How addicted?

I found this via Thoughts from a Library Administrator, which is a test to see how addicted to blogging. I'm only 64%. I'm feeling a bit disappointed.

i am back

Well. Kind of. Just reached 10000 words on the dissertation, 5000 to go. Not really that happy with it, and might just ask if it will past. On top with job hunting and less than a month keeping up with my bloglines is a nightmare. At least an interview for a research job.

Great film and blogging

Just watching High Fidelity and as a Nick Hornby fan and reminded me of some of the best idea for blogging. The idea of list. I also like it cos its funny and very soppy and reminds me of my own girlfriend.

Affections and families....the social networking way

I was speaking to a blogging friend the other, who has taken on another blogger for his blog (I am not going to reveal the blog). Anyhow, I occasionally Digg. In passing he told me his daughter sometimes enters his stories on digg, because its his new job. How social networking sweet? How these digital natives show affection can be quite endearing?

The backroom boys and The Good, the Bad, And the 'Web 2.0'

I recently acquired The backroom boys as I had read a review of this book back in 2003. The book deals with the british boffins and 6 different invention after the war, that changed society. the chapter I was interested in the story of the BBC game elite, that was created in 1984. In the book it discusses the beginning of the UK computers and computer industry. One line struck some resonance, which was the following:-
It was going to be a future of shrink-wrapped software products far too complex to be written at home by amateurs : a world of mass marketing, not mass participation.
This reminded me of the article in the wall street journal that other bloggers had been talking about (1,2). This was a discussion between Andrew Keen, writer of The Cult of the Amateur, and David Weinberger, author of Everything is Miscellaneous. Having read some of Keen's book, he don't really appreciate the amatuer. When he says of blogger's :-
The simple ownership of a computer and an internet connection doesn't transform one into a kitchen makes one into a serious cook.
Both instances underline the role of the amateur in society. From the 1980's to today, amateurs help assist and history always shows this. Keen seems to refuse any idea of people needing non-experts to make scientific discoveries. People like Luke Howard, who gave clouds there names. Its a shame Keen seems to quick in his condemnation of the web 2.0 world.
Anyhow, I would highly recommend The backroom boys.