I suppose I'll probably never walk into a Staples the same way again after reading _Everything is Miscellaneous_. Weinberger's Prologue sets up a great framework for the rest of the book, and highlights a few obvious points that I've always known, but never really considered. "In physical space, some things are nearer than others...physical objects can only be in one spot at any one time...physical space is shared...human physical abilities are limited" (5). That's not exactly mind-blowing stuff, but when you think about it, the layout of a Staples store is pretty useless relative to what the average person might need. If I need a cable (assuming I have no prior knowledge of where they are), I have to stop, look at all the category signs hanging from the ceiling, or maybe even ask someone. Even when I do find the location, I still might be tempted to stop and look at some cool new item or sale. So maybe a 15 minute trip into Staples isn't a big deal, but when you consider the age of digitality, it can seem like an eternity.
Weinberger's third order of order--the digital bits--is certainly a valid idea that will be brought more and more to the forefront of consumerism, as well industry and academics. Technical communication fields are already dealing with the boom of single sourcing and content management, and online stores such as Amazon and iTunes are offering endless ways for customers to shop and acquire things. I know that when I shop for music online, making miscellaneous searches is one of the best ways to find new stuff. As Weinberger states, the third order hangs information "from as many branches as possible" (103). Users of Amazon and iTunes create random lists of CDs and mp3s, and a single search can yield thousands, if not millions of possibilities.
I've been an avid user of Amazon and iTunes for quite some time now, but I find it very interesting that "giving up control" is what allows them to be so powerful (and addictive). I really like some of the analogies he uses throughout the book, especially the one about going into a clothing store, pulling everything off the shelves, and sorting through the "distractions" until you find your size. In many cases, not knowing what you want seems to be advantageous because you get more options. And at the click of a button. I suppose I've always thought of the Internet as very ordered--typing web pages, getting exact numbers of search results, etc--but the disorder that's out there is really what is driving it along. We're losing control of the order of information, and somehow it's making it easier for everyone.
So my lingering question is, will things evolve in such a way that order and ownership will become the norm again? Does the disorder/order come and go in cycles? It seems like we've been on the upswing for a while now--chiseling tablets, printing press, Internet...I wonder what new technologies could bring an order to the disorder?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
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4 comments:
Could we have both the order and disorder at the same time? Could we have information arranged by experts in order to provoke or challenge or intrigue us with the patterns the experts have noticed based on their knowledge -- while at the same time having the ability to play with ordering, to shuffle and reshuffle depending upon need and/or looking for serendipity?
I feel that there is always going to be a bit of chaos in various corners of the internet. Without that element it wouldn't be something worth exploring. However from what Weinberger seems to be saying, there are going to be a growing number of connections, and possibly more complex ways of navigating the flows of information.
the dis/order coexistence is valid, in one way, i think. while amazon (here is go again...) offers miscellany (and chaos?), but is also behaves in only a certain amount of possible ways, via the interface.
can you filter by small presses for books?
so, yeah, it's liberating, but also confining. its practical for finding a single title, though :-)
Do you like your shoes arranged by size or by color when you go shoe shopping? I am more of a shoe person, but I think that is because that's how it's always been done!
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