One of the questions that’s been occupying my mind lately, is if you have about 175,000 sentences made up of about 2.3 million words total (ie. the titles and descriptions for all the pictures in the main tattoo gallery on BME), how do you quickly generate a list of the most popular phrases between 1 and 6 words long? As a programmer, these are the types of problems I greatly enjoy because on one hand it seems like a difficult thing to do because there’s so much data, but on the other hand, it almost always has a fast and elegant solution… I need this function to do automatic keywording, so for example, once a subject becomes popular enough in the tattoo galleries, it automatically gets its own gallery.
It’s actually really very easy to do this type of analysis… In my case I use a quick parsing function (written in assembly so it’s very efficient) to create a giant array of every phrase in every entry (about ten million entries), which is then sorted with a shell sort function, also written in assembly. At that point it’s a simple matter of counting the repeats to get the answer to the question — the whole process takes seconds. Incidentally, in the tattoo gallery right now there are about 2,000 useful keywords, and about 12,000 that aren’t useful — drove myself bonkers sorting them manually, but luckily it only has to be done once. Later today I think I’ll post some themed entries here from that data.
The other question that’s been occupying my mind lately, as I read the ModBlog comment forums, is why y’all gotta by such haters? For that purpose, I offer up this sacrificial lamb.
Comments
178 responses to “A Ship That Can Really Boogie”
that was done with sharpies and crayolas….right? >.<
that was done with sharpies and crayolas….right? >.<
Shannon – Well, you have to call it from somewhere, so I can’t blame you for a shell. That being said, the functionnality you speak of (and for users, to boot!) sounds very interesting. As if you didn’t already kick enough figurative asses…
Shannon – Well, you have to call it from somewhere, so I can’t blame you for a shell. That being said, the functionnality you speak of (and for users, to boot!) sounds very interesting. As if you didn’t already kick enough figurative asses…
Shannon–I don’t find comments like “personally I find this disgusting” insightful or helpful in any way either. Nor am I interested in scrolling through fifty comments that all read “oh wow that’s so beautiful.” Why is boring, cliched, repetitive stuff okay when it’s positive? Why keep up the illusion of a vibrant, creative, open community if anything that isn’t a glowing appraisal is automatically filed away as “hating”? Body mods are deeply personal aspects of self-expression, but they are not sacred–and if they are, then our opinions and reactions to them should be sacred too.
Shannon–I don’t find comments like “personally I find this disgusting” insightful or helpful in any way either. Nor am I interested in scrolling through fifty comments that all read “oh wow that’s so beautiful.” Why is boring, cliched, repetitive stuff okay when it’s positive? Why keep up the illusion of a vibrant, creative, open community if anything that isn’t a glowing appraisal is automatically filed away as “hating”? Body mods are deeply personal aspects of self-expression, but they are not sacred–and if they are, then our opinions and reactions to them should be sacred too.
Xenia – How about just having some common decency and respect for others?
These are real people, with real feelings. I’m sure that if people like what they’re doing, they’d be happy to hear it, even if you find it “boring” or “cliched” to be nice. But really, if a comment is just some pointless negativity, really, is it needed? I don’t think so, and I would say that it’s “hating”. Just because people have the right to be assholes doesn’t mean that it’s important to claim that right.
Xenia – How about just having some common decency and respect for others?
These are real people, with real feelings. I’m sure that if people like what they’re doing, they’d be happy to hear it, even if you find it “boring” or “cliched” to be nice. But really, if a comment is just some pointless negativity, really, is it needed? I don’t think so, and I would say that it’s “hating”. Just because people have the right to be assholes doesn’t mean that it’s important to claim that right.
With regard to what Shannon was ORIGINALLY asking about – it’s been a long time since I took a CS class, but maybe generate some kinda tree structure?
With regard to what Shannon was ORIGINALLY asking about – it’s been a long time since I took a CS class, but maybe generate some kinda tree structure?
My initial take on it, before going to C or C++, would be to try a few algorithms with a functional programming language like J to see how the whole thing assembles. Then do it in C, which is sadly as low-level as I know. Incidentally, I wonder if that link will post ok…
My initial take on it, before going to C or C++, would be to try a few algorithms with a functional programming language like J to see how the whole thing assembles. Then do it in C, which is sadly as low-level as I know. Incidentally, I wonder if that link will post ok…
Personally? Besides the spelling, and including the spelling…I think its pretty unique and cute. Suck on that.
Personally? Besides the spelling, and including the spelling…I think its pretty unique and cute. Suck on that.
Well it’s an interesting piece and it’s the thought that counts, but the red above the begining of independance looks a bit angry or just not done well.
