| "You write down the problem. You think very hard. Then you write the answer."- Richard Feynman |
| THINK PAGE 2 |
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Does the world need more than five computers? That's the number predicted by IBM founder James
Watson.
Writer Nicholas Carr thinks Watson may have been off by four. He contends that the Internet is creating
essentially one world-wide computer, running "cloud apps". These are applications like Facebook or
Gmail that reside off our hard drives, and in cyberspace.
Internet use is rapidly moving to other mobile devices that will naturally use "cloud apps". Our programs
and data will be on millions of computers, and accessible wherever we are.
Carr points out that while computers are technologies of freedom, they are also technologies of control.
Note the millions of machines owned by people that have malware turning the machines into computing
slaves every night.
Watson.
Writer Nicholas Carr thinks Watson may have been off by four. He contends that the Internet is creating
essentially one world-wide computer, running "cloud apps". These are applications like Facebook or
Gmail that reside off our hard drives, and in cyberspace.
Internet use is rapidly moving to other mobile devices that will naturally use "cloud apps". Our programs
and data will be on millions of computers, and accessible wherever we are.
Carr points out that while computers are technologies of freedom, they are also technologies of control.
Note the millions of machines owned by people that have malware turning the machines into computing
slaves every night.
There is an amusing math trick that you may have come across. While it
requires specific rules to make it work, it turns out that it is absolutely perfect for
the web.
In fact, until you do it a couple times, you really can get the impression that the
"crystal ball" can tell you something. You need to watch what is happening with
the page to see how clever it is.
Click on the crystal ball for a little fun.
requires specific rules to make it work, it turns out that it is absolutely perfect for
the web.
In fact, until you do it a couple times, you really can get the impression that the
"crystal ball" can tell you something. You need to watch what is happening with
the page to see how clever it is.
Click on the crystal ball for a little fun.
It's being called a YouTube for magazines.
The web site and service issuu.com takes any
PDF file that you have and transforms it into a
magazine that can be read on line.
The use of full screen vector graphics give the
product a look and feel very much like a print
magazine, which is very different from the
usual on-line reading experience.
You can upload the magazine you create onto
their community site, or embed it in your own.
It's free and interesting. Click the image top
see how it works.
The web site and service issuu.com takes any
PDF file that you have and transforms it into a
magazine that can be read on line.
The use of full screen vector graphics give the
product a look and feel very much like a print
magazine, which is very different from the
usual on-line reading experience.
You can upload the magazine you create onto
their community site, or embed it in your own.
It's free and interesting. Click the image top
see how it works.
When Complexity Loses Its Fun Side
I used to read every instruction manual front to back. Any new software or gadget, I'd spend
hours learning how to use it - knowing the shortcuts, figuring out how to do unusual uses -
it was part of the fun in owning something new.
Now I find that when I get a new digital camera, I don't bother with learning how to line up
panoramic views digitally. ITunes can do much more that I would ever want it to, once you
look into the various advanced options available with electronic equalization or smart
playlists that can update themselves.
Part of my impatience may be age, less time, or just less interest in general. I think there is
something else at work, also.
Features used to be fewer in number and more difficult and costly to design. Now, basic
software engines or microchips contain nearly infinite variables built into the basic version.
The urge to use these variables is understandable, especially from an engineer's
viewpoint. If one could really learn all this stuff, you could get more out of your purchase.
But if it takes too long to learn about a product, I get the feeling that I am working for the
software, not the other way around. Guess I'll be asking you how to use that new phone.
I used to read every instruction manual front to back. Any new software or gadget, I'd spend
hours learning how to use it - knowing the shortcuts, figuring out how to do unusual uses -
it was part of the fun in owning something new.
Now I find that when I get a new digital camera, I don't bother with learning how to line up
panoramic views digitally. ITunes can do much more that I would ever want it to, once you
look into the various advanced options available with electronic equalization or smart
playlists that can update themselves.
Part of my impatience may be age, less time, or just less interest in general. I think there is
something else at work, also.
Features used to be fewer in number and more difficult and costly to design. Now, basic
software engines or microchips contain nearly infinite variables built into the basic version.
The urge to use these variables is understandable, especially from an engineer's
viewpoint. If one could really learn all this stuff, you could get more out of your purchase.
But if it takes too long to learn about a product, I get the feeling that I am working for the
software, not the other way around. Guess I'll be asking you how to use that new phone.
Quick, who invented the digital camera? Wrong, it was an electrical engineer
at Kodak, Steven J. Sasson, thirty years ago. Viewed as a threat to the core film
business, the technology was quickly locked away.
