Comments on: I’m becoming committed… http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed Technology, computer games, MMOGs, science...and other nerdy stuff Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:31:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kelly Adams http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed/comment-page-1#comment-25541 Kelly Adams Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:27:14 +0000 http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed#comment-25541 Interesting, Jim: the things you say resonate with my thinking or "justifications" for my interest. As you say, it might be something about the kinds of minds that find IT interesting, or it might just be coincidence that you understand my interest. It amazes me that some of the clock mechanisms in the 18th and 19th century were made out of wood (!) I mean wood gears, wood facing plates, and so on: a few parts were usually metal, but in some of those clocks it was very few parts indeed. I guess it was because metal was expensive, but it is hard to imagine. How the heck do you make an accurate timepiece out of wood? It's amazing to me. Irene pointed out another explanation: she thinks its because I admire the evil character Sylar in Heroes who starts off as a clock/watch repairer. I don't actually "admire" him (although I think he's a cool character), but his drive to understand "how it works" is sort of a caricature of my own interests. I suppose it is possible this character subconsciously triggered some of my old memories... Interesting, Jim: the things you say resonate with my thinking or “justifications” for my interest. As you say, it might be something about the kinds of minds that find IT interesting, or it might just be coincidence that you understand my interest.

It amazes me that some of the clock mechanisms in the 18th and 19th century were made out of wood (!) I mean wood gears, wood facing plates, and so on: a few parts were usually metal, but in some of those clocks it was very few parts indeed. I guess it was because metal was expensive, but it is hard to imagine. How the heck do you make an accurate timepiece out of wood? It’s amazing to me.

Irene pointed out another explanation: she thinks its because I admire the evil character Sylar in Heroes who starts off as a clock/watch repairer. I don’t actually “admire” him (although I think he’s a cool character), but his drive to understand “how it works” is sort of a caricature of my own interests. I suppose it is possible this character subconsciously triggered some of my old memories…

]]> By: Jim HIldebrand http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed/comment-page-1#comment-25538 Jim HIldebrand Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:25:51 +0000 http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed#comment-25538 Maybe it is because of our similar backgrounds in IT but I can completely understand your fascination with clocks. Spending multiple hours every day manipulating intangible bits and bytes, sometimes without anything concrete to show for it, makes the tangible really appealing. Plus the concept of a clock are pretty much universally understood. Talking to anyone outside of my industry about what I do usually bores or confuses, sometimes both, the heck out of them within 5 minutes. Being able to pick up a clock and explain that it didn't work when you bought but it keeps proper time now is something that most people can understand and appreciate. There is added bonus of actually feeling like you accomplished something. Plus clocks have a precision about them that is lacking in a lot of hand-on work/hobbies. I am not sure if it because of 30 years of working with computers or something in my personality, probably both, but I prefer nice, neat yes or no (0 or 1) kinds of answers to my questions. Clocks, even the purely mechanical no quartz crystals in sight kind, are precise instruments. You can't change the size of a gear to be more ascetically pleasing and still expect it to work. There is a rhyme and a reason for everything intrinsic to the function of the clock. Sure a clock can be stylish and decorative but if it doesn't keep time then it isn't a clock, it is art. Maybe it is because of our similar backgrounds in IT but I can completely understand your fascination with clocks. Spending multiple hours every day manipulating intangible bits and bytes, sometimes without anything concrete to show for it, makes the tangible really appealing. Plus the concept of a clock are pretty much universally understood. Talking to anyone outside of my industry about what I do usually bores or confuses, sometimes both, the heck out of them within 5 minutes. Being able to pick up a clock and explain that it didn’t work when you bought but it keeps proper time now is something that most people can understand and appreciate. There is added bonus of actually feeling like you accomplished something. Plus clocks have a precision about them that is lacking in a lot of hand-on work/hobbies. I am not sure if it because of 30 years of working with computers or something in my personality, probably both, but I prefer nice, neat yes or no (0 or 1) kinds of answers to my questions. Clocks, even the purely mechanical no quartz crystals in sight kind, are precise instruments. You can’t change the size of a gear to be more ascetically pleasing and still expect it to work. There is a rhyme and a reason for everything intrinsic to the function of the clock. Sure a clock can be stylish and decorative but if it doesn’t keep time then it isn’t a clock, it is art.

]]> By: Kelly Adams http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed/comment-page-1#comment-25500 Kelly Adams Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:27:54 +0000 http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed#comment-25500 What can I say? I like gadgets :) And with clock repair/restoration, there are a nearly infinite number of specialized devices. So far, by my standards, I'm being reasonably conservative. I've spent less on clocks, tools, and furniture than I usually spend in a year on computer upgrades. But just wait until I start getting into the power tools: then I'm in trouble :) What can I say? I like gadgets :)

And with clock repair/restoration, there are a nearly infinite number of specialized devices. So far, by my standards, I’m being reasonably conservative. I’ve spent less on clocks, tools, and furniture than I usually spend in a year on computer upgrades. But just wait until I start getting into the power tools: then I’m in trouble :)

]]> By: Chris http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed/comment-page-1#comment-25499 Chris Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:59:53 +0000 http://www.kgadams.net/2009/07/19/im-becoming-committed#comment-25499 You, my friend, could make string collecting into an expensive hobby *lol* You, my friend, could make string collecting into an expensive hobby *lol*

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