Well it’s an interesting piece and it’s the thought that counts, but the red above the begining of independance looks a bit angry or just not done well.
I don’t know why I’m putting my two cents in, because nobody really wants to read one more comment on this. . .but Shannon, I agree. I guess that’s all.
I don’t know why I’m putting my two cents in, because nobody really wants to read one more comment on this. . .but Shannon, I agree. I guess that’s all.
when i say that this is horrible i hope it isn’t misconstrued as hating but rather that it is noted as a valid critique. Aesthetics in many ways rely on the participation of a viewer and when a viewer doesn’t want to continue looking at it the aesthetic element failed. (this is just an opinion) Any artist understands that their work will be critiqued and that more often then not the tough critiques are what push you to be better. I could say nice words about everything if i wanted but i’d rather say them when their true. This tattoo is horrible because the lines are week, the color is inconsistent, and the word isn’t clearly spelled. Let alone that there really isn’t much to keep my eyes moving or my mind engaged. That said, it isn’t my tattoo so maybe it has accomplished, with great success, everything it set out to do. Either way i can still say (because i can have an opinion on anything i want and so can you) that i don’t like this tattoo. this doesn’t change the fact that i don’t hate the wearer. i might actually really like the person! besides i thought that the purpose of forums was to voice ideas, opinions, critiques, support, etcetera. besides, isn’t accountability how a tribe keeps it’s members strong?
–wow, sorry thats all a bit jumbled.
when i say that this is horrible i hope it isn’t misconstrued as hating but rather that it is noted as a valid critique. Aesthetics in many ways rely on the participation of a viewer and when a viewer doesn’t want to continue looking at it the aesthetic element failed. (this is just an opinion) Any artist understands that their work will be critiqued and that more often then not the tough critiques are what push you to be better. I could say nice words about everything if i wanted but i’d rather say them when their true. This tattoo is horrible because the lines are week, the color is inconsistent, and the word isn’t clearly spelled. Let alone that there really isn’t much to keep my eyes moving or my mind engaged. That said, it isn’t my tattoo so maybe it has accomplished, with great success, everything it set out to do. Either way i can still say (because i can have an opinion on anything i want and so can you) that i don’t like this tattoo. this doesn’t change the fact that i don’t hate the wearer. i might actually really like the person! besides i thought that the purpose of forums was to voice ideas, opinions, critiques, support, etcetera. besides, isn’t accountability how a tribe keeps it’s members strong?
–wow, sorry thats all a bit jumbled.
Definitely there’s a world of difference between a reasoned critique (which I think is quite valid) and a needless statement of personal disapproval.
Definitely there’s a world of difference between a reasoned critique (which I think is quite valid) and a needless statement of personal disapproval.
Agreed indeed, thank you and… damn that was fast!
Agreed indeed, thank you and… damn that was fast!
honestly im not suprised that the red looks angry, i read that a lot of people are allergic to red ink so maybe its just some kind of reaction that the person couldnt control perhaps?
honestly im not suprised that the red looks angry, i read that a lot of people are allergic to red ink so maybe its just some kind of reaction that the person couldnt control perhaps?
17 – Shannon. I’m sorry I have an opinion, and I’m not afraid to voice it. I suppose you missed the rest of my comment where I said that it was my own personal opinion, because I didn’t like the stretched holes, and was not meant to offend anyone, especially Toph.
I’m also sorry you’re a pretty unprofessional person. I’m sure others will realise this soon enough. Oh but wait, if I mention that time I emailed you, you’ll probably completely ignore it. Quite similar to shoving your fingers in your ears and screaming “LALALALALALALA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
I’ll be sure to become a lamb bleating to your tune and agreeing with whatever you say is right in future. Baaa!!!! Baaaaaa!!!
By the way, this tattoo is shit, but not the worst I’ve seen.
17 – Shannon. I’m sorry I have an opinion, and I’m not afraid to voice it. I suppose you missed the rest of my comment where I said that it was my own personal opinion, because I didn’t like the stretched holes, and was not meant to offend anyone, especially Toph.
I’m also sorry you’re a pretty unprofessional person. I’m sure others will realise this soon enough. Oh but wait, if I mention that time I emailed you, you’ll probably completely ignore it. Quite similar to shoving your fingers in your ears and screaming “LALALALALALALA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
I’ll be sure to become a lamb bleating to your tune and agreeing with whatever you say is right in future. Baaa!!!! Baaaaaa!!!
By the way, this tattoo is shit, but not the worst I’ve seen.
Maybe this guy is into hip hop dance???
Maybe this guy is into hip hop dance???