Kodak executive were right, of course, it was indeed dangerous. In hindsight we
see that exploiting the invention would have likely placed Kodak at the forefront of
digital photography. Instead, the downsized color expert is trying to stem huge
losses and regain their consumer footing.
It is counterintuitive to invest in ideas that threaten your core business, and only
the most fearless managers are likely to promote such efforts.
Today, Kodak is poring over their unused intellectual property, generating
hundreds of millions in licencing fees. With their latest inventions they are
hoping to become the World Bank of Imaging, according to the NY Times.
Many of their new ideas show promise, especially in the area of printers and
image sensors. But if a manager in the 1970s had been bold enough to get
Sasson's gadget built, we would be looking at a very different Kodak today.
at Kodak, Steven J. Sasson, thirty years ago. Viewed as a threat to the core film
business, the technology was quickly locked away.
Kodak executive were right, of course, it was indeed dangerous. In hindsight we
see that exploiting the invention would have likely placed Kodak at the forefront of
digital photography. Instead, the downsized color expert is trying to stem huge
losses and regain their consumer footing.
It is counterintuitive to invest in ideas that threaten your core business, and only
the most fearless managers are likely to promote such efforts.
Today, Kodak is poring over their unused intellectual property, generating
hundreds of millions in licencing fees. With their latest inventions they are
hoping to become the World Bank of Imaging, according to the NY Times.
Many of their new ideas show promise, especially in the area of printers and
image sensors. But if a manager in the 1970s had been bold enough to get
Sasson's gadget built, we would be looking at a very different Kodak today.
The Curse of Knowledge. The other day someone mentioned that a customer felt that an item was, (if I remember
correctly) too "value-driven". I then pondered what this, exactly meant. I was genuinely confused, until I realized that the meaning
was "cheap looking".
Many of us do this unconsciously, particularly when speaking to people within our industry. (I still hear people describe a stack of
papers as a "deck", although it is, in fact, some papers.
The Journal of Political Economy talks about this Curse of Knowledge, "...once you've become an expert in a particular field, it's
hard to imagine not knowing what you do. (my emphasis). Your conversations are peppered with catch phrases and jargon that
are foreign to the uninitiated."
So what? Well, the point of the research is best described by Intel's Andy Grove, "When everybody knows that something is so, it
means that nobody knows nothin'" In order words, innovation becomes stifled by our sameness of thought.
Communicating to others in terms that have universal meaning is the first step in contacting those with diverse experiences, a
primary step towards innovation. Remembering to do this isn't easy, (I backslide all the time). Remember, if you are attempting to
communicate in a way that your friends outside your industry would not understand, then you are not communicating well.
correctly) too "value-driven". I then pondered what this, exactly meant. I was genuinely confused, until I realized that the meaning
was "cheap looking".
Many of us do this unconsciously, particularly when speaking to people within our industry. (I still hear people describe a stack of
papers as a "deck", although it is, in fact, some papers.
The Journal of Political Economy talks about this Curse of Knowledge, "...once you've become an expert in a particular field, it's
hard to imagine not knowing what you do. (my emphasis). Your conversations are peppered with catch phrases and jargon that
are foreign to the uninitiated."
So what? Well, the point of the research is best described by Intel's Andy Grove, "When everybody knows that something is so, it
means that nobody knows nothin'" In order words, innovation becomes stifled by our sameness of thought.
Communicating to others in terms that have universal meaning is the first step in contacting those with diverse experiences, a
primary step towards innovation. Remembering to do this isn't easy, (I backslide all the time). Remember, if you are attempting to
communicate in a way that your friends outside your industry would not understand, then you are not communicating well.
The Haircut Economy
When I ran into Carolyn Maccariella at the supermarket, I was thrilled
to learn that the best barber I had ever met went and purchased the
shop she used to be employed at (I had lost touch with her) and now I
could resemble a human rather than Cousin It.
Carolyn took the little brick storefront in West Chester, Pa. and installed
a video screen playing classic rock, decorated the walls with Kiss
posters, and suspended a revolving disco ball from the ceiling. Beautiful.
When I went for a haircut recently, I was afraid she had gone too far "Hey
Steve, you want a drink?" , she said. "What?" I asked, "I got coffee, soda,
bottled water, what would you like?" says Carolyn. "Nothing right now", I
assured her, relieved.
When I asked the obligatory, "How's biz"? she frowned and said. "I'm
worried, man...middle of the week is slow..and the economy is
terrible...people are telling me I was crazy for buying a business at this
time!"
"A customer told me he lost his whole 401k!", says Carolyn, clipping
away. This makes me straighten up. "Carolyn, he could not have 'lost' his
401k. How old is this guy?" "28" she says.
