[e2e] What if there were no well known numbers?

[Joe Touch]

David P. Reed wrote:
> Perhaps the following will clarify my point, Joe.
> 
> I happily proceed unscathed  in 130 decibels of audio noise and 1 kW/sq.
> meter of photonic noise, because I do not choose to interpret that noise
> as a requirement to act.   On the other hand, I believe that much of
> that noise is present because the senders presume that I will act on it
> (advertisments on screens and billboards,
> 
> So that reinforces your point, Joe, that the receiver opens himself to
> "attack" whatever that is. 
> But we do ask our neighbors not to run unmuffled motorcycles, to keep
> their use of obscene language to a minimum, and not to shout fire in
> crowded theaters.  Similarly, we choose to expect our neighbors not to
> put up ugly structures, not to shine projected images into our bedroom
> windows at night, etc. Even though they can.
> 
> So that reinforces Jon's point, that restraint matters because we are in
> the world together.

Restraint applies generally, agreed.

> I tend to believe that your view, Joe, was  historically applicable in a
> world where communications was rare.   Now one must assume that one is
> connected in numerous ways, in order just to exist (for examples, one
> would be stupid not to be connected to the Windows Update service when
> running Windows.   Computers are no longer IN ANY SENSE self-contained).
> 
> Jon's view is far more applicable in a world where connection is NOT
> optional, and connection is pervasive.
> 
> Today, computers exist in a world with billboards, honking taxis, and
> other metaphorical "city" concepts of communications.   Messages are
> omnipresent, and must be explicitly blocked rather than explicitly
> requested.

The example above was very useful.

If you plug your ears (eyes, etc. - i.e., block), you are NOT open to
new communication. You have no way to bootstrap.

Restraint applies in many places:

1) senders must restrain themselves from initiating communication

2) senders not doing so should be 'punished'
	i.e., 'boy who cried wolf' reaction. note the important
	analogy - when he really DID see a wolf, nobody listened.

3) receivers can rate limit, triage, etc.
	you can change the channel when a commercial comes on

Receivers are inherently passive. To do otherwise makes them senders,
subject to sender rules. To plug their inputs renders them deaf, period.

Joe



	


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