Cognitive Surplus?
I have started reading Clay Shriky’s book Cognitive Surplus. So far I find myself conflicted half ways through the book, while I agree that there is plenty of mental waste out in the world there seems to be a lack of consideration of the quality and a quantity of this surplus that can be leveraged for spare projects. He cites the 8-8-8 break down of time eight for work, eight for free time and eight eight for sleep. Shirky focuses on the eight hours of free time for calculating this surplus that can be applied to various project facilitated through social works enabled be digital technologies.
Like many people I have many responsibilities that consume that precious eight hours that quite often eats into that eight hours reserved for sleep. Does that mean that I do not have spare time, absolutely not. Over the past few years I used that spare time to finish my Master’s degree. But this pursuit often displaced time with my family or household duties, it was with the support of my family that I was able to keep life in check. But I graduated in May, what have I been doing with my time? This time has been spent enjoying the company of my wife and family, taking up those house project that I had put off for so long, and even doing a bit of nothing at all because I can.
The eight hours that is in in question get used for many duties that I suspect that other have to deal with, as well. Meals, yes feeding myself and family. There is a meal before work and after that likely eat up at least an hour of that time, if I cook a family meal in the evening that can easily be an hour and a half to cook and eat with the family. Commuting, that driving to and from work, requires between one hour and two hours. Personal hygiene requires 30-40 minutes, we have to clean ourselves. Household clean up and maintenance takes time whether you live in a apartment or house. And lets not forget the kids, if you have them, they can take up quite a bit of time and make other duties take longer. After all this I am tired sometimes, I may be even a bit tired thinking about it.
I am hoping that Shirky accounts for “life” in the last few chapters but I am not feeling him getting there. I do not think his theories are off base but I do believe that he over estimates the availability of free time.
Facebook Friends
The word “friend” get thrown around quite a bit nowadays. On FB, my friends are actually my friends and family. I do not have work associates or any other professional persons listed because that is why I use LinkedIn, to maintain those professional contacts.
The social and professional lines blur for many people and many are accepting of this situation. For example, a friend told me a story of attending a local creative professional group. Before leaving they all friended each other on FB, so that they could stay in touch. Not phone numbers or emails but friended each other. This boggles my mind, and yes I might be a bit conservative here but I want my friend and family time to be just that and nothing more. If I log into FB I do not want to see post from coworker or notices from classes, because it is a bit of social time even if is for just a moment.
In this age of hyper connectivity we need to learn to manage our exposure as we have not had to do in the past. Ten years ago I would never have needed to be concerned that a co-worker might hear or read what they might find distasteful or offensive, I’m thinking of politics, from a friend. I am sure not going to let it happen now it I have control over the mix of professional and personal life.
It’s Been Awhile…
I have not posted in a bit, because quite have been busy. Life happens! But I have added a gallery section to the site for my photography. It is in the beginning stages so it will evolve as I add sections. I worked on this for quite a bit, trying to find a display that I like and was easy to use. Please enjoy I will post announcements as I add sections.
Software by another name
Techspansion closed down recently and with closed down and with that ceased sales of Visual Hub, the best video conversion tool around. But I am excited to hear that it will be reborn as a SourceForge application. The new name will be TranscoderRedux and can be found on SourceForge but currently it is limited to developers. But we can hope for an application release soon.
Poladroid the new Polaroid
It has been awhile but I have something fun. For those that are able to to remember Polaroid images this is a great trip down memory lane. I never put much stock in the image or longevity quality of Polaroid images but that is what makes them endearing. They are a part of history and I would bet that anyone over the age of thirty-five has some Polaroid family photos.
This application Poladroid not be confused with the company Polaroid, produces images themed in this nostalgic style. Below is a sample. This image was taken when I was up-north with friends a few years ago and seemed to fit the situation.
Before using Poladroid
After Poladroid
