An open letter to Chris Bateman responding to his blog-letter Top Ten Cybergs at Only A Game as part of the Republic of Bloggers. Feel welcome to provide your own input via the Comments!
Dear Chris,
What an great concept. It makes so much sense to link human networks with its inherent technology. The term Cyberg emphasizes the linked aspect of humanity, technology, and networks.
It got me thinking about some additional Cyberg applications that were not included in your list, but I’m not sure where would these fit in your hierarchy of top Cybergs. I think that a few of them may warrant some attention.
1) Literacy
Literacy is a tool and technology to symbol understanding. I think it might be the very first connection system, being one of the fundamental pillars that supports civilization. While this technology is not cyber based it is definitely a network that communicates ideas and thoughts.
2) Toys
Toys, like Literacy appears to be older than any of the other cybergs as it is so fundamental to human and animal development. While it is not a network, I think the the fact that it is shared cross-species, it is as if a stick and other forms of play becomes the biological-cyborg link between species and generations.
3) Telephone / Cellular Network
Telephones and cellular phones is a basic essential technology. As long as household or person is connected to a phone, I would argue that everyone is then connected. While we have moved from wired to wireless, they are compatible with each other with every single person in the world being able to ‘dial’ and speak with anybody else as long as they have the right number.
4) Glasses & Other Aids
As we age, the use of eye glasses to see and read becomes almost typical of wear for humans. On a smaller scale we see aged and infirmed people using walkers, wheelchairs, and transfer lifts. These are not networks but interesting examples of how we are cyborgs.
Thanks for sharing your fascinating concepts. I look forward to more discussions.
Warmest regards,
Chris
Chris Billows
Doc Surge (a cool synonym for Billows) is inspired by Doc Brass from the Planetary Comic series who in turn was inspired by the 1930s pulp hero Doc Savage.
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