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"My take on Thanksgiving"
[posted by jfischer on 2009-11-24 11:22:51]

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May 20, 2008

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

Sorry I’ve neglected you for a while. But I am, after all, a graduate student. My procrastination is spoken for.

You see, Blog, I’ve fallen for another. Wikipedia. Wikipedia has everything I’m after – useful and useless tidbits, links to take me off-course, circular arguments, and censorship. And best of all, I can pass it off like I’m doing work – after all, isn’t Wikipedia the new World Book of the World? And isn’t it my job as a researcher to … research? Besides, does anyone really want carefully cross-checked references? Wouldn’t we rather the mystery – the suspense – associated with the possibility that what we’re reading is just the fanciful invention of another’s imagination?

Yes, Blog. I want more articles on nerdy topics like “Interpreted Languages”. I want a donation bar to make me feel guilty for using and abusing you without paying for the privilege. I want to see what you would look like in simplified Chinese or Esperanto. If you ever want to see me again, you better shape up.

Formerly yours,

Ted

P.S. Well, okay, I’ve actually been suffering from the end-of-semester crunch! But Wikipedia was in there, too.

Sad events around the world – a call for all to be thoughtful.

P.P.S. Countdown to MEET: 46 days. If this letter’s drama turns out happily and Blog and I strengthen our relationship, I’ll keep you posted in the MEET category about all the cool things going on. Check out http://meet.mit.edu for more information!

The author has filed this entry under the "Musings on Grad. Life" category.

A Response To This Entry:

    Ted, oh how neglected I have been feeling.

    Sure, Wikipedia looks pretty. Sure it has millions of hits a day. Sure, it is far more mature and informative than I will ever be.

    But Ted… I am an infant, just a few months old. I am new to this world, helpless and in need of some parenting. I am very impressionable.

    Will you read me a story, papa Ted? It will help me feel safer, and keep the scary hackers that hide under my bed and in the shadows of my server closet away.

    Your EECS love-child,
    Blog

    Posted by: Blog on May 20th, 2008 at 3:49 pm

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