NewsHour

I really hate to do this to you all, but I'll be on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer tonight, talking about social security refor--no, wait, I think this interview I'm talking about why pop culture is actually making us smarter. Surprise! We taped it quite a while ago, so I don't really remember how it went, but I seem to recall we had more time than your average TV interview. That may be good news or bad news, depending on how sick of me you are.

Comments

[John Blake Arnold]

Dear Sir,
I wish to comment on the premise you lauded on the NewsHour, which is the basis of your new book (which I have not read I admit). You argued that improvisational problem solving skills have increased as the populace has been exposed to more mass media since, let us say, the advent of radio in the 30's (I know you didn't mention radio, but it seemed that you were arguing for added complexity of plot narrative and interaction, which is a direct function of the technological advances in media broadcast devices: radio, TV, computers, MP3s, etc.). Yet SAT scores have declined in major numbers since 1986, even though they have reorganized the test at least twice since then to keep scores at a seeming statistical norm. Reading comprehension has fallen across the 50 states and graduation levels have dropped. My point is: The fact that programmers create ever better user interfaces to media should not be misconstrued as an increase in any intelligence quotient on the part of the audience.
I will use a gastronomical analogy here: If I, as a programmer, realize that you are not being controlled as efficiently as you would be if I sliced, diced, and mashed your food so it could be introduced to you intravenously with absolutely no work on your part, it does not show an increased intelligence on your part, but an increased passivity and malleability to control. Many people can watch the Sopranos, but far fewer can write an episode. Fewer still could write "Titus Andronicus."
You work for the powers that be when you laud the trusting behavior of the hoi polloi. "Oh, look how intelligent those sheep are! Look how intelligently they stand in line watching the media as they are led to the slaughter."
As for the technology aspect, of the many individuals who can now play an Nintendo unconsciously or even an advanced turn-based strategic game with large numbers of pieces and many solutions, very few can now tie knots or weave or write a sentence in more than one language.
The technologies of self-sufficient independence have faded and the technologies of control now exist in a very few hands. Even if you can competently program in C# as well as many other computer languages, go try to start your own company as opposed to working for an established "great house." See how easy it actually is.
I hope you at least posited one or two cautionary tales on the loss personal control to the technology of the audience member. It's like an audience member at a play house being lauded for his intelligence because he is better able to watch the play longer because there is now air conditioning. Yet despite his or her inability to understand even the most basic workings of an air conditioner or how to design one, he is praised for a rise in his intelligence quotient. Give me a freaking break!
~ signed, John Blake Arnold

[Allen Miller]

Just finished reading the book. I too played dice baseball and designed my own games. (does that give me credibility)? This is just one brief comment/question just to see if you read these. Perhaps it has already been raised and answered. What about music? Do you defend the swill of today or avoid the subject?

[Taylor Foster]

Very interesting previous comment. It does raise some good points but I will wait till I read the book/s you've written to comment.

I just got the delayed NewsHour here on free to air in Australia, a day or so after I downloaded The Daily Show torrent, so seeing two separate interviews close together was interesting. It seems like your written work keys in spectacularly well with my uni research at the moment. Score!

One question. Do you have copies of your books for sale/free download online? (e.g. your books as digital files).

[dave Munger]

John, I'd be very interested to hear your remarks after you've read the book. Johnson has addressed many of the issues you mention, but I think some of your points might still be valid.

[Paul Meyers]

I saw the NewHour last night and as an educator was quite intriqued by your premise. Excellent interview I have ordered your book.

I know that it is unrealistic, but would you consider coming to California and doing a presentation at Cerro Coso College a small community college at a convocation day on August 29, 2005. Primarily an audience of college faculty, but could also include the community.
Thanks,
Paul Meyers

[Trafficschool]

I have enjoyed this course form http://www.idrivesafely.com/ because I could take my time taking it. When you have kids in the house it is hard to take a full day to take a course especially if they are involved in sports or other activities. Thanks for offering this online course

[cathy g]

Steven --

I was pleasantly surprised to see you on the Daily Show the other night and disappointed that I did not catch you on The News Hour (you've been on my two favorite shows this week - which may say something about my pop culture quotient : )

You posted the torrent file for the Daily Show for people who missed it -- is there any way to see you on The News Hour (aside from sending away for the PBS videotape)?

Now that I've seen the "hype," I can't wait to read the book -- I'm predisposed to agreeing with your points (I loved Interface Culture and Emergence), but I have to admit that I'm a bit skpetical -- maybe not quite as skeptical as that John guy, though.

Like Sarah, I'll too end on a shallow note: you looked just as cute on the Daily Show as you looked when you spoke at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in NYC a few years ago ;)