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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58

Title: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58: DISCLAIMER: These are my own opinions and nothing more. Some may be more controversial and/or moralizing than others. If any points come across as preachy, it's not my intention, so blow me. I definitely don't claim to have any higher moral ground, I am down here in the gutter myself. This is just me putting into words some things that I believe, viewpoints that maybe aren't mentioned so often. You can print them and wipe your ass with them for all I care, but I hope someone will find some value here.

14 Theses

1. Watch your budget and be very careful of FOMO. Wallet Hack is real. Lots of us are in our 20s and the financial habits we form now will be with us for life.

2. You will never find your perfect keyboard, it is an illusion much like the perfect high.

3. Reddit and GeekHack serve two very different roles. There is space for both communities. There is no need to take one side or the other.

4. Every GB comes with risk and uncertainty, even the ones run by the most trusted members. Be careful who you give your money to.

5. When you owe someone money or keyboard parts, whether in the capacity of a private sale or a GB, fulfill your end swiftly. It's even in the bible.

6. Ellipse's GB is historic, maybe the most historic ever.

7. Avoid keyboard drama. Do this by completely abstaining from drama threads. Don't add your 2c, just don't. Click 'Back.' In fact, some people seem more intetrested in drama than keyboards. Get involved with this at your own peril.

8. Don't bully, even if everyone else is doing it. In particular, nothing is more despicable than grown men bullying kids. Most of our younger members are extremely impressive individuals. A few are still learning how to interact with the world. Don't bully them. DON'T.

9. Some members who most claim to act in the name of the community, are the least community-oriented. Make up your own mind who is the real deal, and who is just an ego who likes to have Internet followers. And then be civil to everyone anyway, and try not to anyone get the best of you, because no matter how good it feels to say something nasty the moment, you will regret it later. Even if you are totally justified, public Internet clashing of egos is an ugly game where no one wins, especially over something as ultimately inconsequential as keyboards.

10. Growth and monetization of this hobby is unavoidable. I choose to embrace this. I understand how it feels to miss the "good old days" of DIY and small community, but those days are disappearing, and nothing will bring them back. Remember them fondly but beware of bemoaning them so much you miss out on all the new opportunities.

11. If you really love keyboards and you have skills and ingenuity, you can find a way to make a living off them. But beware of burning out. Sometimes hobbies are best left as hobbies.

12. Profit in general is not evil. It makes the world turn and people getting paid is what gives us nice stuff. Profiteering, aka flipping, on the other hand, is not good in a community like ours. But, the forces of supply and demand are economic laws and cannot be counteracted in the long term. Preaching against them is futile. (At the same time, selling at cost is a personal choice and is great karma.) The most important thing to understand is that the way we often tear one another apart and destroy reputations over artisan caps is far worse than the problem itself. If your Clack can fetch $300, you should be able to sell it for $300 without being tarred and feathered. But remember the karma that comes with selling at cost.

13. Massdrop isn't evil and doesn't deserve a lot of criticism they get. Are they perfect? Not even close. Have they made mistakes in the past? Yes. But their profit minimization model is incredibly fair to vendors, at least for now. They are offering a huge opportunity to make nice stuff that's otherwise out of reach. Their biggest mistake so far is not gathering enough community input. As community input increases, the outcomes will dramatically improve. Think they can do better? Email them and get involved.

14. Above all never forget this is a hobby that should be fun.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: billnye on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:33:06: Good post intelli. I think if everyone followed these principles we would have a great community.

However, I have to disagree with 2 because HHKB is the perfect keyboard ^-^.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:36:48: When are we going to get the ebook on how to make a living working with massdrop?
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: azhdar on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:39:24: nice, but,

muck fassdrop
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:41:35: then gh would be boring
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: skcheng on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:45:45: I feel the absolute need to buy things TODAY since I may not want those things TOMORROW ;D ;D
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: Jokrik on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:10:08: very true list

But sometimes I need no. 7 to eat my popcorn :D
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:12:29: I would add:

(15) Don't post meaningless thread titles.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:12:52: Quote from: Jokrik on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:10:08
very true list

But sometimes I need no. 7 to eat my popcorn :D

I think number 7 was more about "drama is like a zoo; it's fun to watch the animals, but don't jump in the pen with them."

