[nfb-talk] Guide Bots

[Mike Freeman]

Different strokes, etc. I do not wish to precipitate yet another round of dogs versus canes. Each has advantages and disadvantages and the characteristics that constitute each are in the mind of the user. 

Mike Freeman


On May 30, 2013, at 9:35, Todor Fassl <fassl.tod at gmail.com> wrote:

> I can understand your opinion. But millions of people have dogs just because they like dogs. So for a lot of people, having to clean up after a dog is worth it not even considering the additional benefits you get from a guide dog.
> 
> Is the extra mobility you get from a guide dog worth the inconvenience? I don't think there is one right answer to that question. For me, it's not even close. I'd probably have a dog anyway.
> 
> On 05/29/13 22:17, Mike Freeman wrote:
>> I, on the other hand, would prefer a machine partner to a dog partner --
>> nothing to pick up with a machine! (grin)
>> 
>> Oh yes -- kids used to call my stylus a "poker". I'd better stop there!
>> (grin)
>> 
>> Mike Freeman
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-talk [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie
>> McGinnity
>> Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 8:13 AM
>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] Guide Bots
>> 
>> We dog users get that too.  I've had my dog called a Seeing Eye Dog(which
>> she is not), a helper dog, and even a blind dog.  Unless I have to talk to
>> the person extensively, I let it go.
>> 
>> My mom still calls my Braille note a Pacmate, which might annoy Humanware,
>> but personally, I think it's funny.  And as long as my cane isn't called a
>> wand anymore, I think I can live with anything else.
>> If it's someone you know well, then just correct them quickly and gently.
>> Perhaps we should put print labels on all our products to help them out...
>> 
>> I think a guide bot would be interesting...  But I don't want a machine to
>> know where I'm going.  If it could be programmed just to follow my
>> duirections and lead me around obstacles like a dog does, I think it would
>> be ok.  But I do enjoy working with a dog.  I think an animal would make a