Posting Date: January 17, 2003

Dust or Magic? -- "THIS NEW, annual meeting is for everyone who is seriously concerned about the fate of creative work and creative workers in the 'new-media' workplace. IT WILL COVER the psychology, the politics, the philosophy, and the nitty-gritty hands-on practicalities of creative work with the computer."
(Mac comments: These days I would rather sit in a pub and have a good chat with a few interesting colleauges, rather than attend one of the 'proper' HCI etc. conferences. Do these smaller, informal and friendlier get togethers represent the future of conferences? )

Reader Comments...

The link describes a gathering for creative folk. Mac's comment refers to HCI folk. Those are different groups.

A web designer who loves his job because of the creativity had better be a consultant or in a position that allows him/her to design a variety of sites. Most web design is not focused on creativity. It's a science. That's why graphic designers despise HCI folk. HCI introduces all sorts of observation-based changes that don't always jive with what Chet and Stacy learned in Art School.

Posted by: Bibo the God Monster on January 17, 2003 03:28 PM

Bibo, now I am getting very worried. In this context I would describe myself as a 'HCI folk', yet I am being invited to speak at a 'gathering for creative folk', about usability no less!

What shall I do? Am I allowed to be creative, or should I be hating myself for being a 'web designer'? I know some people who are graphic designers.. do you think they are just patronising me with their friendship?

Will there be sniffer dogs on the door that see thorugh my pitiful attempt to have a soul!!

I think you may be more bitter and twisted than I am!

Posted by: Mac on January 17, 2003 03:54 PM

Mac you can always borrow my "Gamellian suit" -

http://www.earthxia.com/get.asp?action=supporting4

Creative and sure to get a laugh!

Posted by: daniel szuc on January 18, 2003 07:22 AM

Caveat emptor - Do any of the sponsors or organizers have any motivation or know-how to create standards for topics and presenters that go beyond the need for profits?

Posted by: Ron Zeno on January 18, 2003 11:32 AM

"Am I allowed to be creative, or should I be hating myself for being a 'web designer'?"

They will snicker and laugh behind your back at every creative thought you utter.

"Do you think they are just patronising me with their friendship?"

To them, you are a developmentally disabled little boy they have befriended for comedic relief -- like a cat playing with a wounded mouse. What fun!

"What shall I do?"

While you are entertaining them at their gathering, have an accomplice break the windows of their Chevy Impalas and fill their vehicles with melted chicken fat. Graphic designers hate chicken fat.

Posted by: Bibo the God Monster on January 18, 2003 05:28 PM

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