(no subject)

[cravats]

[The post opens on the video setting, with a curious-looking rather pointy-nosed sandy-haired man in Victorian garb looking at the console. He adjusts his cravat slightly.]

I believe this is the 'video' setting? And you all can see me? This really is marvelous, you know—or perhaps you don't, if you're used to it-

[He then abruptly switches to the audio setting, his voice gaining a shading of amusement.]

And I can certainly see the advantages of being heard, but not seen. How thoughtful of our hosts.

[Then the audio cuts off too, his fascination with this new technology overwhelming his usual good manners.]

And this, of course, is text. Most similar to what I'm used to, though this letter arrangement does not seem to be the most efficient. Are we capable of changing this? I'm sure there's a better arrangement for these.

qwertyuiop

That makes very little sense.

Comments

video

[depicted]

[What is this, 19th century month in Keeliai? Dorian uses video, perhaps in part because he wants to see the cravat. He might complain about buttoned-up Victorian clothing, but the aesthetics can't be denied.]

[So, Victorian. Friendly young man no older than twenty to greet you on video. And if Dorian's manner of dress is a little more Victorian than it was prior to Lord Henry's arrival, then no comment.]

The layout for the letters was designed for a different technology, hence not being quite suited for the new technology to which it was adapted.

video

[cravats]

[His cravat is quite nice- a good material, though sober in colour, with an elegantly simple knot. He isn't one for flamboyance.

He smiles politely as he switches back to video- it seems mannerly to respond in the same manner he is greeted.]

Oh, is that it? That does make sense. It would be easier not to redesign everything.

video

[depicted]

[Sherlock Holmes thinks Dorian ties his cravats flamboyantly. The dick.]

Easier but not more wise. But I should introduce myself. Dorian Gray, pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[video]

[suoxi]

Oh yes, we can see you quite clearly.

[ she's very obviously amused, and she's smiling broadly. ]

And hear, and read, as well.

[video]

[cravats]

I do apologize, madam.

[He bows as politely as he can, though his eyes are as amused as she is.]

My curiosity overcame my restraint. I promise it doesn't happen very often.

[video]

[suoxi]

[ she tries very hard not to chuckle. ]

Oh no, it's quite alright. Your politeness is refreshing.

video;

[aloadeddie]

The keyboard arrangement has been standard since the 19th century - at least in my world. Started with typewriters.

video;

[cravats]

I don't think I've heard of a typewriter. Aethographers, yes, but nothing like this. [This is much, much more practical.]

video;

[aloadeddie]

Aethographers. What are those like? Do you use them for writing correspondence?

text

[sophos]

Is that thing you typed even a word?

[SHE CAN'T... TELL... GDSI DYSLEXIA...!]

text

[cravats]

Not in any language I'm aware of.

video

[sophos]

[And then she'll just switch to video.]

Then why did you type it?

text;

[trainwrecked]

Keep in mind that not everybody can read what you type. The whatever-it-is that translates spoken speech doesn't work for typing, so people who read in different languages just won't understand you.

text;

[cravats]

That is a very helpful trick. Thank you- I shall remember it.

text;

[trainwrecked]

Well... less trick and more just how things work, here.

→ video

[controlledvariable]

It might be psosible to turn the keyboard into a DVORAK one, but the consoles kind of freak out if you mess with them.

→ video

[cravats]

DVORAK? I'm afraid I am unfamiliar with the term, miss.

→ video

[controlledvariable]

It's the way the keys are arranged. The one we've got is callde QWERTY, 'cause of the first row.

Apparently DVORAK is more economical, but I've never tried using one.

[Babs probably has them, but Steph isn't allowed to touch her computers.]

[video]

[epigrammatical]

[Why hello there, fellow Victorian gentleman.]

These communication devices are quite wonderful, are they not? It is like the speaker's corner at Hyde Park, but without the risk of rain. And with a rather better class of people, I believe.

How do you do? Lord Henry Wotton, at your service.

[video]

[cravats]

[What a pleasure, sir.]

I should hope so. I don't generally find much of value in the speeches made in speaker's corner. People here, however, have been quite fascinating.

[He bows correctly.] A pleasure, my lord. I am Professor Randolph Lyall.

[video]

[epigrammatical]

The pleasure is all mine, Professor. And what is your field of study, if I may ask?

video;

[sharpes]

... Dude, seriously? You sound like a technophile or something.

video;

[cravats]

Yes, I suppose you could say I am something of the sort.

text;

[polyhistor]

Actually, the QWERTY layout that's considered standard on computer interfaces came about precisely because it didn't make sense. In the earliest typewriters, the keys were actually arranged alphabetically, but when people typed too quickly or used neighbouring keys in rapid succession the type-bars would jam, making them highly inefficient. The solution was to come up with a layout that had commonly used letter combinations as far apart as was necessary to prevent jams.

text;

[cravats]

I hope they tried to alter how the device functioned, first. Otherwise I would think they were somewhat incomplete, and I would hate to think badly of any inventor.