tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507307540604269398.post8912536328864995171..comments2019-06-01T10:43:54.927-04:00Comments on The Scriblerus Memoirs: The Angel and the Algorithm(s)Scriblerushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979369403613893141noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507307540604269398.post-54258581178787624852009-03-24T16:34:00.000-04:002009-03-24T16:34:00.000-04:00I always assumed Google operated on the most simpl...I always assumed Google operated on the most simple of all pieces of cynicism, which is hardly an algorithm. They just decided right at the outset to let the number of hits determine the priority of subject. It is towering monument built at the great god of ignorance (St. Footicus). It rewards indifferent curiousity, with more information! It is maximum trivial pursuit, that is principle upon which Google operates: pure freedom, in a free zone. In this realm the mind is reduced to utter simplicity, below even the level of logic--and certainly not math.Lloyd Minternhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13152240716731277055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507307540604269398.post-1510516587902205562009-02-26T08:56:00.000-05:002009-02-26T08:56:00.000-05:00This is a tremendous response--thanks for not too ...This is a tremendous response--thanks for not too harshly demonstrating my tech ignorance!<BR/><BR/>I'm aware of the operation of multiple algorithms--Google does have competitors, obviously--I just chose the title because of the two books (Paradise Lost and Planet Google) that happened to generate the post. You're absolutely right, though, to point out the multiple simultaneously operating mediators and the differences they create in attempting to create the perception (or illusion) of an organized structural whole where none exists.<BR/><BR/>Can't wait to read more about this and architecture!Scriblerushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02979369403613893141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507307540604269398.post-37077438305619114352009-02-26T05:48:00.000-05:002009-02-26T05:48:00.000-05:00Lawks, but I've a lot to say on this subject.First...Lawks, but I've a lot to say on this subject.<BR/><BR/>First things first, though: Fantastic post, and a great one with which to see you back.<BR/><BR/>Secondly: I agree about LOST, but the smoke monster still bothers me.<BR/><BR/>Anyhew, I'm going to return here later and write extensively. (Or maybe even start my own parasitic blog which just feeds off all your ideas.) However, I would like to start with one point: your heading is wrong. It needs to be:<BR/><BR/>'The Angel And The Algorithm<B>S</B>'.<BR/><BR/>See, while the Algorithm you mentioned is indeed a great example of the web and its organisational principles, the larger picture is that the Algorithm is only there if you go looking for it. I rely on the Algorithm of Del.icio.us quite a lot, and I can even make my own if that or the many others don't work for me.<BR/><BR/>We turn to the Algorithm because we're used to the authority and structure of the garden (stop me if I'm taking your metaphors too far) but the Red Pill moment (or is it Blue? I never remember) comes when we realise the Algorithm isn't the only structure of wisdom outside this garden.<BR/><BR/>The physical space of the web (ie: none at all) is perhaps the most important thing in defining it's fundamental characteristic: that of a heirarchy which may well be perceived but is not necessarily inherent, and is certainly not set in stone.<BR/><BR/>The Algorithm is an interesting alternative to the Angel, but not nearly as interesting as the AlgorithmS - and the uncertainty which beckons once you start to play them all off against each other.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'll come back to witter some more later - most likely on what impact this all has on ACTUAL walls and ACTUAL gardens, not to mention the bigger structures of cities. For now, I think an episode of House or something similar would be appropriate. It's probably auto-immune...Daveybothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09615409854620684876noreply@blogger.com