Please note, I enjoy jumping into the "drama" threads and replying to certain posts. Depends on what it's about. It's all just a bit of fun. :))
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:44:45: Very insightful!
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:59:35: This needs a sticky, imo

Good write up :thumb:
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: OTD on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:59:47: One of the best well thought out post of 2015 if only it was still 2015. Shouldn't elipse's gb be on number one or are these not in an order of rank?
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: skitty on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:09:52: Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58

2. You will never find your perfect keyboard, it is an illusion much like the perfect high.

A lot of people probably already know this. I just like having an excuse to buy more keyboards. ;)
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:12:24: Great post intelli. I'm guilty of doing some of the things you say not to, and always try to do those things less. They never end well for anyone involved.

Much like the wallethack (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67980.0) thread, this is very insightful and a good summary for newcomers and "elders" alike. :thumb:
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: demik on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:28:47: Quote
2. You will never find your perfect keyboard, it is an illusion much like the perfect high.

hhkb
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:29:29: Quote from: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:12:24
I'm guilty of doing some of the things you say not to, and always try to do those things less.

Me too, for sure.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: Steezus on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:30:18: That a great write-up intelli. If everybody were to follow those rules than this place could get even better. :thumb:
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:32:24: Quote from: Steezus on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:30:18
That a great write-up intelli. If everybody were to follow those rules than this place could get even better. :thumb:

"...the [Pirate/Keyboard] code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules." :D
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: Vittra on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:43:14: Excellent post. I'd argue #2, but only on the point that many times we often have found that perfect "thing", but the possibilities of alternatives prove far too seductive.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: appleonama on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:45:41: it's too late to get off this wallet-hack train :'(
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: Steezus on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:47:39: Quote from: FLFisherman on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:32:24
Quote from: Steezus on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:30:18
That a great write-up intelli. If everybody were to follow those rules than this place could get even better. :thumb:

"...the [Pirate/Keyboard] code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules." :D

Same difference.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: swimmingbird on Fri, 12 February 2016, 18:01:43: Great post Intelli
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:32:59: Why is Ellipse's group buy historic?
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:43:23: Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
2. You will never find your perfect keyboard, it is an illusion much like the perfect high.

I did. I've been with bae for 2 or 3 years now, we're feeling pretty solid. ;)

Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
3. Reddit and GeekHack serve two very different roles. There is space for both communities. There is no need to take one side or the other.

So true. If there was a third large keyboard community though, I think we can all agree that would be too much.

Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
6. Ellipse's GB is historic, maybe the most historic ever.

100% agreed. Resurrecting the Model F is the crowning achievement of the community, and might not ever be topped.

Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
7. Avoid keyboard drama. Do this by completely abstaining from drama threads. Don't add your 2c, just don't. Click 'Back.' In fact, some people seem more intetrested in drama than keyboards. Get involved with this at your own peril.

But drama is one of the niches that geekhack fills from Thesis #3. ::)
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: user 18 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:48:54: Quote from: hashbaz on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:43:23
Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
7. Avoid keyboard drama. Do this by completely abstaining from drama threads. Don't add your 2c, just don't. Click 'Back.' In fact, some people seem more intetrested in drama than keyboards. Get involved with this at your own peril.

But drama is one of the niches that geekhack fills from Thesis #3. ::)

reddit can have the drama, I'm fine with that :P
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:51:06: Quote from: hashbaz on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:43:23

If there was a third large keyboard community though, I think we can all agree that would be too much.

drama is one of the niches that geekhack fills from Thesis #3.

What if it was mostly about keyboards and less about drama? What is reddit?
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:56:34: Anyone able who doesn't get in on Ellipse's GB will regret it for the rest of their lives. The most important GB ever.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:57:47: Also, theses rhymes with feces.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:00:41: Quote from: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:32:59
Why is Ellipse's group buy historic?

A single person took it upon himself to resurrect one of the most revered keyboards, using new parts to duplicate the original experience.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:27:37: Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:00:41
Quote from: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:32:59
Why is Ellipse's group buy historic?

A single person took it upon himself to resurrect one of the most revered keyboards, using new parts to duplicate the original experience.

I'm going to say this once and only once. I think people have been pulling the wool over their eyes a bit on this one. It has not only been Ellipse. If you read through the threads, various contributors have volunteered their efforts to help Ellipse resurrect the Model F, and it is not clear if their efforts are being compensated in what seems like a closed-source, revenue-generating project.

