Comments on: The Blogosphere's Changing Opinions on FriendFeed

By: gregory

gregory — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:16:46 +0000

we mistake the tech and the content for something separate from reality… but just like a walk in nature, where there is soooooo much happening that you can become drunk and unable to walk just for the sheer sensation overload, so too with the so-called noise …. in fact all those words are nothing compared to nature …. see, it is the job of the senses to slow that stuff down, limit it, turn it into awe…

the mistake is to take it all seriously, as if it has meaning… it does not, it is just part of being, same as the meadow

By: gregory

gregory — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:16:46 +0000

the mistake is to take it all seriously, as if it has meaning… it does not, it is just part of being, same as the meadow

By: Andy DeSoto

Andy DeSoto — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:27:06 +0000

Just thinking about this argument gives me a headache. But I think you're right.

By: ChrisRossini

ChrisRossini — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:18:58 +0000

“Noise” is obviously a subjective term. A conversation can begin from just about anything, including what some consider to be noise.

I think one of the keys to really enjoying FriendFeed is to make peace with the fact that you don't “have to” read everything. If you feel like you do, then FriendFeed can be intimidating.

I think if you treat it like a constant, never-ending stream that you participate in, there's lots of value and opportunities buried in the so-called “noise.”

By: vdegeorge

vdegeorge — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:59:39 +0000

I consider it akin to listening to the radio or having CNN on in the background while you work. There is a significant amount of “noise” in both of those. Songs or items that may not interest you, but you listen to catch the things you ARE interested in.

Now, granted, the examples I gave are more passive in nature than being active on FriendFeed, but you must come with it with the same attitude in hopes you'll catch those interesting items.

By: Bwana

Bwana — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:57:10 +0000

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Working with noise requires effort. A vast majority of those complaining are simply lazy. Scoble said it best today on FriendFeed, users want the important stuff chosen for them.

By: Hutch Carpenter

Hutch Carpenter — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:44:31 +0000

You're hitting on something with the observation about “noise”. For a lot of folks, the stream of content and comments allows you to build out your own world view. You get a sense of the pulse of your community. Perhaps inspecting a specific item might make one say, “that's noise”. But in aggregate, there's plenty to learn.

And one other thought. What's the difference between discovery and noise?

By: Andy DeSoto

Andy DeSoto — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:27:06 +0000

Just thinking about this argument gives me a headache. But I think you’re right.

By: ChrisRossini

ChrisRossini — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:18:58 +0000

“Noise” is obviously a subjective term. A conversation can begin from just about anything, including what some consider to be noise.

I think one of the keys to really enjoying FriendFeed is to make peace with the fact that you don’t “have to” read everything. If you feel like you do, then FriendFeed can be intimidating.

I think if you treat it like a constant, never-ending stream that you participate in, there’s lots of value and opportunities buried in the so-called “noise.”

By: vdegeorge

vdegeorge — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:59:39 +0000

Now, granted, the examples I gave are more passive in nature than being active on FriendFeed, but you must come with it with the same attitude in hopes you’ll catch those interesting items.