Shifting Time and Space
Posted at 5:20 AM on September 21, 2009
by Dale Connelly
(35 Comments)
The President made almost simultaneous appearances on five Sunday talk shows yesterday morning. Here's the New York Times' collage of White House photos showing the virtually identical interviews with Bob Schieffer of CBS, George Stephanopoulos of ABC, Jorge Ramos of Univision, David Gregory of NBC and John King of CNN.
It was a media blitz made possible by modern technology, because no one, not even the commander-in-chief, can be in five places at once. Though the way all presidents are criticized, this one in particular, the five-at-once interview might be used by the lunatic fringe to assert he is in league with sinister forces that can cloud our minds by manipulating time and space.
I know all about that. Especially today, because down at a dusty crossroads, I made a deal with JASPER.
"Seven hours", he said, in his polished metallic voice.
Those who follow the behind-the-scenes world at Radio Heartland know that JASPER is the computer that runs our music service most of the time - 21 hours each weekday while I do a three-hour live program. I thought I was doing JASPER a favor with this arrangement, giving him a little time off, but apparently rest is not something he requires. All the while I've been doing my little show, JASPER has been straining to get back into the mix.
Now JASPER proposes that we work together to our mutual benefit. I didn't think a seven-hour shift was possible. JASPER assured me that it was, IF I would accept his bargain. "And," he droned, "all you have to do is test-drive it today. Tomorrow you can go back to your old way of doing things."
So I took the deal. Today I'll have a very long program that starts at 6 am and ends at 1pm with no repeats on music.
And what did I give up? My blessed control, that's all.
All the music today was chosen and will be run by JASPER, who will push the buttons and make the transitions and watch the clock. I will simply make my announcements and then click and drag them to a place where JASPER can put them on the air when the proper moment arrives.
How is this better? Cosider this: In a typical hour on a normal day, I talk for less than ten minutes. I know, it seems like a whole lot longer. The rest of the time I choose music, visit the CD library or the sub-basement where we keep the vinyl LP's, mess up my desk and make bad coffee. If I let JASPER handle the logistics, it will free me up to put away all the music I pulled out of the CD library, alphabetize the vinyl LP collection, tidy up my workspace and make LOTS MORE bad coffee.
That's an irresistible trade-off.
And so the game is on. Under the terms of our special today-only agreement, I will defer to JASPER'S wisdom and let him drive. And whenever I open my mouth, I get to talk for forty-five seconds. No more, no less. You can time me.
The benefit? I get to go on a trip that's more than twice as long as usual, but I spend less time doing it. We'll see if that turns out to be fun for anyone.
Have you ever had a job where you were replaced by a machine?
Comments (35)
That sounds like a pretty great trade-off. Personally, I wouldn't mind letting a robot do my job once a week or so. Maybe it would make people realize what they're missing and decide to pay me more. Or I suppose it could totally backfire. JASPER is kind of reminding me of an old-school secretary right now. If someone calls for Dale, is he instructed to say he's in a "very important meeting and cannot be bothered"?
sounds like he's HAL in Jasper clothing, Dale - i'm confused - are you really there today? how will we know? i'm scared.
HAL, um i mean Jasper, could never replace your quirky music selection talents!
my last job involved lots of quick assessment and judgment calls with our clients. then we got a new computer program that was supposed to do all of that for us and quicker so there wouldn't have to be so many of us employed - ha, ha! didn't work - still "refining" it and, if anything it has made more work for the humans.
if Jasper is just giving you a day to catch up, that's good Dale. Ha det!
Hi Lora,
I don't think a computer could ever replace a teacher, although some have tried. I'm glad you're going to work today.
As for JASPER, it's just the opposite of what you imagine. Because he is handling the logistics, I CAN be bothered, pretty much constantly. We'll see if that turns out to be a good thing.
And Barb, I am really here. JASPER is driving, but I am in the back seat, pestering him with ideas and suggestions.
You need to get more than what you described if you are going to make deals at the crossroads like Robert. Tidying and organizing do not constitute personal gain worth the cost. ;-)
Fortunately, my job puts me directly in control of the machines and devices around me. That doesn't mean I couldn't be replaced by a cheaper employee in India. I probably will be at some point in time.
it's lots of fun in the back seat, pestering. i usually have to drive but i remember a really, really fun trip with some girl friends. we were in the back seat trying to make loon calls by blowing thru our hands in some way. nearly drove the driver crazy :-)
have fun
i'm out to milk - could be done by a machine, but i'd still have to carry it out there.
Okay,Dale and Mike, I think it is good to have more hours of a live show, even if the music isn't picked, at least directly, by the host. I guess we will have to see how this works, but it might be good. My big question is how do you handle requests if Jasper does all of the music selection?
Also, I wasn't able to listen to the show when the details of how Jasper works were explained. I don't know how Jasper is set up to make the selections. Is there some place where this information is available or could you go over this information some time?
didn't Richard Brautigan have a poem called something like "Watched over by Machines of Loving Grace?"
