Science Fiction: "Wool", Hugh Howey

Posted by Wonky 11 years, 3 months ago to Books
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Has anyone read it? I'll be vague so as not to spoil the plot. If you've read it, did any particular character remind you of Dagny?


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  • Posted by khalling 11 years, 3 months ago
    ok, NOW I want to read it
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    • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
      Ok. AJ says its a go if that works for you.
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      • Posted by $ AJAshinoff 11 years, 3 months ago
        lol, I downloaded it for free a while back and posted a favorable review on Amazon ad in Goodreads. I haven't read the sequel books.

        As far as the Dagny similarity, I didn't see it when I read it. Now, after thinking about it, it is still a bit of a stretch. Even so, interesting story.

        Is this you're work Wonky?
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        • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
          Does it make a difference?

          I've written a scathing review of myself that questions whether I've attempted to usurp the Gulch as my own personal laboratory. Might make a good article in the newsletter.

          I'd hate to think someone would choose not to read a book simply because I recommended it.

          Incidentally, I've got "Shadows Live Under Seashells" on my reading list, right after "Pendulum of Justice".


          (I'm assuming you weren't asking if I'm Hugh Howey. I'm not.)
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          • Posted by $ AJAshinoff 11 years, 3 months ago
            I was asking if you were Hugh Howey. It only matters to me as a measure of respect between two authors.

            I appreciate your taking the time to read my work. Thank you.

            Unfortunately, reputation does color people's perception.
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            • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
              Your last statement is so significant. I was exposed to Heinlein too early as required reading (Stranger in a Strange Land). While as a teen, the first half to 2/3rds were entertaining, the last was simply baffling. As a result I avoided Heinlein's other works. Now, at age 39, I'm committed to re-read some of his work and attempt to erase the unconscious bias I've held for all of these years in spite of my frequent use of the word "grok".

              I do hope that if you've taken offense to any of my posts, that your perceptions of me will lose their color as I refine my presentation and commentary. As I stated to LS, I choose to correct my errors as a matter of rational self interest.
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              • Posted by khalling 11 years, 3 months ago
                frequent use of the word "grok".
                are you a programmer? huh. have we fought about patents yet?
                what part of the country are you from?
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                • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
                  Programmer: yes.
                  Patent fight: not yet
                  From: Currently, just west of Baltimore, MD, but in truth, nowhere- I was a military brat. Home was always wherever I was... Okinawa, Germany, Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas, Florida, etc. etc. etc.

                  No one will ever erase the word "grok" from my vocabulary, and I will never cite my source unless asked to.
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                  • Posted by khalling 11 years, 3 months ago
                    My dad was stationed in Okinawa. He made maps.
                    well I'm fighting with MM about those pesky property rights so you'll have to wait your turn. *SPOILER* I'll win
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                    • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
                      I'm a hands on CIO. My programming is pretty much limited to improving the gathering and presentation of data. No patents. If someone writes better programs, more power to them. I'll probably buy them. Not sure if that will eliminate a patent dispute.
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                      • Posted by khalling 11 years, 3 months ago
                        I was just joshing. programmers(generalizing) often don't like the fact they need to do title research before they going building on the empty lot across the street. The courts and the PTO are now leaning against software implemented inventions. It will actually set back disruptive technologies. we'll have even more of the me-too stuff.
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                      • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
                        I will say, however, that tech patents slow down and deter invention/innovation, and that offends me.
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                        • Posted by khalling 11 years, 3 months ago
                          fight! what is your proof? Go look at countries with the strongest patent laws. They are the richest, most innovative, have the greatest technology dispersion and are the most economically free. The exact opposite can be said for those with weak or non-existent patent systems. The macro-economic evidence does not support your point of view. Have you checked out an economic freedom index before? Fraser Institute has a good one-they're a Canadian think tank.
                          http://www.fraserinstitute.org/research-...
                          over the past decade, our patent laws have weakened substantially. check out where we are in the world.
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                          • Posted by 11 years, 3 months ago
                            Admittedly, it is a presumption about tech patents (software/hardware), particularly software patents on animations and such. It's also an annoyance from an investing perspective, I cringe to think of all of the money Apple, Samsung, Google & the like are spending on patent disputes. I'll educate myself, then I'll probably concede the point. It sounds like you have your facts straight.
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                            • Posted by khalling 11 years, 3 months ago
                              patent disputes: The former head of the CAFC (judicial body that rules on patent related stuff) says the amount of patent litigation is less than it was a century ago. Has not changed significantly since then. There are some lawsuits right now that are a direct result of some procedural changes in the AIA. Smart phones are part of the end of the disruptiveness of the 1999-2000 internet advances. This is normal as far as past disruptive technological periods. All federal litigation across all areas has become ridiculously expensive. Much would be avoided if companies avoided infringe first, ask questions later....
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