These are mostly just notes from a yet to be writtrn paper. read at you're own risk.
people talk a lot about a kind of convergence that one does not often actually see: useful convergence. I ussually use the tool metaphor to combat ideas of convergence: multi-tools often suck.
the swiss army knife (SAK) is a good example, it's ok in an emergency but noone says "leave the toolbox, I've got my SAK." and show me the SAK that has a gear puller on it.
The SAK is a good example because it works well in an emergency, but when does anyone have an emergency DVD to play? or an emergency audio clip?
the other issue is complexity, in that people aren't smart enough to understand tools that are too complicated. look at computers, argueably humanities most complex single tool. few people understand that and many just use it within very narrow ranges ... a computer isn't just a magic typewritter after all.
personally, I want tools that work and are useful, cleverness is a secondary concern.
Posted by josh at June 6, 2004 12:11 AM