"So his $1500 looks like $750 now. He didn't actually lose money."
"He didn't?"
"You need to sell stock to make or lose money, it's just paper. If he sits it
out, it will bounce back eventually."
"I guess that's true," says Carolyn. While I am sitting in the barber chair,
mid-day on a Wednesday, I note four other guys show up for haircuts.
Good thing Carolyn has another hair cutter, Jen.
"Carolyn, is your business down from last month" "No", she admits.
"You look busy", I say. "Steve, you need to stay here, you're bringin the
traffic!"
Carolyn is worried that cost-cutting consumers will begin cutting their own
hair.
"Carolyn, after looking in the mirror, they'll change their mind. Besides, a
haircut costs about the same as 2 years ago, unlike eggs or gas,"
"That's true,"she admits. The barbershop is getting crowded. I say, "You
are doing everything right - great service, good prices, friendly
atmosphere, and if people are anxious, you're cheaper than a psychiatrist."
"Maybe you're right," she brightens. "Yes", I assure her, "The news
makes people anxious. It will pass, Just do a great job and be positive."
The haircut is done. I have been there for 12 minutes .
"Hey Steve, you got a sweet tooth? How about a goodie bag?" Carolyn
open a cabinet piled with zip bags of candy and goodies. "Kids love
these," she says...."actually adults love 'em too.:
I look around the waiting customers. Waiting with a drink, getting a
goodie bag and a haircut. A haircut that will make each of us feel just a
little bit better today, in this sea of economic anxiety.
I pay and go outside, looking at the huge Halloween skeleton in the
window, waiting for his trim.
We will pull out of this mess, and it will have little to do with government
wanks signing ill-conceived bail-outs.
It will be the Carolyns of the world, delivering great work, going the extra
mile, and making us feel good about spending a few dollars.
When I ran into Carolyn Maccariella at the supermarket, I was thrilled
to learn that the best barber I had ever met went and purchased the
shop she used to be employed at (I had lost touch with her) and now I
could resemble a human rather than Cousin It.
Carolyn took the little brick storefront in West Chester, Pa. and installed
a video screen playing classic rock, decorated the walls with Kiss
posters, and suspended a revolving disco ball from the ceiling. Beautiful.
When I went for a haircut recently, I was afraid she had gone too far "Hey
Steve, you want a drink?" , she said. "What?" I asked, "I got coffee, soda,
bottled water, what would you like?" says Carolyn. "Nothing right now", I
assured her, relieved.
When I asked the obligatory, "How's biz"? she frowned and said. "I'm
worried, man...middle of the week is slow..and the economy is
terrible...people are telling me I was crazy for buying a business at this
time!"
"A customer told me he lost his whole 401k!", says Carolyn, clipping
away. This makes me straighten up. "Carolyn, he could not have 'lost' his
401k. How old is this guy?" "28" she says.
"So his $1500 looks like $750 now. He didn't actually lose money."
"He didn't?"
"You need to sell stock to make or lose money, it's just paper. If he sits it
out, it will bounce back eventually."
"I guess that's true," says Carolyn. While I am sitting in the barber chair,
mid-day on a Wednesday, I note four other guys show up for haircuts.
Good thing Carolyn has another hair cutter, Jen.
"Carolyn, is your business down from last month" "No", she admits.
"You look busy", I say. "Steve, you need to stay here, you're bringin the
traffic!"
Carolyn is worried that cost-cutting consumers will begin cutting their own
hair.
"Carolyn, after looking in the mirror, they'll change their mind. Besides, a
haircut costs about the same as 2 years ago, unlike eggs or gas,"
"That's true,"she admits. The barbershop is getting crowded. I say, "You
are doing everything right - great service, good prices, friendly
atmosphere, and if people are anxious, you're cheaper than a psychiatrist."
"Maybe you're right," she brightens. "Yes", I assure her, "The news
makes people anxious. It will pass, Just do a great job and be positive."
The haircut is done. I have been there for 12 minutes .
"Hey Steve, you got a sweet tooth? How about a goodie bag?" Carolyn
open a cabinet piled with zip bags of candy and goodies. "Kids love
these," she says...."actually adults love 'em too.:
I look around the waiting customers. Waiting with a drink, getting a
goodie bag and a haircut. A haircut that will make each of us feel just a
little bit better today, in this sea of economic anxiety.
I pay and go outside, looking at the huge Halloween skeleton in the
window, waiting for his trim.
We will pull out of this mess, and it will have little to do with government
wanks signing ill-conceived bail-outs.
It will be the Carolyns of the world, delivering great work, going the extra
mile, and making us feel good about spending a few dollars.
Cmac Barber Shop, Market St. West Chester Pa.
