Your signature is quite astute - especially so for this topic since it basically sums up your post :)

I checked out the link you sent. The bing results are almost identical to google, except for having some video results first. Not like that is a bad thing. I didn't see any of the scam links you mentioned at a quick glance.

I'd be willing to trade for a day or two though.

not necessarily http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-Ox0ZmVIU

I think it's important to remember that collectively we do want some people breaking the rules.

Here's an example of people not breaking the rules and the problems it causes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-Ox0ZmVIU

I mean seriously. Checkout Bruce Wayne. Truly a renaissance man

I like how error messages of the future are still stuck in 1980 lingo.

It's an assault on your brain because the underlying message is "it's okay to devote so much time and energy to something completely devoid of any real meaning." There's also the implication that it's okay to form grossly asymmetric relationships instead of mutual relationships, that there is anything healthy or nurturing about this, like when a person learns all about the personal and romantic life of an actor when that actor doesn't even know that he or she exists. The message is that you should eagerly do such things merely because it's encouraged by the industry that was built around it. If you have any understanding whatsoever, how could you do anything but reject this notion?

I'm not sure that is 100% fair. What percentage of /. would really rail on playing video games, something that is completely devoid of any real meaning. I don't think as many /.'s would be willing to say it has so little meaning (enjoying yourself is a reward). At least artists, musicians, actors, etc are providing benefits to others, where video games are more localized.

And as far as the asymmetrical relationship stuff goes, I'd be willing to guess gossip has been around since society started. Gossip is mostly asymmetrical.

pain-in-the-ass coaxial cables.

Those cables weren't that thick...

I'm not sure I want to know what kind of networks you built

I agree with you in sentiment, but I think it'd be a hard argument to construe Sony's audio CD's as needing fine print. Also, Sony installed the rootkit even if you rejected the overall software installation. I think that fact alone sealed Sony's fate in the matter

Most designers I work with also do JS, CSS, HTML, Adobe tools, etc in addition to flash. Sure they're developers, but only because they want to front end design and these are the tools available. The closest designer I can think of that somewhat meets your description is an Art Director - someone who deals mostly in photoshop and creates the vision.

I think it'd be more for "quid quo pro" scenarios where one is explicitly given something for a positive review.

Besides, your wife could always mentioned she has a relationship negating the concern. Frankly, it would probably INCREASE the usefulness of the recommendation. If your wife has a trusted relationship with her site goers, then your wife's acknowledgment of her long-term relationship will transfer trust to the recommendee.

Why do you think people always ask trusted friends if they have a recommendation for [occupation]?

by telling her not to shave?

it's not particularly explosive. In a sealed container it won't burn at all.

Emphasis mine. Yeah, I'm under the understanding that any material needs oxygen to burn (aka oxidize).

Also just because we do tricks to get the most out of each gallon of gas doesn't mean it is relatively safe before. A gallon of gasoline has about 57x as much energy as a stick of dynamite. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_gallon_equivalent) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamite)

Jogging for an hour a day is good for you, forcing yourself to jog for a hundred miles nonstop would likely kill you.

It apparently doesn't kill everyone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultramarathon