonable search and seizure of our property, even if it is electronic data. What is happening currently appears to be a data mining operation on anyone who falls within the criteria of "possible" security risk.
Still, if you are traveling with unencrypted sensitive data, then you are taking the risk of losing that data already. The US government shouldn't be the thief you are worried about though.
Well, they get their monthly service charge for cell phone service whether you upgrade to the latest firmware or not.
Unless, of course, they are pushing the upgrade to seal up security holes used to unlock the iPhone. Then, they want every user to upgrade. With the iPod Touch, there is no incentive for them to give the upgrade away as there is no issue with unlocking.
My daughter is seven. She plays new games on Gamecube, Xbox and Wii. However, she still loves playing some of the old games like Pacman and the original Super Mario Brothers.
Games that had appeal when we were young are still going to have appeal now, if they are a good game. Graphics are just eye candy. I love the new graphics on games now, but if the game play sucks then what good is it?
The Wii is the prime example. It doesn't have the amazing graphics of the 360 or PS3, but it is kicking their butts in sales.
"I think in the end they're both quite on par at the moment."
Do they have the same number of users on their servers at the same time? If not, then they are not "on par at the moment".
There are some issues that do not arise until certain conditions exist. MS should have been better prepared to handle the additional new users over the holidays, but their issues appear to be due to poor planning. To say that you can play a game well on PSN right now and Xbox live sucks is a hollow example. MS has paved the way for online gaming in the console market. Sony is reaping the benefits of following in their footsteps, but MS is still the forerunner and will meet the technical issues with regard to scaling first.
Hopefully, they (MS, Sony and Nintendo) will learn from MS's mistake and do better in the future.
"Could someone explain the logic behind this?"
This is Insightful???
So, you must think that the technical issues with Xbox Live are all part of Microsoft's evil plan? Yes, if you listen carefully in the direction of Redmond, you can hear a faint "Eeeexcellent!"
They are providing an Xbox Live game as compensation because they expect the technical issues to be resolved soon. Is that logical enough for you?
Really, I'm quite sure that those responsible for Xbox Live are working overtime trying to get the issues resolved. Do you REALLY think MS wants bad PR over the online service for their console?? They have taken it in the shorts financially trying to get the Xbox into the console market. Now that they are actually seeing some improvements in market share, they're just going to alienate their new found customers?? It seems that they had a much higher than anticipated growth in the 4th quarter of '07. Maybe someone dropped the ball in being prepared, but they will get the issues resolved as quickly as possible. Why? Because it is good for business. Xbox Live is a huge selling point for their console.
As a consumer, I would be upset if the service I paid for did not work. In this case, MS is offering a form of compensation. Is this form of compensation adequate for all users? I would say probably not. I'm sure many would prefer a refund. Well, how much is MS required to refund to all users? Do they just give everyone $5 back? In my opinion, extending each users subscription by a month would be a more equitable compensation than an arcade game that many may not even want. Still, I'm not sure MS is legally bound to provide any compensation for these issues, but they have. To file a class-action lawsuit is a bit over the top though, and I doubt it will go anywhere.
On a side note. How are the online services for the other consoles doing????
"Ok, fine. You saw the bird of a known species, but with a color of plumage heretofore unseen."
Well, did I see a "bird of a known species" or didn't I? If the bird has "plumage heretofore unseen" by ANYONE. Then it is not a KNOWN species. In that case, you would need to have independent confirmation of a NEW species or NEW variation of a known species.
"Between that and the Loch Ness Monster or an angel is only a matter of degree."
Yeah, a LARGE degree of magnitude. I am much more likely to believe that a bird with abnormal coloring exists rather than a living pre-historic sea creature or an invisible minion of god. We have seen mutations in plants and animals before that cause some variation from the species' normal traits. However, I have never seen any proof that these mythical creatures really exist.
"There might be some threshold at which you, personally, would stop trusting your senses, but that would differ for each person and no one threshold is really inherently correct or incorrect all else being equal."
This has some truth to it. Based primarily on an individual's willingness to accept what they are seeing or "believe" they are seeing. The brain is a very powerful piece of organic tissue. The extent of the mind's capabilities is unknown. However, we DO know that some people are able to make themselves physically sick just by BELIEVING they have an illness.
Never underestimate the ability of an individual to convince themselves of something that they already want to believe. Many times this is accomplished through the sub-conscience without the individual realizing it. With apologies to George Carlin, the next time you see the homeless guy walking down the street and appearing to argue with no one, you can believe that "God" is talking to him or he is just crazy. It's up to you and how much "evidence" YOU need. Personally, I think he is a nutjob.
I wouldn't change my mind that I saw the bird. However, your example uses a bird that is KNOWN throughout civilization to truly exist. There is no question that the bird is real, only whether you took a picture of one in a rare situation.
That is far different from making claims that you witnessed an angel come down from the heavens to speak to you. Angels have not been proven to exist to all mankind. Neither has the Yeti, Bigfoot or the Lochness Monster. I'm sure you would receive the same skepticism if you claimed to have taken a picture of one of those.
If you are going to pose a hypothetical question, please make it one that is consistent with the argument.
"That seems to happen quite randomly, not sure of the cause, but it's happened to me on three (of five) systems"
Really? If it happens "randomly" and it has affected 60% of your windows boxes, then I would think there would be a massive uproar throughout the corporate world over this issue.
I think it is more likely that it is not so "random" and more probable that it is linked to something YOU are doing on your windows boxes. I have Googled this problem and it appears to happen after improper shutdowns contrary to what you state. If it occurs after a normal shutdown then it is hardware related and not Windows related.
Perhaps you need to check the hardware on your machines and quit posting FUD.
Sure, I've helped many people with computer/tech issues and they do have an appreciation of my level of knowledge afterwards.
However, I don't walk around with a badge that reads "Tech Genius" on it. Most people assume that employees of a particular company SHOULD be knowledgeable about their products. They don't need a "traffic sign" to reassure them. They just need good service.
To act like there isn't an atmosphere of arrogant superiority surrounding the Apple/Mac image is childish. Just watch any of their PC vs. Mac commercials and it oozes. That is their whole marketing ideology: Buy a Mac/iPod/iPhone or you are an unhip loser.
As for the name?? What is wrong with just calling it "Customer Service", "Help Desk", "Service Center" or "Technical Support"?? Are they saying they are Geniuses compared to all other tech support groups on the planet?? Sure they are upholding the Apple image of being better than all others, but there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
I just think that many people who have not been indoctrinated into the Mac mentality are put off by the image that Apple projects. I feel the same way about designer clothing like Tommy or Polo. It's the cultural snobbery that you aren't worthy if you do not wear particular brands of clothing. Apple plays into this same mentality that thrives on the materialistic aspect of our society.
No, they shouldn't carry DB-9 connectors if Macs don't use them. However, by ONLY carrying items for Macs, they inherently exclude themselves as the "ideal techie retail store".
To be the "ideal techie retail store", you have to cater to techies in general, not just a closed subset.
Of course, I think that the use of the term "techie" in this article was misused.
"Directors no longer need to husband expensive film stock"
You provided your own solution. The directors were more prudent with expensive film stock, so they didn't leave the cameras rolling. If they were financially responsible for all the additional footage not directly related to shooting a scene, I believe they wouldn't leave the cameras "rolling". Just because the directors can leave the camera "rolling" for extended periods of time doesn't mean they get to archive that footage.
Financial waste and abuse run rampant when you place no restrictions on someone. Just look at how our government operates.
Slashdot Mirror
"my PS1 still does fine for that matter"
:)
Well, my PONG console is still going strong!!
I don't want to sit and watch a white dot bounce around the screen anymore though.
Actually, yes. Any game that is rated E and is simple enough for the younger audience to play would be considered a "kiddie" game.
While many of these games are still fun to play, they provide a completely different gaming experience/style than the type of games the OP is talking about. So, while I like playing games on the Wii, the type of games I enjoy most are not targeted to that console.
Given a choice of a Wii or a 360/PS3, I would not select the Wii. I think that is the point he was trying to make.
Neither does your inability to understand his post make you correct.
"as an iphone owner, I can say, yes it is OK to NOT love the phone."
:)
However, you can only do so anonymously.
In 1857, at the age of 10, Thomas Edison set up a chemical laboratory in the cellar of his home. Good thing his house wasn't raided by the authorities.
We soon forget that many scientific advances were made by people just like this chemistry professor working out of a home lab.
Just because he had "vessels of chemicals all over the furniture and the floor," does not mean there was any danger. I would assume a person of his credentials would know what they are doing.
And everyone complains about Microsoft and their tactics.
All Apple and AT&T are doing is charging you a large fee for LEASING the iPhone hardware to use on the AT&T network for another large monthly fee.
Regardless of how you feel about the iPhone in relation to other phones, by having the hardware locked into one carrier, you are at their mercy. Sure, you can jailbreak it, but then you are using the iPhone in contradiction to the license agreement. But Apple's DRM doesn't interfere, does it? It just works! How Apple and AT&T want it to work. You don't like it? Tough. You have no LEGAL options other than not buying it in the first place. Like the sheep they are, most people don't care to sign their freedoms away for convenience. At least until a restriction that Apple or AT&T imposes restricts them personally. By then, they are locked into the two-year contract.
Yes, a sale has been made. Without the AT&T contract, however, you just have an over-priced iPod Touch. Of course, you can always hack it, but then it doesn't "just work" anymore. Real convenient.
"but the XBOX really was nothing new."
Really. So the PS2 had a built in hard drive? An online gaming platform for multi-player action?
Didn't think so. The hard drive was a big decision maker for me. I liked the idea of being able to save my games without having to buy memory cards on top of the console. The drive also allowed you to copy your own music onto the console for use as custom soundtracks in games. I don't recall that option on PS2.
Online multi-player for a console? There was nothing remotely close to this prior to XBox Live.
Personally, I liked the controller for the XBox better than the PS2, but that's just my opinion.
But you're right. It's MS, so nothing new there.
"interesting quote from TFA: Your kid can be arrested because they can't prove the songs they downloaded to their iPod were legally downloaded."
Well, this was a quote from a consulting firm that is his prediction of what might happen if the search policies are not reigned in. I see it more of fear-mongering personally. How can someone be arrested in this case? The customs officers would have no probable cause to believe the songs were illegally obtained. Even if they were illegally obtained, it is a case of copyright infringement and not a criminal offense. (IANAL)
In general, this policy seems to fall in line with the rest of the US policies regarding "potential terrorist suspects" in airports. Yes, they are focusing on people of certain race, religion or geographical relevance. Personally, I don't see this as being bigoted, but being logical and playing the odds. While there are terrorists who are not muslim or from the Middle East region, the primary threat is from terrorists who meet that distinction.
Does this place more scrutiny and inconvenience on innocent individuals who happen to fall within these groups? Yes, most definitely. While I detest abuse of power, I believe focusing your resources in a manner that is statistically more efficient only makes sense.
That being said, I believe the US is way over the line with this current policy of searching data. The only time they should have this right is:
1. The person is already on an official watch list - meaning there is already substantial evidence that this person has ties to terrorism.
2. The device does not appear to be a functioning device, but a "dummy device" - after inspecting through x-ray or physically, the device is believed to not be what it appears to be.
In the 2nd case, I would then only allow the customs officer to ask you to turn on the device and show some functionality. Not actually copy data.
We cannot allow unreasonable search and seizure of our property, even if it is electronic data. What is happening currently appears to be a data mining operation on anyone who falls within the criteria of "possible" security risk.
Still, if you are traveling with unencrypted sensitive data, then you are taking the risk of losing that data already. The US government shouldn't be the thief you are worried about though.
I think you have a NOT gate in your logic stream somewhere.
Try reading his post again.
Well, they get their monthly service charge for cell phone service whether you upgrade to the latest firmware or not.
Unless, of course, they are pushing the upgrade to seal up security holes used to unlock the iPhone. Then, they want every user to upgrade.
With the iPod Touch, there is no incentive for them to give the upgrade away as there is no issue with unlocking.
Thank you for the CliffsNotes version of his post!!
Instead of sifting through a ton of spam email you would have to sift through a ton of authorization requests???
I don't see how that would be better.
My daughter is seven. She plays new games on Gamecube, Xbox and Wii. However, she still loves playing some of the old games like Pacman and the original Super Mario Brothers.
Games that had appeal when we were young are still going to have appeal now, if they are a good game. Graphics are just eye candy. I love the new graphics on games now, but if the game play sucks then what good is it?
The Wii is the prime example. It doesn't have the amazing graphics of the 360 or PS3, but it is kicking their butts in sales.
"I think in the end they're both quite on par at the moment."
Do they have the same number of users on their servers at the same time? If not, then they are not "on par at the moment".
There are some issues that do not arise until certain conditions exist. MS should have been better prepared to handle the additional new users over the holidays, but their issues appear to be due to poor planning. To say that you can play a game well on PSN right now and Xbox live sucks is a hollow example. MS has paved the way for online gaming in the console market. Sony is reaping the benefits of following in their footsteps, but MS is still the forerunner and will meet the technical issues with regard to scaling first.
Hopefully, they (MS, Sony and Nintendo) will learn from MS's mistake and do better in the future.
"Could someone explain the logic behind this?"
This is Insightful???
So, you must think that the technical issues with Xbox Live are all part of Microsoft's evil plan? Yes, if you listen carefully in the direction of Redmond, you can hear a faint "Eeeexcellent!"
They are providing an Xbox Live game as compensation because they expect the technical issues to be resolved soon. Is that logical enough for you?
Really, I'm quite sure that those responsible for Xbox Live are working overtime trying to get the issues resolved. Do you REALLY think MS wants bad PR over the online service for their console?? They have taken it in the shorts financially trying to get the Xbox into the console market. Now that they are actually seeing some improvements in market share, they're just going to alienate their new found customers?? It seems that they had a much higher than anticipated growth in the 4th quarter of '07. Maybe someone dropped the ball in being prepared, but they will get the issues resolved as quickly as possible.
Why? Because it is good for business. Xbox Live is a huge selling point for their console.
As a consumer, I would be upset if the service I paid for did not work. In this case, MS is offering a form of compensation. Is this form of compensation adequate for all users? I would say probably not. I'm sure many would prefer a refund. Well, how much is MS required to refund to all users? Do they just give everyone $5 back? In my opinion, extending each users subscription by a month would be a more equitable compensation than an arcade game that many may not even want. Still, I'm not sure MS is legally bound to provide any compensation for these issues, but they have. To file a class-action lawsuit is a bit over the top though, and I doubt it will go anywhere.
On a side note. How are the online services for the other consoles doing????
"Ok, fine. You saw the bird of a known species, but with a color of plumage heretofore unseen."
Well, did I see a "bird of a known species" or didn't I? If the bird has "plumage heretofore unseen" by ANYONE. Then it is not a KNOWN species. In that case, you would need to have independent confirmation of a NEW species or NEW variation of a known species.
"Between that and the Loch Ness Monster or an angel is only a matter of degree."
Yeah, a LARGE degree of magnitude. I am much more likely to believe that a bird with abnormal coloring exists rather than a living pre-historic sea creature or an invisible minion of god. We have seen mutations in plants and animals before that cause some variation from the species' normal traits. However, I have never seen any proof that these mythical creatures really exist.
"There might be some threshold at which you, personally, would stop trusting your senses, but that would differ for each person and no one threshold is really inherently correct or incorrect all else being equal."
