I guess I’m curious about generations (namely GenZ and Alpha) who didn’t live in a pre-Internet time. Like,
- How was the concept first explained to you, or when did it click?
- Do you understand how insane it is to have the aggregate of all human knowledge — the only comparable thing once being a physical library or university — one search away? That it’s absolutely insane you can engage in a real-time conversation with someone on the opposite side of the world? That you can find niche communities in an instant?
- Were your parents super strict about internet usage? How quickly did you find workarounds?
I’m learning to build a house. The internet is useless. The pile of 1980s books in my FIL’s basement is teaching me the vast majority. The internet could be a wonderful thing. But, it’s primarily profit optimized bullshit. The only exception I’ve found is video-based basic computer science instruction.
It wasn’t always though. There was a time 15 years ago where you could find really good websites with tips on how to build a house.
“Tips” don’t teach me how to build a house. They’re niche case ideas for someone who already knows how to build one.
Fine, “really good instructional schematics written by the book authors themselves” on how to build a house. You get what I’m saying.
Now that you’ve chosen to say it I understand.
I agree that the internet was much more useful in the early days. Much of that content of merit is likely still there. But, it’s much, much harder to find. One basically needs to specifically know what resources exists before searching for it.
I agree, the good websites are far and few between. I just miss people like Sheldon Brown who poured their entire knowledge and expertise into a website out of a labour of love, rather than for profit
A lot of things have changed in 40 years, I wouldn’t rely solely on those books.
Ex: the approach to airflow/insulation. Previously we tried to make our houses as sealed up as possible for energy savings. Well we kinda learned that fresh air is actually needed so build 90% of the house as leak proof as possible, then the last 10% is designed to let in fresh air while trying to maintain the hot/cold air temperature.
Yes. I’ve a father in law for that :)