Comments for samwwwblack's Blog

Comment on Why we still have the point and click GUI by samwwwblack

samwwwblack — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:25:50 +0000

I knew you wouldn't be able to resist commenting
Yes, you're right, computer usage is moving away from desk bound PCs to more specialised devices. However, as I pointed out, they aren't as adequate as a point and click GUI for things they aren't designed for. You can't easily use a Tivo/remote control based interface to compose a letter, but you could use a point and click GUI to navigate TV scheduling; it isn't the optimal way, but its adequate.
The point and click GUI is adequate for what we use it for now, and I expect as more of our media moves precipitate-wards, the point and click GUI will become less relevant. I don't think it'll get replaced by The Next Big Thing like the article wants; I expect it to be supplemented, then eventually supplanted, by devices that are designed to do one task and only that task on the files in the precipitate.
The point and click GUI is like a hammer. You don't use it on every problem, but you use it on things you shouldn't because it (nearly) always produces the outcome you want.

Comment on Why we still have the point and click GUI by Ben Francis

Ben Francis — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:35:36 +0000

I agree to a certain extent in that I still wouldn't consider anything other than a desktop computer for the vast majority of my work in an office job. But having said that, I think the majority of computer usage is moving away from office work and towards entertainment, information browsing, news reading and communication. The computer usage environment is less often sitting at a desk and more often standing or sitting on a sofa or collaborating in a group. For these types of tasks and environments I don't think the desktop design metaphor is appropriate and this is where "tabs, pads and boards" come in with touch-based, gesture-based and other types of interface. Yes, the desktop is a good general purpose tool for carrying out a large range of tasks - but it isn't *great* at any one thing and it's not brilliant for anything other than basic office work and form filling.

Comment on Illegal anti-terror law threatened, terror alert goes up by samwwwblack

samwwwblack — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:33:19 +0000

There were some reports that the raising of the threat level was in response to some intelligence from India/Pakistan concerning hijacking a plane and crashing it into London.
It's probably the same people who smeared de Menezes in 2005.

Comment on Illegal anti-terror law threatened, terror alert goes up by kindjal

kindjal — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:47:18 +0000

id be inclined to agree with you, as the level that actually means anything practically is the government office level, which has been heightened since 2001 anyway and stays that way.

Comment on Back in Lichfield by samwwwblack

samwwwblack — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:28:11 +0000

Yes, I'm looking to get back to brum after I've gotten a job.

Comment on Back in Lichfield by kindjal

kindjal — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:09:58 +0000

Welcome back! oh no...wait I dont live there anymore! hurrah!

Comment on ISP's to watch the Net for the RIAA? Hahahahahahaha by Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:22:18 +0000

thats fucking stupid.

Stupidly, stupid, stupid.

Comment on samwagon is dead. Long live the samcycle? by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:28:50 +0000

rest in peices.

Comment on Holidays now by samwwwblack

samwwwblack — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:17:28 +0000

Saturday OK for you? We'll talk more tomorrow

Comment on Holidays now by commissarblack

commissarblack — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:48:26 +0000

Still up for the Bosworth excursion? Seeing as I may start work next week (fingers crossed) it will have to happen soon.