This has some truth to it. Based primarily on an individual's willingness to accept what they are seeing or "believe" they are seeing. The brain is a very powerful piece of organic tissue. The extent of the mind's capabilities is unknown. However, we DO know that some people are able to make themselves physically sick just by BELIEVING they have an illness.
Never underestimate the ability of an individual to convince themselves of something that they already want to believe. Many times this is accomplished through the sub-conscience without the individual realizing it. With apologies to George Carlin, the next time you see the homeless guy walking down the street and appearing to argue with no one, you can believe that "God" is talking to him or he is just crazy. It's up to you and how much "evidence" YOU need. Personally, I think he is a nutjob.
I wish I had mod points. Well spoken.
:)
However, I think your going to burn for putting forth a false deity: TrekkieGod.
I wouldn't change my mind that I saw the bird. However, your example uses a bird that is KNOWN throughout civilization to truly exist. There is no question that the bird is real, only whether you took a picture of one in a rare situation.
That is far different from making claims that you witnessed an angel come down from the heavens to speak to you. Angels have not been proven to exist to all mankind. Neither has the Yeti, Bigfoot or the Lochness Monster. I'm sure you would receive the same skepticism if you claimed to have taken a picture of one of those.
If you are going to pose a hypothetical question, please make it one that is consistent with the argument.
"That seems to happen quite randomly, not sure of the cause, but it's happened to me on three (of five) systems"
Really? If it happens "randomly" and it has affected 60% of your windows boxes, then I would think there would be a massive uproar throughout the corporate world over this issue.
I think it is more likely that it is not so "random" and more probable that it is linked to something YOU are doing on your windows boxes.
I have Googled this problem and it appears to happen after improper shutdowns contrary to what you state. If it occurs after a normal shutdown then it is hardware related and not Windows related.
Perhaps you need to check the hardware on your machines and quit posting FUD.
Blasphemer!!!!
What's not to love???
Big-breasted, scantily-clad women bringing you beer and wings!! All that is lacking is a "happy ending" after the meal and it would be Utopia!
Sure, I've helped many people with computer/tech issues and they do have an appreciation of my level of knowledge afterwards.
However, I don't walk around with a badge that reads "Tech Genius" on it. Most people assume that employees of a particular company SHOULD be knowledgeable about their products.
They don't need a "traffic sign" to reassure them. They just need good service.
To act like there isn't an atmosphere of arrogant superiority surrounding the Apple/Mac image is childish. Just watch any of their PC vs. Mac commercials and it oozes.
That is their whole marketing ideology: Buy a Mac/iPod/iPhone or you are an unhip loser.
As for the name?? What is wrong with just calling it "Customer Service", "Help Desk", "Service Center" or "Technical Support"?? Are they saying they are Geniuses compared to all other tech support groups on the planet?? Sure they are upholding the Apple image of being better than all others, but there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
I just think that many people who have not been indoctrinated into the Mac mentality are put off by the image that Apple projects. I feel the same way about designer clothing like Tommy or Polo. It's the cultural snobbery that you aren't worthy if you do not wear particular brands of clothing. Apple plays into this same mentality that thrives on the materialistic aspect of our society.
I think that was his point.
No, they shouldn't carry DB-9 connectors if Macs don't use them. However, by ONLY carrying items for Macs, they inherently exclude themselves as the "ideal techie retail store".
To be the "ideal techie retail store", you have to cater to techies in general, not just a closed subset.
Of course, I think that the use of the term "techie" in this article was misused.
How long till the next version? "Blade Runner: The Editor Strikes Back"
"Directors no longer need to husband expensive film stock"
You provided your own solution. The directors were more prudent with expensive film stock, so they didn't leave the cameras rolling. If they were financially responsible for all the additional footage not directly related to shooting a scene, I believe they wouldn't leave the cameras "rolling". Just because the directors can leave the camera "rolling" for extended periods of time doesn't mean they get to archive that footage.
Financial waste and abuse run rampant when you place no restrictions on someone. Just look at how our government operates.
"HEY SHOOTER!!! Kenny Tarmac Here!! We just landed!!"
"Hang on, I've got another call..."