(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

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.

text;

[polyhistor]

With the limited technology of the era it was easier to rearrange the keys rather than try to overhaul the entire design.

text;

[cravats]

One should always be thorough with one's inventions, I believe.

text;

[polyhistor]

Are you an inventor?