That said, I applaud the efforts of Ellipse to complete the project.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:34:24: I doubt that the salary-per-hour generated here is going to be all that great.

On the other hand, if someone were to put Model M/Fs (that is, straight-standard 101/104/SSK Model M-configuration Model Fs) with all metal cases into production in the ~$300 price range, I believe that there would be a market for hundreds (if not thousands) of them and somebody could make some serious money.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: nathanrosspowell on Fri, 12 February 2016, 21:01:59: Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:57:47
Also, theses rhymes with feces.

Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:56:34
Anyone able who doesn't get in on Ellipse's GB will regret it for the rest of their lives. The most important GB ever.

Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:00:41
Quote from: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:32:59
Why is Ellipse's group buy historic?

A single person took it upon himself to resurrect one of the most revered keyboards, using new parts to duplicate the original experience.

16) embrace the Multi-Quote.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: jerue on Fri, 12 February 2016, 21:15:20: (https://media.giphy.com/media/wmEFhlivchtxS/giphy.gif)

17.) Alison Brie
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: pr0ximity on Fri, 12 February 2016, 21:19:18: All of this needed to be said, and I'm glad the messenger was articulate.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 21:38:08: Quote from: nathanrosspowell on Fri, 12 February 2016, 21:01:59
Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:57:47
Also, theses rhymes with feces.

Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:56:34
Anyone able who doesn't get in on Ellipse's GB will regret it for the rest of their lives. The most important GB ever.

Quote from: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:00:41
Quote from: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:32:59
Why is Ellipse's group buy historic?

A single person took it upon himself to resurrect one of the most revered keyboards, using new parts to duplicate the original experience.

16) embrace the Multi-Quote.

Tapatalk. :/
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: byker on Fri, 12 February 2016, 23:08:33: Great list intelli. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: crickclackman on Sat, 13 February 2016, 11:47:10: Great list. Lately the trolling and bullying has been out of control.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: davkol on Sat, 13 February 2016, 13:47:59: You had me until 12.

Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
12. Profit in general is not evil. It makes the world turn and people getting paid is what gives us nice stuff.
It makes the wheels of economy turn. It's also the reason, why people still spend 40+ hours a week doing "jobs".

Quote from: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 15:23:58
13. Massdrop isn't evil and doesn't deserve a lot of criticism they get. Are they perfect? Not even close. Have they made mistakes in the past? Yes. But their profit minimization model is incredibly fair to vendors, at least for now. They are offering a huge opportunity to make nice stuff that's otherwise out of reach. Their biggest mistake so far is not gathering enough community input. As community input increases, the outcomes will dramatically improve. Think they can do better? Email them and get involved.
Massdrop, the winner of Deskthority *Ping* Award 2015 (https://deskthority.net/results-f94/the-ping-award-2015-t12370.html)

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Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: intelli78 on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:19:36: Quote from: davkol on Sat, 13 February 2016, 13:47:59
You had me until 12.

That's cool, man. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, especially on political issues. Just putting out an opinion I feel is underrepresented here :thumb: Everyone should make up their own minds on those issues, my bigger message is just to remember that we are all united by a shared interest and not to tear each other down so much.

In real world politics, tolerance is not always possible, because there are real and huge stakes at play. Extreme partisanship is understandable in that context. But here on GH, there is really nothing significant at stake and therefore it is an arena in which tolerance can be successful. It's all about treating each other right.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: absyrd on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:27:59: 4 and 6 conflicting. Head splode.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: intelli78 on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:33:44: Quote from: absyrd on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:27:59
4 and 6 conflicting. Head splode.

Don't forget numero uno.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: absyrd on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:35:21: Quote from: intelli78 on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:33:44
Quote from: absyrd on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:27:59
4 and 6 conflicting. Head splode.

Don't forget numero uno.

Yeah. That one... well... that basically says log off of gh and never come back.
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: henz on Sat, 13 February 2016, 15:27:44: So your saying i should join ellipses gb? :)

IMHO there always comes a time when you notice you have too much crap. And you know the money is better spent elsewhere than sitting in your drawer.

And you forgot one thing. Never buy a keyboard for 3k...
Did you regret buying the TA?
Title: Re: intelli78's 14 Theses
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 15 February 2016, 17:46:58: Quote from: intelli78 on Sat, 13 February 2016, 14:19:36
But here on GH, there is really nothing significant at stake

WWWOOOOOOOWWW

so rude