Jim,
The basic deal is this - JASPER has a several thousand song collection of music at his disposal, given to him by me and Mike Pengra. Each song is identified by type, tempo, etc., and JASPER has instructions regarding how to arrange them. Then he goes ahead and does it, with some oversight from Mike, who helps JASPER fit his choices into the hours he was given.
Today's programming is another step in developing that human - computer collaboration.
And Barb, here's the Richard Brautigan poem you were thinking of.
It's perfect for this situation.
I'd like to think (and
the sooner the better!)
of a cybernetic meadow
where mammals and computers
live together in mutually
programming harmony
like pure water
touching clear sky.
I like to think
(right now, please!)
of a cybernetic forest
filled with pines and electronics
where deer stroll peacefully
past computers
as if they were flowers
with spinning blossoms.
I like to think
(it has to be!)
of a cybernetic ecology
where we are free of our labors
and joined back to nature,
returned to our mammal brothers and sisters,
and all watched over
by machines of loving grace.
Dear Dale (and Mike),
I am trying to read between the lines here. Does Jasper driving mean no more themed mornings or requests or music from that incredible LP collection? Jasper has a decent collection of music, which seems to be improving and broadening in scope, but he is NEVER a replacement for the live program that you do so creatively and with such care and connection with all of your listeners. Am I over-reading your blog entry? ...At least Jasper knew to program Prairie Sun at 7am...
We fear change.
The broadcast has stopped on my computer. Is there a problem with the boardcast or is it just my computer?
We fear change.
Hi Jim,
The stream seems to be flowing nicely here.
I'm guessing your computer is having an issue.
And Kris, thanks for the concern about our themes and weird LP's and other oddities that simply don't compute. When JASPER is driving, it's true he is reluctant to turn off the main road and go down a strange byway. If this arrangement continues, we'll have to find a way to compensate for that, because I don't think we want to lose the crucial element of quirkiness. It's a fundamental building block, right?
jim you shouldn't have questioned jasper. he has cut you off. linda knows this is true.
i love the idea dale. good luck with this attemt to take it to the next level. we will all find out how it works huh? thanks for trying.
my job has been altered by the dawn of modern technology. i used to work with people and call for appointments and have conversations and lunch and relationships and today i have emails and answering machines and computers to update and reply to and there are people too but that is the other part of the job. its funny when you meet the newbies who didn't know the old days when you would call and get a person on the phone or stop in and be able to see another person rather than a receptionist. progress is scary linda but here we go ...onward and upward
Dale, thanks for the explaining how Jasper works and for indicating that the live streaming is okay. I guess I am having some new problems with the player in my computer. The Windows Media Player cut out and it wasn't doing that before. I did restart the player and now it is okay.
Did you tell us how you would take requests with Jasper doing the music selection or if you can do request when using Jasper?
I'm okay with trying this Da/eMike/Jasper collaboration - but please don't lose the side roads and quirkiness and "oh, hey, this tune made me think of this" sorts of song sets. Or the ability to request songs (especially for special occasions).
I'm sure there are large parts of my job that could be automated to some extent, algorithms cannot replace human judgement for large parts of what I do. At least for now.
Quirkiness is Us! I really enjoy the idea of having Dale on the air for 7 hours with a little help from Jasper -- but not too much.
"I'm sorry, Dale, but I can't allow that song this morning. Perhaps you could go to the sub-basement and find a cute song for us." Click -- sub-basement door locks and Dale is lost to us. ;~)
But I'm sure that won't happen. Jasper only has musical control, right?
I probably wouldn't listen if the music was chosen by a machine. It takes away the spirit of the thing.
Dale,
I'm not sure how I feel about this.....
I always enjoy hearing you talk about the comments on the blog and the songs that you dig up to go along with the theme of the day.
althugh, it's fun seeing you post more on the blog this morning, it could be a trade off, not so much spontinaity on the air but more banter on the posts......hmmm
could you ask JASPER to fit in some Richard Thompson this morning?
Thanks, Kate
Hi all,
Just got in, will listen to the first couple hours later, but heard it's Leonard Cohen's birthday today - 75 I think.
I just heard the request played so that answers my question about this. Jasper is flexible and I assume he will not try to lock you out of the studio, Dale, or do something to Mike.
I just heard the request played so that answers my question about this. Jasper is flexible and I assume he will not try to lock you out of the studio, Dale, or do something to Mike.
Yes Jim, Hilda, Mike and Kate, we've been pushing JASPER in this hour, testing his flexibility.
When I ask him to make a substitution (Richard Thompson instead of BB King, Leonard Cohen instead of Chet Baker), he pauses for what feels like a very long time. Is it possible for a computer to lose patience? Might it be that they don't like change any more than we do?
Dale,
I think this could be a good break for you once in a while, but I agree with Patricia. We don't listen just to hear pleasing noise. We listen because we appreciate your taste and thoughtfulness. And don't quit the blog! I love the fun topics we talk about. Thanks!
