Comments on: Big Things Ahead… But Keep Your Shirt On

By: Machine Age Chronicle

Machine Age Chronicle — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:24:03 +0000

Having read heaps of old technology magazines it’s refreshing to find a realistic article. Perhaps modern technology writers could learn a bit from Mr. John Silence.

By: Montag

Montag — Mon, 28 May 2012 19:25:07 +0000

The architect is Alden B. Dow, not “Down”.

By: Dan Haracz

Dan Haracz — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:41:25 +0000

Anyone know enough to determine the identity of the real author? I’d like to read more, but “John Silence” – the Algernon Blackwood occult detective – seems like an obvious pseudonym.

By: Wilson

Wilson — Mon, 28 May 2012 16:11:18 +0000

Awesome article!

‘The people who risk their money to provide the things you buy are going to hold back to find out if you’ll take it before they plunge too deep.’

This is a profoundly simple and true statement. I would only add the words ‘to create’ and ‘if they will be rewarded’. Some have the talent to create, but not the money. Some have the money, but not the talent to create. Both wish to be rewarded for their contributions.

I’m glad to see that one author used the concept to so successfully predict the future of a free economy.

It is an essential concept of a free economy, yet one that frequently escapes notice.

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 28 May 2012 00:01:38 +0000

The bit about windows illustrates the problem of prediction in the face of unpredictable technological innovation. The window glass industry was revolutionized in the late 1950s by the introduction of the Pilkington float glass process, and houses these days typically have lots of large windows.

By: Michael F

Michael F — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:37:29 +0000

Add 20 decks of cabins to the “Ocean-liner of the future” and it’s not far off from what we have today. But did they envision they’d be exclusively for pleasure and always return to the same port they left a week ago? Also, there are dump-trucks at huge mines that (somewhat) resemble the one in the post. The “jetpacks and helicopters for commuting” one as usual is way off, but the explanation of why you won’t have your own in your backyard is very good.