Here at WaveAdept we not only believe that “IT” (computers, technology, call it what you will) is merely a tool but the best tools as those that invisible. The tools that just work, the ones that get out of the way, are willing to help but wait, guide if asked but fundamentally know their place in the grand scheme of things – they are a service!

The fine folks from Webstock have kicked off a series of posts from past speakers (“Words from Webstock”) with a cracker from Bruce Sterling (and if you were there earlier this year you know the Sterling phrase “Webstock-geek” is designed to make you smile or raise your hackles).

His final three paragraphs are fine example of why WaveAdept’s tag line is, “Making IT Invisible”, enjoy:

She poured a coffee, then touched the breakfast table. “Where are my shoes?” “Your sister borrowed them.” “Again? Where is Susan?” “She’s downtown now.” “Susan! Why did you swipe my favorite shoes again?” “Look at this dress.” “Oooh, that dress is darling.” “It would look even better on you.” “You’re right. Get it for me. You can’t have it.” “Trade you for these shoes.” “Let me check that with Henry. Yeah, okay.” Karen had another sip of fair-trade coffee. It tasted weird, but it was still hot.

They’re all in that paragraph. All five. They’re phantom far-out notions gobbled up by the real world. They packed in there so deep that nobody notices them. So, yes, I can write about it. It’s just: it doesn’t look futuristic. It looks way too real.

Why isn’t it grand? Why isn’t it as fantastically grand as the spectrum of all possibility? Well, why isn’t today grand? Why didn’t we wake up this morning in direct confrontation with the entirety of past and future? The present day is the only day we’re ever given.

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