"It follows, of course, that no successful platform can be built on advertising. Advertising demands eyeballs; platform success demands the ability to fade into the background as said unique experiences take center stage. I’m not sure an app is worth $64 billion."
stratēchery by Ben Thompson | Facebook phones and the future of mobile communication (via soxiam)
(via emergentfutures)
Earlier this week, Yahoo CFO Ken Goldman spoke at JP Morgan’s Global Technology conference and underscored the need for the aging Silicon Valley Internet giant to attract more users from the coveted 18-to-24-years-old age bracket. Along with more marketing, he explicitly said Yahoo needed to be “cool again.”
“One of our challenges is we have had an aging demographic,” said Goldman at the Boston event. “Part of it is going to be just visibility again in making ourselves cool, which we got away from for a couple of years.”
According to sources close to the situation, that could mean a strategic alliance and investment in or outright buy of perhaps the coolest Internet company of late: Tumblr.
Sources said the talks were serious, but any kind of deal — of course — could come to naught.
Nothing is less cool than the belief that you can become cool by buying cool things.
http://ferestec.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/11719/
Dada (1936) Mary Ellen Bute and Ted Nemeth vs Complementary Cubes (1973-74) Manfred Mohr
(Source: ferestecdiary)
Bored of Farmville? Try Tahrir Square, the game
In May, Facebook users who are looking to waste a little time online will have a new option; a game called Tahrir Square Defense will allow them to relive the glory days of the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
Alkottab, the Egyptian games development company responsible for the game, describe it as a “tower defence game” that is built around the events of the so-called Battle of the Camel on 2 February 2011, when a peaceful sit-in in Tahrir was attacked by armed thugs riding horses and camels.
The developers say the game will allow players to “have a glimpse of the battle that happened that day and witness how the people stood to defend their freedom.”
Alkottab is a games and animation studio founded by Eslam Almohandes, Omar El-Khafif and Mahmoud Adly Ezzat.
“We believe that games and cartoons are not only for entertainment, but also for delivering high values like changing people perception to problems and raising nation causes in the heart of the youth [sic],” reads the company’s website.
The game provides cartoon visuals of the iconic square, and also includes real sound recordings from the square and politicians’ speeches during the early days of the revolution.
"
But he was wrong. Before these tools became widespread, photographers were indeed very much like painters, in both form and function. The camera itself evolved from the camera obscura, literally a “darkened room,” in which one or two people would stand, and record the scene before them, tracing it on wallpaper. Later film-based large format cameras required easel-like tripods and stationary perspectives. Insensitive emulsions required exposure times of many minutes. There was very little difference between a photographer in the field and a painter sketching in the field. As materials improved, and costs reduced, photographers quickly usurped painterly subjects and methods, from formal portraiture to landscapes to still-life, and, having thus freed the painters from the burden of commercial utility, cleared the path for the flowering of the 20th-century modern art movements, from Cubism to Abstract Expressionism to Performance Art.
So the Decisive Moment itself was merely a form of performance art that the limits of technology forced photographers to engage in. One photographer. One lens. One camera. One angle. One moment. Once you miss it, it is gone forever. Future generations will lament all the decisive moments we lost to these limitations, just as we lament the absence of photographs from pre-photographic eras. But these limitations (the missed moments) were never central to what makes photography an art (the curation of time,) and as the evolution of technology created them, so too is it on the verge of liberating us from them.
The Decisive Moment is dead. Long live the Constant Moment.
"On the Constant Moment, Clayton Cubitt (via dezzoster)
(Source: claytoncubitt.com, via dezzoster)
"This past January, the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project reported that 97 percent of the more than 1,200 arts organizations it polled had a presence on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. New York’s Museum of Modern Art, for example, posts photos of artworks and installation processes on Facebook (where it has around 1.3 million followers), the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art has photos of its Sol LeWitt wall drawings on Instagram, and various other institutions—from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo—can be found on the picture-sharing and blogging service Tumblr. Moreover, places like the Brooklyn Museum and LACMA have high-resolution images from their collections available for free on their websites."
Why Can’t We Take Pictures in Art Museums? Caroline A. Miranda, Art News (via jenlindblad)
(via jenlindblad)
(Source: gnoth)
CFP: The E-Lit I Love
This is an invitation for writers and scholars of electronic literature, in all genres, shapes, or forms.
I ♥ E-Poetry seeks entries about a work of e-lit that:
- inspired you
- influenced you
- that you love
- that you admire
- that you wish you had written
- that…
The Replicator 2: An Honest Overview of the Machine and the Experience - Definitely worth reading before you decide which 3d printer is the best option for your first “easy to use” machine. It is also very helpful in estimating how much we have to improve in 3d printers to become “as intuitive and reliable as Apple products”.
