Down the tubes: How the internet swallowed it all.
Man: You know, it's just a series of little tubes.
Once upon a time... but then, then, and then, urp.
Well, that is human progress for you. Think of how many important things that existed at one time, but are no more. Even worse, I can think of literally millions of good paying middle class blue collar jobs that have been automated out of existence. I must admit to not knowing just what to do about such things, does anybody (and blaming politicians on either side of the political spectrum, gets us nowhere either) else??
What’s left is, that we have communities without geographical boundaries, but definitely ideological ones. The current (six-corporation-owned) MSM feeds echo chambers, that further divide those borders.
Not entirely incorrect, but even the Chinese will eventually fall to the God of automation. Remember, a machine works 24/7, far faster than most human beings do, does not take breaks or lunch, and requires no benefits, or for that mater even a salary.
And no, being a technologist myself, I am definitely not an anti automation Luddite, that is not an answer either. But, perhaps some other form of work/salary/benefits should at least be tried before it all comes to a head? Even if that eventually means some form of the dreaded socialism? That might not be perfect either, but would certainly be better than out and out anarchy!!
And I thank you, it is far better to actually, and even respectfully, discuss such ideas here, rather than the ignorant name calling I sometimes find!!
Main Streets began dying as passenger trains quit stopping at the local stations, and were then dealt a further blow as interstates highways bypassed them and malls and superstores opened at the off ramps.The internet has actually had positive effects for many small towns. As small towns are rediscovered by people who drive the path less taken on state routes instead of super highways. Small diners are being discovered on Yelp as an alternative to the chains and their “factory” food that tastes the same no matter in which state you find them. Craftsmen and artisans are discovered by “tourists” and empowered by the internet. People who can local foods, or even raise organic meats, have found UPS, FED EX, and even the USPS can quickly deliver their delicious products to loyal epicurean customers.My wife and I travel a lot. When time permits, we take the two lane back roads and I have a stack of cards from business like I’ve described above. However, if ANYONE reading this knows someone who makes Sweet Pickled Green Tomatos… please let me know. My aunt used to make them and, please pardon the caps…O…M…G!!!!!It would be nice if small town main streets could find a way to turn themselves into ‘malls’/‘superstores’ that could pull people away from made in China superstores and into the communities where the money, made in the USA, could do the most good.Respectfully,C.
If we can’t keep net neutrality then we will soon go the way of newspapers, with making the costs out of reach of all but 1 or 2 entities owning the news sourse .
This is what Verizon and several other ISPs are trying to do. They want to make 2 speeds, one that costs so much that only corporations can use it and the other slow, for the rest of us. I don’t remember where I read it, but google net neutrality and when you find a petition please sign.I really care about all of you or I wouldn’t mention it.
frodo1008 over 10 years ago
Well, that is human progress for you. Think of how many important things that existed at one time, but are no more. Even worse, I can think of literally millions of good paying middle class blue collar jobs that have been automated out of existence. I must admit to not knowing just what to do about such things, does anybody (and blaming politicians on either side of the political spectrum, gets us nowhere either) else??
pbarnrob over 10 years ago
What’s left is, that we have communities without geographical boundaries, but definitely ideological ones. The current (six-corporation-owned) MSM feeds echo chambers, that further divide those borders.
frodo1008 over 10 years ago
Not entirely incorrect, but even the Chinese will eventually fall to the God of automation. Remember, a machine works 24/7, far faster than most human beings do, does not take breaks or lunch, and requires no benefits, or for that mater even a salary.
And no, being a technologist myself, I am definitely not an anti automation Luddite, that is not an answer either. But, perhaps some other form of work/salary/benefits should at least be tried before it all comes to a head? Even if that eventually means some form of the dreaded socialism? That might not be perfect either, but would certainly be better than out and out anarchy!!
And I thank you, it is far better to actually, and even respectfully, discuss such ideas here, rather than the ignorant name calling I sometimes find!!
chazandru over 10 years ago
Main Streets began dying as passenger trains quit stopping at the local stations, and were then dealt a further blow as interstates highways bypassed them and malls and superstores opened at the off ramps.The internet has actually had positive effects for many small towns. As small towns are rediscovered by people who drive the path less taken on state routes instead of super highways. Small diners are being discovered on Yelp as an alternative to the chains and their “factory” food that tastes the same no matter in which state you find them. Craftsmen and artisans are discovered by “tourists” and empowered by the internet. People who can local foods, or even raise organic meats, have found UPS, FED EX, and even the USPS can quickly deliver their delicious products to loyal epicurean customers.My wife and I travel a lot. When time permits, we take the two lane back roads and I have a stack of cards from business like I’ve described above. However, if ANYONE reading this knows someone who makes Sweet Pickled Green Tomatos… please let me know. My aunt used to make them and, please pardon the caps…O…M…G!!!!!It would be nice if small town main streets could find a way to turn themselves into ‘malls’/‘superstores’ that could pull people away from made in China superstores and into the communities where the money, made in the USA, could do the most good.Respectfully,C.
lisapaloma13 over 10 years ago
And the lamplighters…
Enoki over 10 years ago
Change the word “Internet” to “government” and you have an even better cartoon! Right down the tubes!
pam Miner over 10 years ago
If we can’t keep net neutrality then we will soon go the way of newspapers, with making the costs out of reach of all but 1 or 2 entities owning the news sourse .
This is what Verizon and several other ISPs are trying to do. They want to make 2 speeds, one that costs so much that only corporations can use it and the other slow, for the rest of us. I don’t remember where I read it, but google net neutrality and when you find a petition please sign.I really care about all of you or I wouldn’t mention it.
pirate227 over 10 years ago
Adapt or die.