Jim, i've had more success with the "MP3" option on the player selection page. so far (knock on goat) it has not cut out once on me. good luck! some days it took me 15 minutes to get on the stream (feels like jumping rope - waiting for an opening :-)
this is a very interesting discussion today. we do fear change, Dale and Mike - and we need quirky.
thanks for demonstrating that there are requests! love Richard Thompson's music.
and thanks for Richard Brautigan, Dale. perfect indeed.
Mixed reaction to the test this morning. I am glad to hear that you indeed can still respond to blog and email comments. I also would greatly miss the themed sets. On the other hand, I would likely listen more hours knowing that you are ‘there’.
One big request though, if you find this deal with Jasper works long term – could you still find a way to re-broadcast or archive at least the 6 a.m. hour? I haven’t found a workable way yet to listen at home, and so always listen to the first hour at least at the 11 a.m. rebroadcast, or from the archive. It seems the first hour sets the tone for the rest of the show, and I like to hear it, even if later, to get the context for the rest of the show.
We do not have HD in Albert Lea, so streaming is my only choice to listen for now. I’ve toyed with getting an iPod Touch so I don’t have to be tethered to a computer to listen at home.
Even though I’m somewhat of an introvert myself, it’s still good to know some people want to talk to you. At work, it’s somewhat difficult as the group I work with are not very talkative. Some days, if I didn’t say good morning and see you tomorrow, there wouldn’t be any conversation. Our lead person is determined to work with us through automated emails from a database through which we track our projects, instead of having a conversation. Unfortunately, when we do have a conversation, it’s usually about why didn’t you do it my way, instead of saying ‘hey, I understand you really helped someone out, nice going.”
So, I guess in the end, I’m saying, I hope this keeps the conversation going. It’s interaction I truly look forward to with people actually care and have some passion about things beside work.
Sorry about the double post.
I will try MP3, as you suggest, Barb.
I agree, Mike.
It would be a shame if more JASPER meant less human interaction. Computers are still our helpers, right? They're supposed to make life better, so we'll try to hold them to that standard. Tomorrow we'll go back to our usual configuration and the 6 am hour will be repeated at 11. Listen for an interview with Jake Armerding, a musician who grew up in Boston and has recently (in the past year) transplanted himself to Minnesota.
I too hope we can keep most of the Spontaneity and Quirkiness; I'm not sure if Jasper can be infused with Dale's sense of humor...
The receptionist part of my favorite job went away after a few years, thanks to voicemail etc. It allowed me to office with the woman who did the great Julia child accent, so it was worth it, but I missed the direct contact with other people.
I think -with human guidance- (particularly the humans in question), this is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as Dale is not relegated to being essentially a 'CD gopher' for JASPER. When my fantastic friend, Cap'n Darcy, turned me on to the Morning Show back in 1986, one of the things she cited to me was how these 'themed' blocks of songs had (sometimes) the most tenuous attachments to the theme...which was and is part of the fun. I guess I fall back to something I heard Ian Shoales say on one of this biting social commentaries: "I like any machine that can be turned off." In other words, I don't mind machines doing the busy work but I'd like people to essentially run the show (so to speak).
Too busy to comment earlier, but I must say it's nice hear Dale longer in the morning. I'd need a longer test period to know for certain if Jasper could possibly match up with Dale's programming, I suspect he can't (yet) do it.
I've not ever been replaced by a machine, but have been replaced by the Dutch and that stunk quite badly...
Happy rainy-possible Monday All!
Happy 75th Birthday, Leonard Cohen!! You've always been the man of my dreams.
Late post: OK, I've finally had time to really read everything. I remember a show at the end of May a long LONG time ago when you (and Jim Ed) were in graduation theme -- you played Pomp and Circumstance followed immediately by Get a Job. :)I've told more people about it... That's a big part of why I listen, and if that element can stay, I continue to enthusiastically support it.
Guess Who? You pretty much know what I am thinking about "Jasper" running the music if you've read my other stuff. Today, Tuesday I tried listening to your show and wasn't it all automation? I didn't hear you live at all Dale at least during the periods I listened in. To be brief I now am at complete loggerheads with You and MPR about Radio Heartland's "live" programing. From day ONE you have put a TON more creative thought and energy into the Blog than the radio heartland live show. You constantly promote the Blog on the air and in my opinion you do very little to Put Yourself Out There and Express Yourself on your live show. You save most of your THOUGHTS for the blog. BIG MISTAKE. You should turn the machines off, do your prep and give us the LISTENERS (as opposed to the READERS) something to LISTEN TO on your Radio Show. I know we don't agree about this and it seems music programing is all everybody thinks about over there but there it is. I know you came from the reporting end of MPR to begin with and the printed word is something you obviously love Dale and that's very commendable but a blog is what it is and a Radio Show is what it is. It's time you decided once and all just where you wish to funnel your full attention. It's getting painful to listen to your live program die on the vine and this crap about Jasper helping you with the show is insulting to the memory of the Morning Show. Okay, I know..Out With The Old!
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