1. Feedback Loops

    The larger the gap between one major feedback loop and the next largest of any given stage of an activity, the more assumptions must be made about that stage.

    Example: planing a hurdy gurdy top to thickness.

    Tasks, feedback loops in order of duration (timings are approximate from memory):

    • Every millimetre of planed wood, ≈150ms audible and physical feedback
    • Every ≈1cm of planed wood, ≈500ms visual feedback loop seeing the shavings protrude from the plane (or not, which is equally valuable)
    • Every ≈10cm of planed wood, ≈3s visual+physical+audible feedback loop of one complete shaving detaching
    • Every ≈20cm of planed wood, ≈5s visual feedback loop seeing freshly planed surface, erosion of pencil marks
    • Pause every ≈10 plane strokes, ≈20s physical feedback loop picking up the top and flexing
    • Pause every ≈20 plane strokes, ≈1 minute precision visual feedback from re-measuring the thickness of the top with a caliper

    The gaps between feedback loops become larger as the durations become larger, as do the assumptions which are made about the task at each level until the next feedback loop arrives. I suspect that experience level also affects both the value gained from each feedback loop, increasing the actor’s knowledge of the system and increasing the amount of time which can safely be left (i.e. the amount of assumption which is safe) before more feedback is required.

    Two observations: the existence of vastly longer feedback loops of experience accumulating which affect the shape of existing loops, and that the smallest feedback loops are broadcast by the environment (audible feedback, physical resistance) but longer ones require active participation (testing the system).

  2. Recorded an unnamed tune yesterday + saw for the first time today = easy tune name! Lights In The Sky:

    Want to play it? Have a peek at the sheet music.

  3. Rediscovered my love of sewing whilst modifying a guitar strap to work with my , now desperately wanting to make something with fish leather.

    btw, best place to get needle+thread in Reykjavik 101 is the art supplies shop on Skólavörðastigúr — Tiger sells needles cheaper but no thread (wat)

  4. I need some musical help! What time signature is this clip in? It’s been rolling around in my head for the past three weeks but I can’t figure it out.

    
    K:Amin
    AB cd- dc _ed cd cB cd |fe de- ec2 AB cA _ed cd :|
    

    The problem seems to be around the 19-20th notes — that’s how I play it but it means there’s an extra quaver. Otherwise it could almost be alternating bars of 7/4 and 8/4. Any ideas?

  5. Digging through some mailing list archives I pulled recently revealed some familiar faces, some interesting stories and SO MUCH amazing information lost in the depths of the web.

  6. Just did a bit of tweaking to my and it’s performing better than it has for weeks! The weather today must suit it perfectly — it’s all nice and crisp. Might have to go and play in the park after lunch.

  7. Hurdy players: save the rosin you were applying to the foot of the chien for the chien string slot, but be aware that this trick won’t cure a badly shaped slot.