13 Questions For Fran!!

It does not seem to work that way at my level. Super big channels can do that, but I cannot.

Fran Blanche

Perhaps 1 month in 4 you could dedicate time to none YouTube projects, or would that kill the channel?

Dr Andy Hill

Hi fran, I agree about your comments on ownership vs leasing. That's why I don't have office 360 or a modern version of adobe photoshop or any subscriptions beyond anti virus (and even for the anti virus it will continue to work after the subscription has expired you just don't get updates to the virus signatures). When my backup software (acronis) moved to pay per year only I changed to macrium and told acronis why I moved..... For me right to repair is slightly different to right to own. You can own something but still not have the information needed to be able to repair it. I agree that if you don't own it it can be switched off at any time. Yes in theory we all have the right to repair, but if there is no spares parts (for custom parts), no setup/calibration information, no schematics, part numbers removed from transistors and chips, no downloads for the firmware, or special measure are taken to stop the device working if its not repaired by an official repair centre c.f. apple etc then even a single simple fault prohibitively expensive to repair. For me we need BOTH the right to own AND the information needed to repair which ultimately leads to the right to use indefinitely.

jmk

The "right to repair" movement is a sticky point for me. I agree with your points about "right to own" and how IoT is the antithesis of ownership. But another facet is the desire for replacement parts, designs, and repair instructions. As a business owner with a niche tool, the notion of offering support for end-user repairs would be cost-prohibitive and be a pipeline to cheap knock-off competitors. As such, given that we live in a (mostly) free-market capitalist world, I'm reluctant to support the "open source everything" model that comes with some versions of right-to-repair.

Jason Olshefsky

I'm like you on the quantum world too.

Dr Andy Hill

The only artistic talent I have is writing, and i've been writers blocked for months now, so I understand your artistic blockage.

Dr Andy Hill

Is it possible to keep a table clear so people can at least sit around it? Don't mean to sound demanding, just think that might help about it? Feel like having a table and a couch available goes a long way? Personally i am also pretty offline-friendless for other reasons, i don't assume there aren't other reasons too for you I guess? It is definitely a point for improvement.. I do feel a job should provide a better lifestyle than this... Switching scenery and having time off can be really beneficial for creativity too..

Jasper

That right to own thing is extremely on-point.

Jasper

I totally agree with the none ownership of products, which seems to be the way things are going: software only available on subscription, hardware which can be bricked remotely, streaming services where you don't buy music, you only rent it while you keep paying and digital books which can't be lent or given to others.

David Peaker

Toss you cookies in the vomit commit no chance. The phrase is however hilarious.

Bart de Boisblanc

Greetings from a fellow freakishly-big-headed glasses wearer! I tend to prefer thin metal frames and often end up with the type that have the spring-loaded hinges that allow the arms to bend outward. I also can't wear hats - nobody makes a hat big enough for me. I've gone to specialty big-hat shops and their largest sizes are still too small for me. Thank god I've got that huge brain or I'd really be in trouble!

Circuitmike

Loved your answers to the questions as well as your self deprecating humor. It seems you have boundless scientific knowledge and I've concluded that you are a genius! Be well!

Fran, your answer to Q12 really resonates with me. I've lived similarly to you for most of my life, and it wasn't always conscious but I sacrificed a lot in making the choices I made, to do what I've done with my time. Sometimes the cost is really high and I question wtf I'm doing. A friend asked me once why I can't have it all. Well jeezus, because everything comes at a cost. It really helps to grasp that. You're one of the only people I've heard say it as I understand it.

Dan Elleson