Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group discussion

A machine-vision algorithm* can tell a book’s genre by looking at its cover.

See the article at: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/60...

*algorithm - a set of steps that are followed in order to solve a mathematical problem or to complete a computer process

I wonder how accurate the results would be, given that genres often overlap and have many sub-headings.

The old cliche "What will they think of next?"

Nina wrote: "The old cliche "What will they think of next?""

LOL - Nina, I'm afraid to think about it! I already can't keep up with the rate at which things are going. Now we can even TALK to our computers instead of entering text. The computer can answer questions when asked out loud! I've seen my sons do it!

Interesting, but not surprising.

I still would like to know exactly what would be on the book covers which would indicate the genre accurately.

I'd guess fantasy, SF, romance, & mystery would all result in high rates of success since they have recognizable objects in a lot of their cover art like dragons, swords, spaceships, half naked guys, & guns.

Jim wrote: "I'd guess fantasy, SF, romance, & mystery would all result in high rates of success since they have recognizable objects in a lot of their cover art like dragons, swords, spaceships, half naked guy..."

Yes, the most obvious ones. Cover designers would have to keep that in mind.

A professor at U. of CA at Berkley decided it is better for his students to WRITE notes taken in his his class and banned all phones and I pads. He found they retained the knowledge in a better fashion that doing it technically..

Nina wrote: "A professor at U. of CA at Berkley decided it is better for his students to WRITE notes taken in his his class and banned all phones and I pads. He found they retained the knowledge in a better fashion that doing it technically."

Nina, that is probably true, but there are other advantages to saving notes on one's computer. Access is easier for review. Review is part of the learning process. Retrieval of notes is easier on the computer. Retrieval and review are big factors to consider. The search option is very valuable as well on the computer.

Nina wrote: "A professor at U. of CA at Berkley decided it is better for his students to WRITE notes taken in his his class and banned all phones and I pads. He found they retained the knowledge in a better fas..."

It's long been known that the more involved someone is in the learning process, the better the retention, so that makes sense. Writing requires a person has to think about creating the characters more than typing. It's a more laborious process. Lectures are the worst way to learn, though.



When I listen to lectures or nonfiction books & want to retain the information, I find it best to pretend I want to explain the points to someone else - teach. I often try to teach myself in my notes by linking other sources that explain the concepts in other ways & to explore some more fully.

Yes, that makes good sense. I think I might have taken notes when my philosophy lectured us but perhaps not. He was my favorite teacher although I suspect he was a Communist.

Great chart, Jim! You'd make a great teacher!

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." ---Confucius