Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #03657
To: Steven Bolt sbolt@xs4all.nl, "JVernonM@aol.com" JVernonM@aol.com,
From: Bruce Robinson Bruce_Robinson@bc.sympatico.ca
Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 21:20:48 -0700
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: BEAM and machine evolution
No one has mentioned the dynamics of BEAM. It's a system -- a very
complex one. Consider just one tiny part of that system:
Many young people come to BEAM with only a small knowledge of
electronics and mechanics, and with little experience in soldering and
sticking things together. They have to learn all these skills as well as
trying to build robots.
They acquire the skills and knowledge very quickly. But other things
start to creep into their lives. Cars, love interests, other skills such
as music. There is less time for BEAM. And of course, money becomes a
limiting factor.
And then there's the last years of high school, followed by college
and/or a job. Suddenly a lot of time is taken up with studies, and work.
Money is still tight.
And then comes independence -- their own "home", a spouse or equivalent,
a career, a family. And BEAM has to take a back seat. Just when they are
all prepped to take on really interesting BEAM adventures.
This, of course, is a very broad generalization. But its a good
illustration of BEAM dynamics. People are flowing in, relatively
unskilled, and as they get really skilled, many flow out. To long-time
BEAMers, it might look as though everyone's stuck in a rut; or it might
look as though BEAM is a dead end. It's not.
The flow goes on, but out of that flow is accumulating a body of
knowledge. Even though people may leave the BEAM community, they leave
behind a legacy of ideas and visions.
BEAM's just getting started. We haven't begun to see the potential.
Regards to all,
Bruce
------------------------------------------------------------------------
eGroups.com home: http://www.egroups.com/group/alt-beam
http://www.egroups.com
- Simplifying group communications
Home