Thinking About Conversations

One of the few things I don't take for granted when it comes to computers is the sketchpad. Growing up, Paint was one of my favorite programs, and even today getting to play with a tablet will make my week. The New Media Reader says the sketchpad is the "first direct-manipulation interface, the first interface to use constraints, and the first conversational interface." The word conversational here is important to me. When we think about having a conversation with a person, we think about social politics, having to learn how to converse with said person, and developing unique conversational skills with much practice. Similarly, artists feel their work is conversational. Writing is often referred to as "the spooky art" for this very reason. A writer may set out to write one thing, but after interacting "conversationally" with his ideas, the page may turn into something completely different. 

I think this word "conversational" is integral for our under of New Media as an art form and as a social space. Once the sketchpad was introduced, people were able to stop thinking of computers are mere machines. A computer is no longer like a coffee maker. I no longer put in one thing and get the same thing back. Computers must be learned. Each computer and each program has its own personality and understanding its workings and capabilities takes time, like getting to know a person. Not only this, but now I can put anything in and get anything out. Computers are no longer just an extension of my arm, but a thing which can give back.