A grammarian type on Substack is complaining that da yoots are calling LP records “vinyls”.
I used to worry about such things because I’m a natural proofreader, and I used to “correct” people. I finally learned to stop. “Correction” is ALWAYS counterproductive. It doesn’t work and it only irritates the pig.
You can’t apply logic to language. Language moves naturally and organically to reflect what people are doing and enjoying. In this case da yoots are buying and enjoying vinyls, so we should be happy to see them restoring analog media. The Foy Rebellion is well underway!**
Though I abandoned the misapplication of logic to language, I still get irked when the right thing happens for the wrong reason. A much bigger example is the UNQUESTIONABLY GOOD restoration of nuclear power.
I’m irritated because it’s regrowing here to serve Sam Altman. Even rationally this isn’t the main reason. Satan Sam has no influence in the BRICS countries that started the restoration. If we want to SAY we’re bringing back nukes so Sam can steal property and destroy jobs more effectively, it’s STILL an unquestionably and amazingly good thing. Sam’s Holy Share Value will eventually fade, and the new nukes will be providing CLEAN RELIABLE POWER for everything. With better and cheaper power, REAL industries will find it easier to start up again. Sam won’t be the only beneficiary.
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Closely related. Another substacker is complaining that the Post Office is trying to go cashless at its remaining public branches. He has already sued some other agency for going cashless, and asks whether he should also sue the Post Office. No rationality needed here! The answer to that question is ALWAYS NO. If you’re not a billionaire, you WILL lose the lawsuit and end up paying money you can’t afford. If you are a billionaire you don’t need to sue at all, because everyone always obeys your whims and wishes.
Rationality applies to the underlying fact. The PO has been gradually eliminating its personal service windows since 1960, long before Nixon “privatized” it. By 1960 it was already clear that automation was crucial and unavoidable. There’s no way to handle billions of items per year without maximal automation.
The last mile will always be personal. The postman still brings letters to front doors. He drives more and walks less than he did in 1960, but again the need for more driving and less walking was already obvious in 1960.
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** I haven’t written about the Foy Rebellion lately. In fact I haven’t written much tech history or ANYTHING interesting lately. I feel slightly guilty for neglecting this side of my habitual output, but most of my aging energy is focused on courseware, which is far more important as a purpose and as an income source.
Polistra's Mill 