Speculation on ‘Content Farms’

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And what's the word in media today my fellow geeks? Two words actually, "Content Farms".

Yes, suddenly Content Farms are in the news, in the wake of AOL's acquisition of the Huffington Post (and AOLs own strategies), search engine loading, and more. I'm concerned that "Content Farm" is going to become a big new buzzword–so in short I'm concerned about how people are concerned.

Don't get me wrong, Content Farming in its worst manifestations is pretty freaking annoying. I understand the need to generate content (after all I'm a content myself), and I do believe some companies, industries, and so forth may go too far. Making low-quality or no-quality content just to get hits and drive up advertising is something I have a problem with.

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What We Want In Computers Is What We Want In Games

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Some time ago I wrote an essay that what people wanted in their computers was what they wanted in their neighborhoods: simple, accessible, clear. It was a strange essay, but one I think that made a point about how we often want similar things in seemly different and unrelated situations and technologies. It won't surprise you that I have another strange metaphor to yank out of the air and explore: that what we want in games is what we want in our technologies these days.

Let me back up for moment. Lately I've been trying to understand some of the trends in gaming, because frankly they don't make a lot of sense. We have an onslaught of casual games. We have vastly successful and complex MMOs. We have gaming appearing on every conceivable platform. I've wanted to get a grasp of these trends: and I think I have.

My take? That trends in computing and trends in gaming reflecting overall trend in culture and technology.

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News of the Day 2/21/2011

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A slow day today – but we still got news!

Career:
The History of The Resume

Anime:
OK, one of the companies behind True Grit got the live-action film rights to Star Blazers. Wait, you say, isn't there a live action Space Battleship Yamato? Yes, there is. But this happened anyway.

Social Media:
Twitter reinstated UberTwitter (now UberSocial) and Twidroyd

Technology:
Ouch. Kno may give up on hardware and go for apps. Well they're thinking ahead, but it's another sign how thoroughly Apple dominates (for now).

Video Games:
Minecraft to come out on iPhone, iPad, and Android. World domination continues, as does the chance someone is going to try and duplicate the success.

Yep, Bulletstorm put the whole games are evil thing back on the map, and it seems to be a kind of low-level buzz at Fox. Big thing here is that the ESRB ratings ARE being enforced, despite claims to the contrary.

Full Moon studios arises out of the ashes of Relentless. Resume ready?

Writing:
Wait, what? Comcast has issues with the Writer's Guild? Chip Johannessen has some strong words for them, and it looks like it's Comcast versus the union. Then again it's 'versus the unions' a lot lately . . .

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Will Minecraft get more penetration on mobile devices?

– Steven Savage