This morning, The New Yorker launched Strongbox, an online place where people can send documents and messages to the magazine, and we, in turn, can offer them a reasonable amount of anonymity. It was put together by Aaron Swartz, who died in January, and Kevin Poulsen. Kevin explains some of the background in his own post, including Swartz’s role and his survivors’ feelings about the project. (They approve, something that was important for us here to know.) The underlying code, given the name DeadDrop, will be open-source, and we are very glad to be the first to bring it out into the world, fully implemented. (via Introducing Strongbox, a Tool for Anonymous Document-Sharing : The New Yorker)
(Source: usart)
Manuel Delanda performs an amazing trick in this video. Not only does he untangle the threads of Deleuze’s thinking and profoundly connects it to complexity science but also makes a profound case for the role of philosophy as a synthetic discipline that can overcome the disciplinary barriers within science. Highly recommended.
I have a soft spot for Manuel, especially now that I’ve heard he has an accent. Also for his snide polemical remarks like “I don’t care what people say, idealism is inherently conservative” (but his swipe at Derrida sounds super amateur). Also cuz he talks about cool science things like genetics, computer science, and cool art/architecture things, and other things I don’t understand but wanna.
I have a soft spot for this guy because he has a BFA but no graduate degrees at all, and he’s a better scholar than many people who have PhD’s.
Justin Lincoln’s Feedback Loop Opening + Artist Talk | Squeaky Wheel Buffalo Media Resources
Justin Lincoln is Squeaky Wheel’s 2013 International Artist In Residence. During his month in Buffalo, he will be creating The Feedback Loop, an interactive installation that examines our relationships with images and each other, both offline and on the internet - how have online networks changed the way we see, think about, and operate in the world around us? The artist will be in attendance in the gallery throughout the month. Visual and textual data generated by visitors to the gallery and to a related blog will be incorporated into video projections. These projections, as well as the formal layout of the installation, will evolve regularly throughout the month long exhibit.
Experience The Feedback Loop and learn about Justin’s work as well as his plans for the residency at this opening. Justin will be teaching a free workshop on Chance, Randomness, and New Media on Saturday + Sunday, July 20 + 21. Learn more and register here.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Justin Lincoln is an experimental artist and educator living and working in the NorthWest. He attended California Institute of the Arts (MFA in Fine Arts),Virginia Commonwealth University (BFA in Sculpture) and teaches New Genres & Digital Art at Whitman College. His videos have been screened internationally, including at the Dallas VideoFest, The Expanded Architecture Festival in Sydney Australia, as part of the Pacific Standard Time initiative in Los Angeles and the New York MOMA Pop Rally Abstract Currents event. His current work involves creative computer programming and online culture.
Etsy accused me of not assembling my synths by hand, demanded photos, and shutdown my shop (2/2)
Link to part one - http://tiny.cc/6mb3ww
—— ——- ——- ——- ——-
May 12, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: meHello,
This is (representative’s name) from Etsy’s Marketplace Integrity Team. Thank you for your interest in selling on Etsy.
Unfortunately, some of the items listed in your shop do not appear to qualify for the Etsy marketplace. We are a venue for independent artists to sell their own handmade goods as well as Vintage items and Craft Supplies.
As your items do not appear to meet the criteria to sell on Etsy, your shop has been suspended.
Here is some information about what can be sold on Etsy:
Items Handmade by You:
Artists and crafters can sell items they have made. Some production assistance is allowed, but the person running the shop needs to have a large part in creating the items for sale.
Vintage Goods:
These must be at least 20 years old. “Vintage style” or “vintage inspired” items less than 20 years old cannot be sold in the Vintage category.
Crafting Supplies:
These are items intended for crafting. This category is for raw materials and tools that may be used to create things sold on Etsy. “Ready to use” items do not qualify as Craft Supplies.
Do not open other Etsy accounts. They will be closed immediately and without notice. Your other Etsy accounts may be suspended as well.
Let us know if you have any questions about this.Best,
Etsy Marketplace Integrity
http://www.etsy.com/policy/dosdonts
____
This message is a private conversation between you and Etsy. Please respect this confidentiality and refrain from distributing this communication without permission from Etsy. If you feel this message was sent to you in error, please delete it and let us know. Thank you.——- ——- ——- ——- ——-
May 12, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace IntegrityHi (represenative’s name),
My items do fit these qualifications. I build my electronics by hand.Can you please tell me which item you have an issue with?
——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 13, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me
Brendan,
Thank you for your attention to this matter. In order to consider reopening your shop, we need to know more about how your items are made.
Please respond to the following questions within 5 days. This information is for internal use only.Incomplete, incorrect, or otherwise false information may result in your account privileges being revoked.
Step 1 - Information about your shop
1. How many people are involved in your shop?
2. Write the name of each person and their role in the shop. This includes making things, creating listings, running the shop, and shipping items.
3. Do you outsource any aspect of production of your handmade items? If so, what part(s)?
Step 2 - Information about a specific item in your shop
https://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/6829829/il_fullxfull.445047669_272f.jpg
4. In detail, please outline the steps used to make this item. Include as much information as possible.
Step 3 - Attach images
In all of the images, please include a piece of paper showing:
• your username
• the date
This will show us that the images are current and taken by you.
Attach images of:
• Raw materials used to make the item in Step 2
• Step-by-step images of your handmade process in Step 2
• Images of the finished product in Step 2
• Equipment and work space
Thank you for providing us with this information. We look forward to hearing from you.
