morbiuswilters:

WeatherGod:

Just a scary thought... but what if SpectateSwamp isn't actually Doug Pederson?  I haven't looked at all of the videos, but I don't think at any time we see his face in any of the videos he posts.  Pictures and newspapers clippings can be easily found and posted and such.  I am not doubting that Doug Pederson made SSDS, but if SpectateSwamp isn't Doug Pederson, then it would make absolute sense for SS to post Doug Pederson's name, address and other personal information.  It would also explain the troll-like behavior and other inconsistencies in his posts.

I want to see a video of SpectateSwamp showing off SSDS and having his face in the video.  I would hate to think that this whole forum has been duped by a very clever troll.

What in God's name are you talking about?  There are hours of footage of clouds and rocks and twigs in addition to pages of posts from SS.  Anybody who would go to that trouble just for the sake of trolling is legitimately crazy.  From just looking over this, I would say SS is a delusional schizophrenic.  He is paranoid, believes all sorts of easily-refuted fantasies and his thinking is incredibly disorganized.  Whoever made those videos is crazy, whoever wrote SSDS is crazy and whoever has been spamming forums all of the Internet with desktop search nonsense is crazy.  Why is it such a stretch to believe it's the same nutjob?  You think posting his personal info is really the strangest thing he's done?

It isn't a stretch to believe it is the same nutjob, but it also isn't a stretch to believe that the real Doug Pederson has no internet presence and that SS merely choose him to be the real-world persona of SS.  I am just trying to rationalize an irrational universe.

WeatherGod:

Just a scary thought... but what if SpectateSwamp isn't actually Doug Pederson?  I haven't looked at all of the videos, but I don't think at any time we see his face in any of the videos he posts.  Pictures and newspapers clippings can be easily found and posted and such.  I am not doubting that Doug Pederson made SSDS, but if SpectateSwamp isn't Doug Pederson, then it would make absolute sense for SS to post Doug Pederson's name, address and other personal information.  It would also explain the troll-like behavior and other inconsistencies in his posts.

 

Well, sadly, I think SpectateSwamp is Doug Pederson, and I agree with morbiuswilters that both personas are batshit crazy.  The video and Internet forum evidence are all there.  (I think it's safe to say that the video of Yellowhead at Yellowhead '93 is really Doug Pederson.)

What bothers me is that many of Spectate's annoying habits (bad grammar and spelling, weird capitalization, deliberate provocation) seem to be calculated attempts to piss people off.  Look at the quoted apology he made to Greg Gilbertson (apparently a Whitecourt Fish and Wildlife officer).  The grammar, spelling and capitalization are almost perfect.  The content of his apology sounds perfectly sane and contrite.  Maybe it's possible he got someone else to write it for him, but I kinda doubt it.  The writing style of a normal person doesn't fluctuate wildly like SpectateSwamp, unless it is deliberate.  In his case, it seems calculated for maximal annoyance.  (He mentioned many times he likes to "tease his prey".)  Kinda blunts any sympathy I might have once had for the man.

Here's some "proof" that SS and Doug are the same guy.

Thread on "White Hooded Crow" in Spectate's backyard:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=54970

Independent 3rd party confirmation of outsider's visit to Spectate's neighbourhood, to watch the bird:

http://listserv.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0607e&L=birdchat&D=1&O=D&P=357 

Local news coverage:

 http://cgi.bowesonline.com/pedro.php?id=11&x=story&xid=247197

Recently Pederson has been posting video of the bird on the Internet and that’s been attracting attention from avid birders from across Alberta.

 

I'd find it hard to believe that's all a coincidence.  (Or, alternatively, that SpectateSwamp happened to "invite" some people to Doug's backyard, and Doug didn't mind, for some reason.)

Here's a birder's take on the whole situation:

http://www.surfbirds.com/phorum/read.php?f=42&i=9019&t=9019 

  SpectateSwamp hasn't realised the importance of such a rare bird - and
continues to rather bafflingly call it "the White Crow" or "WC". The video
footage is exhaustive, clear, and real enough - in some of it a Ring-billed
Gull is present, which excludes the footage being taken in Europe.

 

 Of course, now SpectateSwamp has appropriately adjusted his worldview so that the "White Hooded Crow" is further proof of Spectate's Specialness.

CodeSimian:

Here's a birder's take on the whole situation:

http://www.surfbirds.com/phorum/read.php?f=42&i=9019&t=9019 

  SpectateSwamp hasn't realised the importance of such a rare bird - and
continues to rather bafflingly call it "the White Crow" or "WC". The video
footage is exhaustive, clear, and real enough - in some of it a Ring-billed
Gull is present, which excludes the footage being taken in Europe.

