Which additional topics would you like to see covered at TTO?

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 04:09 PM

Someone by PM suggested that we broaden the definition of "tech" that we use here. What do you think?

kellycat · 07-02-2010, 09:08 PM

I guess I am the member who suggested to Jay that technology is a pretty broad subject and that limiting the discussion to strictly IT (Information Technology) related topics would ultimately limit the opportunities for this forum to grow. Granted IT is important, particularly when one considers that, to many, it has come mean anything computer related. With this in mind, I suggested to Jay that coming up with a definition of just what we mean by technology might help us to better focus our thoughts, views, feelings, concerns, or even questions on the subject. In my own case, I find that I do best when I have some definition to help guide my thoughts. In the hope of giving us that common point from which to start our discussions, I would like to offer the following tentative definition of technology: Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge to endeavors that impact our daily lives. That, in pretty broad terms, is what technology means to me. I would very much like to hear what others have to say about what technology means to them and even if it is worth pursuing issues like this.

edk · 07-02-2010, 09:21 PM

i think this is a very good point and that the definition offered by Kellycat is a very solid place to start. its very difficult to pin point any part of our lives today that is not affected by any form of technology developed over the past 20 years alone. in that sense, for me, technology means pretty much everything. if technology in all its forms is to be discussed, then a more appropriate framework would need to be put in place. one approach might be to look at industry and business and take an approach that mirrors that, or, you could look at it form a user or consumer perspective.

Ken-L · 07-02-2010, 09:27 PM

Kellycat, you presented that well. I feel as though any of the existing sub-forums offer the opportunity to raise questions, offer opinions, and instigate discussions such as you envision, within those forums. Choosing an existing forum will also narrow the perspective of the thread to that area. There is also the OT forum where these can also be done.

Perhaps even the designation here, "IT", is a misnomer because of the forums that are listed only the "Industry" Section leans toward the IT Industry more specifically. I'm not working in the IT arena, I'm retired, and what I do now as a photographer and homebody - computers, Internet, email, smartphones, hardware, Windows, etc. - are all represented here.

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edk

one approach might be to look at industry and business and take an approach that mirrors that, or, you could look at it form a user or consumer perspective.

Can you be more specific regarding how that would translate to this format? I'm slow at this time of night (here).

But by all means, this place will go in the direction that members feel is most useful.

edk · 07-02-2010, 09:41 PM

as a consumer i look at tecnology and see devices, items, objects etc that are marketed in a way to tell me that these item are desireable and that my life will be better off if give my money in exchange for these items, technology from this perspective is for the hobbiest, the enthusiast the uber geek (none of these meant to to be derogatory terms, i fall under all of these at one time or another) and the consumer. If i look at technology from within an organisation that uses technology for production, development etc or actually develops technology for these purposes, then i see technology as a tool or device for change or control. depending on what perspective you look at technology from, technology changes dramatically in terms of what it is and how it is used.

kellycat · 07-02-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken-L

Kellycat, you presented that well. I feel as though any of the existing sub-forums offer the opportunity to raise questions, offer opinions, and instigate discussions such as you envision, within those forums. Choosing an existing forum will also narrow the perspective of the thread to that area. There is also the OT forum where these can also be done.

Perhaps even the designation here, "IT", is a misnomer because of the forums that are listed only the "Industry" Section leans toward the IT Industrty more specifically. I'm not working in the IT arena, I'm retired, and what I do now as a photographer and homebody - computers, Internet, email, smartphones, hardware, Windows, etc. - are all represented here.

Hi Ken, I guess old philosophers like me have a tendency to make things more difficult than necessary. It is not that the current structure of sub-forums does not give one the opportunity to address a particular issue, but that it does not foster some of the more interesting aspects of the subject.

JDtech · 07-02-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellycat

It is not that the current structure of sub-forums does not give one the opportunity to address a particular issue, but that it does not foster some of the more interesting aspects of the subject.

So let's do that! Make some suggestions (maybe after a cold beer or two).

kellycat · 07-02-2010, 10:21 PM

Will do Jay. I'm sure a few beers will help lubricate the flow of information.

Ken-L · 07-02-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellycat

Hi Ken, I guess old philosophers like me have a tendency to make things more difficult than necessary. It is not that the current structure of sub-forums does not give one the opportunity to address a particular issue, but that it does not foster some of the more interesting aspects of the subject.

Yes. Philosophy has long been one of my favorite subjects, although Logic was heaven for me, but I was taught by a self-described, Aristotelian-Thomist.
What we need is a title for the sub-forum that would convey that sentiment. Maybe a forum titled just, "Technological Philosophy", or "Existential Computing"?

07-02-2010, 04:09 PM	#1
JDtech Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 308 Blog Entries: 1	Which additional topics would you like to see covered at TTO? Someone by PM suggested that we broaden the definition of "tech" that we use here. What do you think? __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on Tech Today Online, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.

07-02-2010, 09:08 PM	#2
kellycat Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Denver Posts: 23	I guess I am the member who suggested to Jay that technology is a pretty broad subject and that limiting the discussion to strictly IT (Information Technology) related topics would ultimately limit the opportunities for this forum to grow. Granted IT is important, particularly when one considers that, to many, it has come mean anything computer related. With this in mind, I suggested to Jay that coming up with a definition of just what we mean by technology might help us to better focus our thoughts, views, feelings, concerns, or even questions on the subject. In my own case, I find that I do best when I have some definition to help guide my thoughts. In the hope of giving us that common point from which to start our discussions, I would like to offer the following tentative definition of technology: Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge to endeavors that impact our daily lives. That, in pretty broad terms, is what technology means to me. I would very much like to hear what others have to say about what technology means to them and even if it is worth pursuing issues like this. __________________ Kellycat

07-02-2010, 09:27 PM	#4
Ken-L Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 150	Kellycat, you presented that well. I feel as though any of the existing sub-forums offer the opportunity to raise questions, offer opinions, and instigate discussions such as you envision, within those forums. Choosing an existing forum will also narrow the perspective of the thread to that area. There is also the OT forum where these can also be done. Perhaps even the designation here, "IT", is a misnomer because of the forums that are listed only the "Industry" Section leans toward the IT Industry more specifically. I'm not working in the IT arena, I'm retired, and what I do now as a photographer and homebody - computers, Internet, email, smartphones, hardware, Windows, etc. - are all represented here. __________________ "An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - Bukowski

07-02-2010, 10:21 PM	#9
kellycat Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Denver Posts: 23	Will do Jay. I'm sure a few beers will help lubricate the flow of information. __________________ Kellycat

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07-02-2010, 09:21 PM	#3
edk Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 49	i think this is a very good point and that the definition offered by Kellycat is a very solid place to start. its very difficult to pin point any part of our lives today that is not affected by any form of technology developed over the past 20 years alone. in that sense, for me, technology means pretty much everything. if technology in all its forms is to be discussed, then a more appropriate framework would need to be put in place. one approach might be to look at industry and business and take an approach that mirrors that, or, you could look at it form a user or consumer perspective.

07-02-2010, 09:41 PM	#6
edk Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 49	as a consumer i look at tecnology and see devices, items, objects etc that are marketed in a way to tell me that these item are desireable and that my life will be better off if give my money in exchange for these items, technology from this perspective is for the hobbiest, the enthusiast the uber geek (none of these meant to to be derogatory terms, i fall under all of these at one time or another) and the consumer. If i look at technology from within an organisation that uses technology for production, development etc or actually develops technology for these purposes, then i see technology as a tool or device for change or control. depending on what perspective you look at technology from, technology changes dramatically in terms of what it is and how it is used.