I am passionate about algorithms. They've consistently kept me informed about various products, events, and services that enhance my daily living. Thanks to these algorithms, I discovered excellent walking shoes which alleviated my tendonitis, and they also notified me when the Rolling Stones were performing in Denver during my visit last June. Many books I’ve read, shows I’ve attended, and dishes I’ve enjoyed can all be attributed to different algorithms. In essence, without algorithms, I feel as though life wouldn’t function smoothly at all.
Next, we were alerted to the upcoming North Rockland Lacrosse Comedy Night Dinner event.
Let me clarify. In 1921, a renowned Hungarian dealer in rare books started selling single leaves from one of the 41 surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Many individuals found this practice shocking. However, the bookseller believed it provided an opportunity for common folks to view Biblical pages exhibited globally, and it turned out to be highly lucrative as well.
A family member of his, the Australian journalist Michael Vistonay, has released a book on this incident called "Noble Fragments." Last week, he delivered a lecture about it at the impressive Grolier Club in Manhattan, an institution dedicated to various types of book collections—a kind of event I particularly enjoy going to.
I obtained my tickets for the lecture through an online platform I've consistently trusted. However, beneath it, there was a link titled "Other Events You Might Enjoy." Interestingly enough, the top suggestion was—"The North Rockland Lacrosse Comedy Night Dinner."
In addition to that, there were promotions for a saloon’s “Wine and Paint Night” and “Groovy World Features Westchester County Comedy All-Stars.”
These changes worried me. I couldn't understand why a computer program would imply that someone listening to an Australian journalist talk about a far-off Hungarian family member auctioning off uncommon Bible pieces would want to attend the Northern Rockland Lacrosse Comedy Night Dinner instead.
This should not be interpreted as criticism of Rockland County—a splendid area just across the river from my hometown—nor does it imply that a comedic evening aimed at fundraising for lacrosse players is anything less than commendable. However, let us consider this from an alternative perspective.
If someone who enjoys laughter and is busy downloading tickets for the North Rockland Lacrosse Comedy Night Dinner were informed that they should also consider attending a talk by an Australian journalist about a Bible damaged by their grandfather’s enigmatic second wife's uncle, they would likely share my thought: Someone’s algorithms have malfunctioned.
What's equally unsettling is the implication that I could end up spending my hard-earned cash to watch Groovy World’s gathering of comedic superstars perform. Or even worse, that I would consider engaging in simultaneous painting and sipping activities. This entire scenario feels completely at odds with both my philosophy and cultural preferences, making me wonder if I've stumbled into some kind of digital limbo where the targeted ads meant for me now fail entirely.
Over the last several days, I've observed some inconsistencies with algorithms. For instance, StubHub suggested a Billy Joel concert as something I'd enjoy. However, those following my digital trail know well that I consider Billy Joel to be nothing short of the devil’s messenger. Additionally, Netflix recommended a film centered around a mysterious meteorite shower in Finland, which seems entirely unrelated to my preferences. To clarify, I find neither Finns nor space rocks appealing.
The clear takeaway is that I must address my algorithm issues. The problem could be originating within my gadgets, or perhaps it’s part of a larger societal shift causing algorithms to deviate from mainstream preferences. The potential implications are too unsettling for me to contemplate further.
I still highly recommend the Vistonay saga. It seems that the funds generated from selling Gutenberg pages eventually assisted the family in leaving Hungary following World War II and led them to establish a renowned deli in Sydney. Quite an incredible tale. No algorithms needed here.