[10405] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Grumpy Old Cybrarians
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Michael Silverberg)
Fri Jul 12 20:08:05 1996
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 17:24:42 -0500 (CDT)
From: Michael Silverberg <michaels@salieri.informatics.sunysb.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
"Karen G. Schneider" <kgs@bluehighways.com> writes:
>Now there is a sort of noblesse oblige rampant on the 'net,
With trepidation, a non-librarian feels compelled to protest that the
phrase "noblesse oblige" is being used diametrically opposite to its
meaning. In fact, noblesse oblige refers to the obligation the aristocracy
was supposed to feel to ensure that their underlings were provided for.
(e.g go off and organise the Empire for them!:-).
Actually Karen herself would seem to typify the spirit of noblesse oblige
that should be more prevalent amongst the technological aristrocracy.
Having said that I think the issue of the bleeding edge versus the lumpen
proletariat is one that will get worse but at least needs an airing. What
should one do when every piece of software you own has an update every 6
months? Have you even caught yourself wondering if a company that hasn't
offered you an update recently has in fact gone out of business?
Personally, I have tried to resist the tendency to jump at every upgrade;
it seems very cost-effective to skip at least at every other one. And I
would agree that some of the "innovations" on the Web I could do without -
frames for example. On the other hand, not taking advantage of really
useful developments just allows those with the least interest or ability to
upgrade (hardware or software) to dictate the pace of progress. Thus, there
was a tremendous need for a platform and application independent document
format and Adobe (as well as other companies like Common Ground) should be
congratulated and supported for filling the need, especially when they to
attempt to make the reader freely available. And my web pages make heavy
use of tables. Yet back to the first hand ... I just read that the new Mac
client for Lotus Notes needs 13Mb to run!
The argument just goes back and forth. The only suggestion I can make is
"moderation in all things". Now there's an innovative idea!
Michael
_____________________________________________________________________
Michael Silverberg, D.Phil michaels@salieri.informatics.sunysb.edu
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