 

 Of course, now SpectateSwamp has appropriately adjusted his worldview so that the "White Hooded Crow" is further proof of Spectate's Specialness.

Well, I would say that that post (made in 2006, I believe) seems to be the next best thing to the video of both Doug's face and SSDS together.  Good, now I can feel safe in knowing that this isn't some elaborate troll. 

I just rolled out a significant update. You may now submit your quotes. They will then be reviewed and posted if verified.

Submit your Swamp Quote

 

We will see how that works out.

Before it was open source. I would seldom make changes. There was a minor one that was bugging me today. I was in screen saver mode for pictures "ww" I interrupted it and used "x" to back up to the search prompt. Then another "enter" to get back to prompt #2. I enter "p" for 1 at a time photo display and it would revert to screen saver mode. I made a couple changes and jammed it before I found the element that needed clearing. Anybody but anybody can fix this program by jamming it.

interrupt_prompt2 = ""     '12 April 2008

MasterPlanSoftware:

I just rolled out a significant update. You may now submit your quotes. They will then be reviewed and posted if verified.

Submit your Swamp Quote

 

We will see how that works out.

 

Nice work.  Couple of suggestions for usability:

• Make the quote text field into a TEXTAREA instead of INPUT TYPE=TEXT.  This will allow the user to enter multi-paragraph quotes, and to see the entire quote as well.
  
• Widen all other fields (so the user can see the whole URL, for example)

It might also be nice to have a "correction" link for existing quotes, in case we accidentally misquote poor old Swampy.  (In some forum posts, I have paraphrased or mocked Spectate, but unfortunately made it look like direct quotes.  I would hate to see kind of error propagated to the quotes pages.)

CodeSimian:

Make the quote text field into a TEXTAREA instead of INPUT TYPE=TEXT.  This will allow the user to enter multi-paragraph quotes, and to see the entire quote as well.

 

I agree with that. Next revision (in the middle of some computer issues here).

CodeSimian:

Widen all other fields (so the user can see the whole URL, for example)

Yeah, I didn't put much thought into that layout. Functionality first. Layout second. Next revision.

CodeSimian:

It might also be nice to have a "correction" link for existing quotes

For now I am probably going to keep editorial control to myself. I don't want to have to manage a whole bunch of users just yet.

In the future I hope to have a little more extensive moderation taking place.

For now, I am reviewing each one though. I will likely get sick of that pretty quick and improve this though.

 

Good ideas, keep em coming!

SpectateSwamp:

Before it was open source. I would seldom make changes. There was a minor one that was bugging me today. I was in screen saver mode for pictures "ww" I interrupted it and used "x" to back up to the search prompt. Then another "enter" to get back to prompt #2. I enter "p" for 1 at a time photo display and it would revert to screen saver mode. I made a couple changes and jammed it before I found the element that needed clearing. Anybody but anybody can fix this program by jamming it.

interrupt_prompt2 = ""     '12 April 2008

 

Let me get this straight: we are supposed to be impressed because you have the ability to change your own program?  "Open-source" usually implies that others want to work on the program, not just the author....

Another thing: while improvisation and trial-and-error ("jamming it") may have their place in software development, I wouldn't rely on them as my primary method of coding.  Most people prefer to start with a solid design, write code that is understandable to themselves and others, and understand the basic workings of their OS/platform.  In that way, there is usually not much need to "jam it" as a form of debugging or adding features, because THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR OWN CODE.  Even in situations where "jamming it" is necessary, nobody would describe it that way, so maybe you are wasting your time by repeating "jam it" over and over again?  Why don't you just say something like: "Since you have no hope in hell of understanding the code by reading it, you'd better make changes to SSDS by trial-and-error: add some experimental code and informational printfs, then recompile, run and see what happens.  Repeat the process until the changes are to your liking."  I mean, that conveys a hell of a lot more information than "Jam It!" (*)

This reminds me of one of your other catchphrases: "Gee Haw".  I mean, you clearly knew that nobody would understand what you meant, since you took the trouble to explain that "Gee Haw-ing" means "teasing", so why did you bother using that phrase in the first place?  Unlike horses and sled dogs, most people on technical forums are probably unaware of the term "gee haw".

Part of communication is using words and phrases that others are likely to understand....how can you not get that?

