Does McCain’s Internet Inexperience Tell Us More About Him?

John McCain and the Mystery of the Internetz.

We have all seen the news, McCain Makes Historic First Visit to the Internet, but what does it really mean? There are many individuals whom speak about it displaying a complete lack of understanding of technical issues, and those who provide examples of other elderly individuals who rely on the web, but is there some deeper understanding into McCain’s character that we can gain insight into from this two decade long laps in technological awareness?

When I think about teaching people of any age about using a computer, there are many things that come to mind. The initial feeling is dread, especially if I am the one stuck teaching them, but also the memory of it being incredibly frustrating to learn. I believe it is this frustration that keeps many people from venturing out into the computer world. Most of us buckle in and expect the endless frustrations in learning and proceed on ahead, knowing that it is well worth the trip. What does it say about a person whom is unwilling to take on the challenge. Do they lack the vision to recognize its usefulness or are they simply unwilling to take the time?

If either is the case, it may show a serious character flaw for a would be President. A lack of vision would be absolutely devastating in a position where the future is so dependent on it. Meanwhile equally potentially disastrous would be a person who lacks the patience to deal with frustrating things. I imagine, I have to imagine since obviously it is highly unlikely I would experience it, that sitting across the table from another world leader who doesn’t exactly see things my way, would be extremely frustrating.

John McCain’s temper has long been questioned. But has never really presented an issue other than embarrassing outbursts. If his patience and temper are the reason he was ignored the internet, what else is he going to ignore for this reason? Now a lack of vision is something I have not come across as a criticism of Sen. McCain, but if it isn’t his temper and lack of patience what does that leave?

E3 Dead or Maturing?

Two years after the rumors start, another E3 has ended. With many changes in policy, target audience demographics,  and industry size and scope what has and will become of our beloved E3?

It was E3 at its peak; multi-million dollar booths, booth babes, loud music, bright lights, it was an unparalleled spectacle of epic proportion. It was about this time that when the rumors began to circulate that many companies were planning to scale back spending and that rules were evolving to a more conservative, more tame E3. With E3 2008 now behind us we saw much of this come true, but was this really the “Death” of E3 or simply the natural maturing of it.

It isn’t just the ever increasing average gamers’ age, but also the value of the industry ($18 billion) it’s big business, seriously! While we may not like the thought of our beloved industry falling into the hands of “The Man” it is important to understand that the gamer generation is quickly becoming “The Man.” This trend towards a business theme becomes abundantly clear with the selection of Texas Governor Rick Perry, who’s major contribution to the video game industry is providing an appealing tax environment for development companies. “Toss some booth babes on that! Wait wut? “

We also notice this migration away from Axe Body Spray and towards Old Spice in the target audience for many of the announcements made by The Big 3 (Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo) shying away from its hardcore niche game focus and showing things that will appeal to more of the average Joe and 3 of his best friends.

DON’T PANIC

Don’t throw in your towel quite yet, you should always keep it with you anyways. The slice of the pie that represents the games you and I love aren’t going away or decreasing in frequency. The pie is just simply getting bigger, a hell of a lot bigger. So hang in there and keep enjoying what you enjoy, there will probably be a lot more of it heading your way. It will just be a lot more quiet in July, that’s all.

Geoff