WOODPULP,INK AND GLUE: A MATURE INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM @ AMERICAN DIGEST

October 5, 2004

WOODPULP,INK AND GLUE: A MATURE INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

"The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever
invented is the book." --Northrop Frye

Let's review:

No "advanced" technology required. Ability to manufacture present in all areas of the globe.

Crude but functioning units can be made by kindergartners with pencil, paper and glue.

Operating system and interface rock solid.

All types of information can be stored.

Has been proven to retain information in retrievable form across several thousand years.

Of the two, the User will often crash first.

All parts can be recycled.

All or part can be backed-up at any Kinkos.

Can be powered for hours with one candle.

All users receive up to 12 years of interface training free.

Posted by Vanderleun at October 5, 2004 9:53 PM

Comments:

HOME
"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

Cons:

First copy is *really* expensive, additional copies still cost a lot, and the lower the technology base, the more expensive that first copy (and suceeding copies) are.

Storage space, you needs LOTS of it. Of course, in a well appointed household books can double as insulation.

Weight.

The information is immutable--you cannot easily and cleanly rearrange what you have. Cut and paste doesn't work as well.

Mistakes are permanent, and adding new information is very hard.

The costs of combining 2 or more datasets to gain new insight is usually a lot more expensive than the cost of either book alone.

And most importantly, you cannot grep a dead tree.

Yes, I have no life.

Posted by: Petro at October 5, 2004 11:47 PM

> All types of information can be stored.

Umm... sound? video?

Posted by: rob at October 6, 2004 7:40 AM