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The post was about honouring and giving recognition to a talented designer and craftsman. I personally dont see how appending anti-governmental sentiments to a

by EToS 15y ago

The post was about honouring and giving recognition to a talented designer and craftsman. I personally dont see how appending anti-governmental sentiments to a thread like this are helpful. Whilst we're on the subject, gaining legitimacy through association has always been human social trait rather than one limited to governments, its a lot more prevalent than i fear anyone likes to admit.

grandalf 15y ago
Why do we allow governments to control a scarce supply of "honor" that can be bestowed in circumstances like this? Legitimacy through association, honor from titles, etc., is part of a desperate, dark-ages mentality that is completely opposite to creativity, novelty, and the democratization of technology. Apple did not succeed b/c it made devices fit for kings, but because it made devices loved by normal people who use them to do actual work, not simply to inhabit a position enjoyed via birthright, etc. The amazing design of Apple products is based on smart supply chain provisioning, clever design, and judicious use of materials. Contrast this to the stolen gold wasted to make medallions, crowns, etc. The two just couldn't be further apart, and so yes it tremendously disappoints me that Ives didn't scoff at the supposed honor.
- EToS 15y ago
  Governments (decent ones at least) should be elected representatives of the people, surely that makes them the best body to supply honors? I personally wish the Queen would have total control in this area though in the UK, as she is technically still the head of state. 'merit' as a concept doesnt have to be in opposition to any of the qualities mentioned, i dont believe democracy is about abolishing hierarchy, as much as it is offering equal opportunity into it. Ironically im more worried by Apple, which can manipulate customers left, right and center to make an extra buck: - Overpriced hardware - inconsistent pricing of products internationally - making deals with telecoms companies locking iphone users to certain providers - non-open platforms such as OSX and iOS - taking the free out of freebsd They are walking a close line themselves in promoting the anti-democratization of technology

by EToS 15y ago

grandalf 15y ago

Why do we allow governments to control a scarce supply of "honor" that can be bestowed in circumstances like this? Legitimacy through association, honor from titles, etc., is part of a desperate, dark-ages mentality that is completely opposite to creativity, novelty, and the democratization of technology. Apple did not succeed b/c it made devices fit for kings, but because it made devices loved by normal people who use them to do actual work, not simply to inhabit a position enjoyed via birthright, etc. The amazing design of Apple products is based on smart supply chain provisioning, clever design, and judicious use of materials. Contrast this to the stolen gold wasted to make medallions, crowns, etc. The two just couldn't be further apart, and so yes it tremendously disappoints me that Ives didn't scoff at the supposed honor.

EToS 15y ago
Governments (decent ones at least) should be elected representatives of the people, surely that makes them the best body to supply honors? I personally wish the Queen would have total control in this area though in the UK, as she is technically still the head of state. 'merit' as a concept doesnt have to be in opposition to any of the qualities mentioned, i dont believe democracy is about abolishing hierarchy, as much as it is offering equal opportunity into it. Ironically im more worried by Apple, which can manipulate customers left, right and center to make an extra buck: - Overpriced hardware - inconsistent pricing of products internationally - making deals with telecoms companies locking iphone users to certain providers - non-open platforms such as OSX and iOS - taking the free out of freebsd They are walking a close line themselves in promoting the anti-democratization of technology