Ive thought long and hard before giving my thoughts on this tattoo, as I said above no way am I a hater and no way would I ever want to hurt someones feelings. I just dont get why you (Shannon ) posted this was it to prove to yourself that we are all haters? because no one can really say its a good tattoo can they, I have seen much much worse but I feel sorry for the wearer being used in this way. The lines are awful the colouring/ shading is not good.(Trying so hard here not to use hating words)
I thought this forum was to share thoughts? I do wholeheartedly agree that none hould just post ‘its disgusting ‘ type comments but then again isnt that their right if its how they feel? Ive seen mods on here that I personaly think are sick and disgusting I dont comment because I dont know the full story and who am I to judge someones choices BUT other people may feel differently from me and that is their right too.If I gave permission for one of my mods to be posted here Id fully expect a mixed bag of comments ,thats life. Thats what not being a sheep is all about embracing our differences. Hope this didnt come out to jumbled.
Ive thought long and hard before giving my thoughts on this tattoo, as I said above no way am I a hater and no way would I ever want to hurt someones feelings. I just dont get why you (Shannon ) posted this was it to prove to yourself that we are all haters? because no one can really say its a good tattoo can they, I have seen much much worse but I feel sorry for the wearer being used in this way. The lines are awful the colouring/ shading is not good.(Trying so hard here not to use hating words)
I thought this forum was to share thoughts? I do wholeheartedly agree that none hould just post ‘its disgusting ‘ type comments but then again isnt that their right if its how they feel? Ive seen mods on here that I personaly think are sick and disgusting I dont comment because I dont know the full story and who am I to judge someones choices BUT other people may feel differently from me and that is their right too.If I gave permission for one of my mods to be posted here Id fully expect a mixed bag of comments ,thats life. Thats what not being a sheep is all about embracing our differences. Hope this didnt come out to jumbled.
haha i hope it’s a guy’s arse. love it!
haha i hope it’s a guy’s arse. love it!
Dim – Why are you so obsessed with me acknowledging the fact that you emailed me a month ago about seeing tattoos in a male underwear catalog? Is this all because you’re pissed that I didn’t dedicate an entry to your observation??? Sorry if you felt left out, it was not my intention.
But more importantly, why are you so obsessed with justifying what amounts to rudeness, whether it’s permitted or not? Is this really the type of thing you want to fight for your free speech for?
Dim – Why are you so obsessed with me acknowledging the fact that you emailed me a month ago about seeing tattoos in a male underwear catalog? Is this all because you’re pissed that I didn’t dedicate an entry to your observation??? Sorry if you felt left out, it was not my intention.
But more importantly, why are you so obsessed with justifying what amounts to rudeness, whether it’s permitted or not? Is this really the type of thing you want to fight for your free speech for?
Wrong email, Shannon. Fail.
Wrong email, Shannon. Fail.
Well, I’m afraid that’s the only email I seem to have from you where you’re identifying yourself by name or written from your normal email address.
Well, I’m afraid that’s the only email I seem to have from you where you’re identifying yourself by name or written from your normal email address.
I have sent you a duplicate of the email from my outbox. I sent it from the same email account.
I have sent you a duplicate of the email from my outbox. I sent it from the same email account.
I have no also sent a copy of the messages I sent to Roo regarding the issue.
I have no also sent a copy of the messages I sent to Roo regarding the issue.
Ok, well to answer your question now that I have your email — which has been asked and answered many times before by the way — I will not be putting warnings on BME to tell people that the galleries that include cutting could be triggering. As I said before, I’m not about to have things devolve into a nanny site where everyone is treated like a baby, unable to handle the site’s content unless it’s masked in layers of warnings and censors. In addition, I personally believe that cutting is a perfectly valid form of expression and outlet in many cases and don’t feel comfortable labeling it an “illness” in absolute terms (and there are certainly many non-Western cultures in which it’s considered normal and healthy).
My strong advice is that if you’re not psychologically stable enough to handle the content is that you not read it at all. Alternately, read the site through an RSS reader and exclude the categories that bother you. While I appreciate your concern that “mentally ill” people such as yourself read the site, the primary of the focus must be people with a healthy interest in body rituals, not people where it’s an “illness”. If someone is not in control of their own actions in a way that concerns them, they should be getting help, not sitting on the internet browsing sites that endanger them.
Ok, well to answer your question now that I have your email — which has been asked and answered many times before by the way — I will not be putting warnings on BME to tell people that the galleries that include cutting could be triggering. As I said before, I’m not about to have things devolve into a nanny site where everyone is treated like a baby, unable to handle the site’s content unless it’s masked in layers of warnings and censors. In addition, I personally believe that cutting is a perfectly valid form of expression and outlet in many cases and don’t feel comfortable labeling it an “illness” in absolute terms (and there are certainly many non-Western cultures in which it’s considered normal and healthy).