 

(*) "Jamming it" is very useful for debugging unfamiliar apps/platforms.  However, nobody would describe it that way.  They would probably say: Add a few printfs()/syslogs()/_TRACE statements to figure out how it works.  Then use trial-and-error to determine the source of the problem.

See how that makes more sense than "JAM IT"?

CodeSimian:

Part of communication is using words and phrases that others are likely to understand....how can you not get that?

 

(Says the guy who wrote an entire post that Spectate is unlikely to comprehend.  Oh well....) 

 You need to make sure you change the subject during your post. He hates that.

MasterPlanSoftware:

 You need to make sure you change the subject during your post. He hates that.

 

I don't get all the hype about March Madness.  College ball is so overrated!  

SpectateSwamp:

Before it was open source. I would seldom make changes. There was a minor one that was bugging me today. I was in screen saver mode for pictures "ww" I interrupted it and used "x" to back up to the search prompt. Then another "enter" to get back to prompt #2. I enter "p" for 1 at a time photo display and it would revert to screen saver mode. I made a couple changes and jammed it before I found the element that needed clearing. Anybody but anybody can fix this program by jamming it.

interrupt_prompt2 = ""     '12 April 2008

Note that this post contains WAY better than average SwampSpeak. Hell, it almost even makes sense, except that the subject matter is insane.

A possible explanation for the variable writing style/quality, and factual inconsistencies is that he's more stoned sometimes than others. I would guess that when he's really stoned he rambles incoherently about rocks and aliens. When somewhat less stoned, he sometimes even admits that SSDS isn't the prettiest code or isn't a web app, and suggests that some Swampie should change that.

MPS: The formatting problem is now gone. I guess one of your updates tonight fixed it. I believe it was a CSS problem. FWIW, I'm using Firefox 2.0.0.13 with JavaScript off (using NoScript).

Also, I suggest that a write-up about or collection of SS's miscellaneous incoherent ramblings be put in a "SwampGas" section.

MPS, quick note.  I submitted the following quote to your site:

"These animals are beautiful. The ones that know the most about them are the trappers. They are amazing creatures.{br}I'm not too keen on only seeing the dead ones either.{br}Mike tells me they get skinned then go to Europe." 

I meant for the "{br}"'s to represent paragraph breaks.  I probably should've left them out - my bad.  Also, the quote I submitted is an expanded version of a pre-existing quote:

"These animals are beautiful. The ones that know the most about them are the trappers. They are amazing creatures."

I know you probably don't have a lot of time to check things like that; thought I'd just let you know.  Thanks for getting the quotes up so quickly!

Off topic somewhat, but I was fishing through my music collection earlier and stumbled on something that I had forgotten about for a while.  While not exactly the same set of issues, there are enough commonalities that I thought you would all* enjoy:

MC Hawking, "What We Need More Of Is Science"

Aliens, medicine stones, nobody requiring more than a grade 9 (or was it 8?) education... close enough for me. 

-cw

*or at least those of you that would enjoy this sort of thing.

MasterPlanSoftware:

I just rolled out a significant update. You may now submit your quotes. They will then be reviewed and posted if verified.

Submit your Swamp Quote

 

We will see how that works out.

I can't submit. I mean, I click on the Submit button or click Enter and nothing happens. That's IE 7.

BTW, why are all fields required? If someone doesn't want to be credited, why not?

I also suggest to splat an "Under construction" sign (or is "Beta" the hot word now?) over the site, so that random visitors will be inclined to check back later, instead of just shrugging off.

SpectateSwamp:

Before it was open source. I would seldom make changes. There was a minor one that was bugging me today. I was in screen saver mode for pictures "ww" I interrupted it and used "x" to back up to the search prompt. Then another "enter" to get back to prompt #2. I enter "p" for 1 at a time photo display and it would revert to screen saver mode. I made a couple changes and jammed it before I found the element that needed clearing. Anybody but anybody can fix this program by jamming it.

interrupt_prompt2 = ""     '12 April 2008

Good good, you've got the issue you're trying to fix described to a certain extent. That's good. You have listed the code line you need to add. Good. But one thing is missing: where you want us to put that additional line.

If this were a real open source project, this bug raport would have most likely gone to the gibberish pile the long way - as in "fix this bug if you can make sense what the submitter is trying to say, if not, sorry, we can't fix it unless you give more details".

MasterPlanSoftware:

 You need to make sure you change the subject during your post. He hates that.

