It has long been of interest to me how reticent people can be when it comes to understanding computing. Despite its utterly pervasive role in society and its march from darkened corners into people’s living rooms and pockets, it is still seen as a wholly technical and complicated area. Those of us in the know, know different. We see a world within the world, populated with interesting characters and a rich history of success, failure and even tragedy. We see the philosophical, sociological and political ramifications of technological advancement that others don’t. In the end, this will present itself as a problem as we struggle to bridge the divide and realise the field’s fullest potential.
A major part of this problem is of course how computing is presented, which is why I was excited to hear of Grady Booch‘s new project and attempt to change this. Grady writes:
“I need your help in telling a story, the story of the technology that has changed humanity: computing.”
His goal is to produce a television series that does for computing what Sagan’s “Cosmos” did for astronomy and science in general, but he is also intending to use other more inclusive media forms along the way. Given the man’s credentials, this is a very exciting proposition.
Rather than just reword what’s already been written, I’ll point you here.
Thank you for the mention! What a beautiful way you put things in your opening paragraph!
Grady