My strong advice is that if you’re not psychologically stable enough to handle the content is that you not read it at all. Alternately, read the site through an RSS reader and exclude the categories that bother you. While I appreciate your concern that “mentally ill” people such as yourself read the site, the primary of the focus must be people with a healthy interest in body rituals, not people where it’s an “illness”. If someone is not in control of their own actions in a way that concerns them, they should be getting help, not sitting on the internet browsing sites that endanger them.
It’s not about becoming a nanny, it’s about being responsible. Taking responsibility for the safety of not only the regular Modblog browsers (who are aware of the risk involved in viewing this blog) but also the people who randomly stumble across it and are unaware of the content.
I wonder what would happen if a person read an interview, or saw a photo here on Modblog that triggered urges actually hurt, or even killed themselves. I wonder what their families would think, especially if they randomly stumbled across the blog, which you may note has no warning of its contents, and the risks associated with the content, anywhere on the main Modblog page. I wonder if BMEzine would be liable for putting those unaware people in danger, and it resulting in hospital admission, death and, ultimately, the heartbreak of a family.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that a popular website that displayed self injury photos has been shut down because of the danger it posed to people who are triggered by photos of self injury.
I also do not like your insinuations that self injury is not associated with “mental illness”, or that “mental illness” is worth taking seriously.
Personally, I have my “mental illness” well under control and can handle photos of “ritual scarification” (read: a name to make self injury seem legitimate and not associated with the “mentally ill”), however many cannot. Those people who cannot also wish to view the Modblog for it’s non-triggering content (such as tattoos, piercings, etc), as well as the fact many unstable individuals may not be aware of the content posted here.
Once again, it’s not about being a nanny, it’s about being responsible, and taking responsibility for the safety of these people who support you.
However, after many weeks of browsing the Modblog, viewing your replies and the opinions you have chosen to display here, it has become painfully obvious that you do not care about the safety of anyone, let alone your supporters.
Good day to you.
It’s not about becoming a nanny, it’s about being responsible. Taking responsibility for the safety of not only the regular Modblog browsers (who are aware of the risk involved in viewing this blog) but also the people who randomly stumble across it and are unaware of the content.
I wonder what would happen if a person read an interview, or saw a photo here on Modblog that triggered urges actually hurt, or even killed themselves. I wonder what their families would think, especially if they randomly stumbled across the blog, which you may note has no warning of its contents, and the risks associated with the content, anywhere on the main Modblog page. I wonder if BMEzine would be liable for putting those unaware people in danger, and it resulting in hospital admission, death and, ultimately, the heartbreak of a family.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that a popular website that displayed self injury photos has been shut down because of the danger it posed to people who are triggered by photos of self injury.
I also do not like your insinuations that self injury is not associated with “mental illness”, or that “mental illness” is worth taking seriously.
Personally, I have my “mental illness” well under control and can handle photos of “ritual scarification” (read: a name to make self injury seem legitimate and not associated with the “mentally ill”), however many cannot. Those people who cannot also wish to view the Modblog for it’s non-triggering content (such as tattoos, piercings, etc), as well as the fact many unstable individuals may not be aware of the content posted here.
Once again, it’s not about being a nanny, it’s about being responsible, and taking responsibility for the safety of these people who support you.
However, after many weeks of browsing the Modblog, viewing your replies and the opinions you have chosen to display here, it has become painfully obvious that you do not care about the safety of anyone, let alone your supporters.
Good day to you.
If not plastering the site with warnings that accomplish nothing, but instead having coherent sections to discuss risks and such issues at length makes me irresponsible in your eyes, that’s fine by me. But personally I think that serious risk-issue content means a lot more than a bunch of warnings and censorship layers.
Seriously, if people are unstable enough that seeing pictures of cutting makes then uncontrollably injure themselves in a way they’re unhappy with, me putting a little not that says “hey, this picture might make you cut yourself” isn’t going to do anything. The fact is that someone who’s that on the edge should NOT be reading BME.
If not plastering the site with warnings that accomplish nothing, but instead having coherent sections to discuss risks and such issues at length makes me irresponsible in your eyes, that’s fine by me. But personally I think that serious risk-issue content means a lot more than a bunch of warnings and censorship layers.
Seriously, if people are unstable enough that seeing pictures of cutting makes then uncontrollably injure themselves in a way they’re unhappy with, me putting a little not that says “hey, this picture might make you cut yourself” isn’t going to do anything. The fact is that someone who’s that on the edge should NOT be reading BME.