The fellow (maybe somebody from here) that emailed me yesterday saying he got the picture viewer going. Along with a 'Yea' in there for joy. Said the only way he could stop it was to kill the process. That got me testing my family pics and then I noticed that nasty "still in screen saver mode" problem again... When I just wanted 1 photo displayed at a time. This sucker was running away on me. But not a bad feature. The thing is. There is a exit out at every spot that's needed and that's not many. Or Kill it - Kill it - Kill SSDS. Kill it lots. I do.  

Only the morons would be interested in this search. Such bad code and all. What a way to leave the Know-IT-Alls in our dust.

CodeSimian:

Another thing: while improvisation and trial-and-error ("jamming it") may have their place in software development, I wouldn't rely on them as my primary method of coding.  Most people prefer to start with a solid design, write code that is understandable to themselves and others, and understand the basic workings of their OS/platform.  In that way, there is usually not much need to "jam it" as a form of debugging or adding features, because THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR OWN CODE.  Even in situations where "jamming it" is necessary, nobody would describe it that way, so maybe you are wasting your time by repeating "jam it" over and over again?  Why don't you just say something like: "Since you have no hope in hell of understanding the code by reading it, you'd better make changes to SSDS by trial-and-error: add some experimental code and informational printfs, then recompile, run and see what happens.  Repeat the process until the changes are to your liking."  I mean, that conveys a hell of a lot more information than "Jam It!" (*)

Jamming it is more fun and it works. You might want to read my "How to Build a Search Engine" post on channel9 - 52,000 others have. Your way works but not as fast and as fun as Jamming it. When the Designer isn't the Jammer and <> the programmer. Look out. Sometimes the results are not so good. With this program. It was an evolution from a text search to photo display to video and audio play. Now being able to do that through a backgrounder SSDS (exact same just a different name) copy. Opens SSDS up to even more furious testing. If any of you have found a serious problem (not just cosmetic) with the search let me know. I'll make and test the change and put a hear????SwampHere in the source code. Of if you just want to go your own way with this fine fine desktop search that's OK.

Not to repeat myself but. Way way back in 75 my good friend Grant C. said if it was up to him "all systems would be built using plain text files". No packed numbers to save space etc. That makes even more sense today than back then. The computers are a kazillion times faster now. Maybe even more faster than that.

As well the other day a friend said her son wrote his first code at 9 years old. I bet the kids coding habits wouldn't sit well with this group either. Jam it kid. jam it.

Jam it with video. Jam it with pictures. Jam it with SSDS. Designing it. Phooy

 

Spectre:

I can't submit. I mean, I click on the Submit button or click Enter and nothing happens. That's IE 7.

 

I will investigate.

Spectre:

BTW, why are all fields required? If someone doesn't want to be credited, why not?

Because I said so. I don't think 4 fields is too much to enter at all.

Spectre:

I also suggest to splat an "Under construction" sign (or is "Beta" the hot word now?) over the site, so that random visitors will be inclined to check back later, instead of just shrugging off.

Eh. I don't think we really have a whole lot to worry about here. A simple joke site like this is not going to suffer from revenue loss when half the people who come here don't even know who/what the hell we are talking about.

SpectateSwamp:

Only the morons would be interested in this search.

 

QFT

SpectateSwamp:

I bet the kids coding habits wouldn't sit well with this group either

 

And yet I bet his code would be light years better than yours and he would actually be open to learning new things.

Not only that, but I bet he would laugh at your code and call you a flaming retard too.

CodeSimian:

This reminds me of one of your other catchphrases: "Gee Haw".  I mean, you clearly knew that nobody would understand what you meant, since you took the trouble to explain that "Gee Haw-ing" means "teasing", so why did you bother using that phrase in the first place?  Unlike horses and sled dogs, most people on technical forums are probably unaware of the term "gee haw".

Jargon from our elders is more educational that Geek Speek. These are your great grandfathers sayings.

Just finished uploading the last video with the tobacco leaf flyer in it. Just 1 pass to add to the other 9 or so. I flagged it as temporary (30 days) so not to wear out my welcome at archove.org.

http://www.archive.org/details/TobaccoLeafFlyerTheLastClip

The action is from 00:08.18 to 00:08.23

How fast is this flyer. At what speed is it gaining altitude. Anybody out there a rocket scientist.

Interest is picking up on the Hooded crow videos. I'll have to upload all 230 videos of this bird as a warmup for the complete trapline collection (hundreds more)

Still not much action on the Dino Mummy baits. Must be out of season.

Given all this collaboration going on. How in H*** could the Swampies lose at the NetSquared $100,000 mashup?