——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 13, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace IntegrityStep 1 - Information about your shop
1. How many people are involved in your shop?One.2. Write the name of each person and their role in the shop. This includes making things, creating listings, running the shop, and shipping items.
Brendan Byrne - Design, fabrication, assembly, administrator, and everything else.3. Do you outsource any aspect of production of your handmade items? If so, what part(s)?
I outsource the circuit-boards. They’re printed in China. The chemicals involved in the production of them are not suitable for homes.
Step 2 - Information about a specific item in your shop
https://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/6829829/il_fullxfull.445047669_272f.jpg
4. In detail, please outline the steps used to make this item. Include as much information as possible.The wood panels and acrylic front and bottom panels were cut using a 75 watt laser cutter that I have at my disposal. I designed the enclosure in Adobe Illustrator. The PCB was sourced from Music from Outer Space, an online synth hobbyist store. The owner, Ray Wilson, explicitly gives permission for the resale of his boards in finished projects. I adhere to his policies.The knobs, potentiometers, and jacks were all secured by me. I did all of the wiring as well. Ordered the parts and soldered them all to the board too. Easily a day’s work to assemble not including the time to design it.
Step 3 - Attach images
In all of the images, please include a piece of paper showing:
• your username
• the date
This will show us that the images are current and taken by you.
Attach images of:
• Raw materials used to make the item in Step 2
• Step-by-step images of your handmade process in Step 2I didn’t take documentation during the build process, but this is a very similar item that I used the same techniques on.
——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 13, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: meDear Brendan,
Thanks for getting back to us. We appreciate the time you have taken to answer our questions.
However, we still do not have enough information about your items to confirm that they comply with our policies.
In order for us to have sufficient information, we need to see images of the specific item we inquired about in our previous message being made from beginning to completion.
Please note that any and all information you share with us is completely confidential. We look forward to receiving this information.Best,
Etsy Marketplace Integrity
http://www.etsy.com/policy/dosdonts——- ——- ——- ——- ——-
May 13, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace IntegrityI don’t have photos of me building the item from start to finish. I checked Etsy’s “Do’s and Don’ts” page and nowhere does it even suggest that sellers be required to supply photos of the build process.I’ve supplied photos of a device that I’ve documented the construction of that is nearly identical to this item. It’s linked to my Flickr site and to my Gmail which are direct representations of my craftmanship and practice. I’m wondering what the problem is? And why if the problem is so focused on this one particular item my entire store was suspended without warning. It should be obvious these devices were made by me and no one else. Where else could it have come from?!I know electronic devices are an offshoot of what Etsy does and I’m always amazed by what items pop up there. However, I can’t help but doubt how well you or your staff is versed in the production of these devices, which I completely understand and don’t fault you for.The photos I’ve supplied should be evidence enough to anyone that I’ve built this device.If at all possible, I’d like to discuss this over phone. Are you able to schedule a time to speak with me tomorrow?I’m currently putting together a large batch of devices that I’m planning to sell through Etsy and need my page functional. This downtime is incredibly embarrassing. I usually pick up 1-2 followers daily and depend on them as my base market for my next products.
——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 14, 2012From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me
Brendan,
We appreciate your cooperation with this process. This is a standard questionnaire used to learn more about items on Etsy and ensure they comply with our policies. We reach out to many sellers to ask for this information. Unfortunately, we’re not equipped to offer phone support at this time.
As you’ve indicated you’re currently working on some devices for your shop, if you could take photos of that process and provide them, we can review them for compliance with our policies and revisit your account status. Thanks.——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 14, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
I’d appreciate a link to the section on your website that states sellers are expected to document their build process and can be asked to supply those photos on demand by Etsy staff.I’ve done nothing wrong and have cooperated by showing photos of my workshop, the item in question which was obviously assembled by my own hand, and my technical process for constructing an almost identical device already. I consider this to be MORE than enough evidence to settle the question of who built it. I find your further insistence for evidence completely unnecessary and insulting.When I look over Etsy and see cases of rampant copyright infringement and “prints” that were generated using Photoshop filters and standard copiers I can’t help but feel persecuted for the nature of my items. Do you ask those sellers for photos of the work coming out of the printer? Or images of them adjusting levels in photoshop?At this point, I’m going to ask for access to my account and an apology or I’ll take my business elsewhere.——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 14, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace IntegrityA photo of my logo and etsy shop address laser etched into the back of the item in question.THANKS!
——- ——- ——- ——- ——-May 14, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: meBrendan,
The information you provided in your response did not adequately demonstrate your Handmade process. Based on what you submitted, we are unable to approve your shop to sell on Etsy at this time.
If you would like to submit additional information that clearly demonstrates how your items are made, we will review it. However, we cannot reconsider your account status or respond further until we receive information sufficient to confirm that your items meet our policies. Thank you.——- ——- ——- ——- ——-I sent a final email stating that I would be sharing the email thread with my school’s listserv.Wow, Etsy … get your act together.
