I miss scarcity


This is not a complaint. Or, if it is a complaint, it's half-aimed at me. Mostly this is a reflection.

In the old days, I got to know music really well -- in great detail, sonically, musically, reading all the credits, the liner notes, etc. A friend would have an album I didn't, so I'd go to his house to listen. We'd talk about the music. We'd talk about how album sides hung together or didn't. We were thrilled by double albums.

Now, a torrent of information is everywhere. I listen alone, often to a single song, often not listening to anything over and over again.

You will tell me, "That's your choice." I'd half agree. It's like agreeing that "It's my choice not to live off the electrical grid." 

As I read and teach about AI, I am learning that our tools often prioritize speed and information glut. It seems, initially, like a cornucopia but it becomes a wash of "content." I must admit, I'm losing my talent for managing all this content, and I'm losing my love for it. And it's making me into a different person, somewhat, and I am not so sure I want to be that person. End of reflection.

Wizard Conjuring Cosmic Chaos Art Print featuring the drawing Let There be Content by Benjamin Schwartz

hilde45

It’s like a smorgasbord.  Hard to resist but completely possible.  Where there is a will there is a way.  Whereas you can’t make more out of less. 
 

That’s a completely logical assessment, not an emotional one, which is quite different.  

@thecarpathian with all the problems we are facing, I'd love AI to solve ANY issues. We don't have the luxury of worrying about AI to become too smart. Just give me cold fusion already!

Ok so if one must make a choice would one prefer today or to go back to the good ‘ol days?

Personally, I am not looking to go back.   Lots of problems to deal with either way.   I’d probably have given anything to have access to the music and sound quality I have today back then.