andylockran’s blog

Noise, Chaos, Freedom, Knowledge and Progress

Posted by Andy under Chaos, Control, Digital Freedom, Facebook, Freedom, Hypothesising, Language, Linux, Software, Stupid, Tech Geek, Ubuntu

Take a look at this, then read the blog.

Chaos

In a recent conversation, I was discussing how the internet has given anyone the ability to broadcast their ideas/message. On the whole, I saw it as a good thing. The ‘blogosphere’ is full of interesting articles and opinions on things that interest me. I directly work in the software industry, therefore the majority of posts are relevant. Those related to software itself; development and ethics - but also the ability for non-tech minded people to produce and utilise software/internet to get their message across.

Whilst for academic level writings there is an argument that information should be ‘peer-reviewed’ before being published - with the internet there is very rarely self-critical analysis before something gets published. I know I rarely read through a post more that once after it has been typed. So what effect does that have on information?

Many, if not all of the lecturers that I knew at University were adamant that searching for information on the internet was a bad idea. Groups on facebook like “I’m going to Wikipedia my degree” probably didn’t help with their perception of the value of the internet. We were forced into using Library and Archive information that could be accredited to ‘respectable’ institutions.

Whilst this may make it easier for the lecturers to qualify the references when looking through the bibliography, it massively undermines the value of the internet. There’s so much noise out there that I think it can provide an inspiration. We’re all from massively different backgrounds with so many differences and similarities that there’s a mine of experience to tap. It’s often the case that academics sometimes have to look outside their ‘circle’ of expertise in order to answer certain questions. Fermat’s last theorem was only solved through incorporating what was seen as a completely unrelated method into the solution. This is where the magic on the internet can really have tangible effects.

As educated lay people, many of us read into obscure subjects at a very shallow level. For example, whilst never being capable of solving Fermat’s last theorem myself, it was interesting to read Simon Singh’s book on the topic. I hold a degree in Psychology and Business; yet work in the realms of Free/Libre Open Source Software. They’re hardly what one would call a ’standard’ set of experiences. Yet there’s so many more dimensions to my personal experiences. The power of them relies in linking them.

Thinkers and do-ers.

It’s about time now that I realised that I’m not going to solve World Hunger, or attain World Peace and disarmament and make the world a better place. I’m not likely to come up with an idea that’ll make the happen. I’m also not going to create a search algorithm to match that of Google - or achieve something major on the internet in a sector that hasn’t even been conceived yet. However, I have the power to link people - to make people talk and bring ideas together. I have the ability to make friends with people and get them talking. I have the ability to critically evaluate other people’s ideas and make them better.

So then, you may not hear of “Andy Loughran” as some genius that has just released a new software package, or solved massive social issues. But I’ll carry on doing my little bit and hoping that lady luck finds me in the right place sometime in the future.

Inspiring, or soul-destroying?

Posted by Andy under BCS, Control, Digital Freedom, Funny, Hypothesising, Language, Marketing, Music, Software, Tech Geek, Ubuntu

I recently was introduced to www.ted.com, a site which hosts a number of inspirational talks given at the TED conference each year.

TED has been happening for a few years now, and is touted as a chance for some of the greatest minds to get together and share something unique - their ideas.

I’m quite a fan of lay-science, and getting to know more about stuff that’s really advanced.  We all have very different backgrounds and skill-sets - and I think it’s the ability to appreciate these differences that makes things really special.  When I look at the wonderful invention of the StrandBeest by Theo Jansen, I can’t help but feel inspired.

It’s fantastic to see how people’s minds tick, and this site is likely to provide me with hours of distraction in the future.  The phrase ’standing on the shoulders of giants’ is something that can be overused.  However, in sharing these ideas, we’re given access to a wealth of information.  It’s precisely for these reasons that I advocate the use of Free/Libre Open Source Software.  Enjoy the site.

The International Internet

Posted by Andy under France, Language, Personal

Have you ever gone to a foreign country and not spoken the language? How did you feel about that country? Have you ever gone to a foreign country where you’ve been able to speak their language? Would you agree that you had a more pleasant experience with foreigners where you made an effort to speak in their native tongue?

In my experience, where I’ve known some of the language of the country I’m visiting, (albeit [sometimes] a handful of word for politeness,) the local people have been extremely receptive and friendly - whereas in a couple of countries where I did not know the language - the locals were friendly, but not as much as other places.

On the internet, 99% my communication is done in English, my native tongue. However, I am acutely aware that there are many people reading what I’ve written, and following this blog, who do not use English as their first language. It’s quite easy to forget that they have often had to learn English as a prerequisite to programming (as most programming languages are in English) and should be whole heartedly respected for that.

Whilst there are big translation drives going on for things like Documentation @ OpenOffice.org and Interface Translations for GNOME and KDE programs.. there’s still a massive library of howtos and more anecdotal information (such as this blog) which don’t get translated. It’s not like the visitors stop coming either - just having a look at my Google Analytics, and Argentina is the fourth most popular source for my visitors - a country which I have not yet had the pleasure to visit, and whose language I cannot speak. Thanks Guys.

So this is just a note to thank you guys who have learned English in order to further their skill set/education. It’s a great shame such little emphasis is now put on language at school in the UK at least. I remember my first “exchange trip” - oh the trouble I wouldn’t have gotten into if I weren’t able to speak French. It opens up a whole new world, not just of language - but of culture. I wouldn’t prevent anyone such an opportunity.