Honest question regarding the BP Gusher-Cam. Why?

[Blue-Jay]

Personally, I can barely stand to look at video stills. I realize that it's important to know what's going on, but how can anyone watch it 24/7?

How can you watch that shit all the time?

[RC]

1. The technology, for one.

The ROV's are operating almost a mile under water, in pressure of over 2000 psi. 40°F or so. Shifting currents.
Almost everything is tethered to ships on the surface that are 40 miles out to sea. And YOU could watch it in REAL time in the comfort of your own living room, worldwide, as it was happening.

This is world changing history in the making. No pun intended. There is going to be some major changes coming out of this.

[Blue-Jay]

2. The guys/girls/whoever controlling the ROVs are certainly skilled.

And yes, history is being made...

I just don't "get" how people can spend hours/days watching the gusher-cam.

"Is it gushing more? Less? I think I saw extra pollution that just happened! I like turtles!"

This disaster is new & horrible. I just can't imagine spending all day looking for more/less gushing. How can anyone watch that all day?

[alfredo]

10. I watch because the stakes are very high for all of us.

[niceypoo]

26. I wonder if they are faking it

...like the moon landing

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. It is actually as fasciniating as watching

a space walk, and just as difficult too.

[Blue-Jay]

4. Yeah, for a few minutes it's fascinating.

After that, it's just oil/dirt/water ad infinitum. Makes my eyes cross.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Then I guess you can pass on the new hit show

as Colbert put it.

[Blue-Jay]

6. If you say so.

Because you're, like, smarter than everyone else and stuff.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Nah that's what Colbert, NOT I, called it

you know the COLBERT SHOW... I found it very funny.

[Duer 157099]

8. I like watching it when something interesting is happening

Like yesterday when they were preparing to lower the cap over it. Since there's no narration you have to guess what they are trying to do and what they are likely to do next and why, and whether it will work. Sort of like a puzzle. And it was absolutely riveting when they actually finally lowered the cap over the gusher!

Today not so much. I watched a few minutes today but beyond that, I agree with you. Unless I know a specific operation is underway, eh, I'd rather be reading.

[Blue-Jay]

11. I get that. When something is happening, let's take a look.

But there are folks who watch it A Lot.

A: Did you see that?
B: What?
A: That plume. It looked like Danny Devito.
B: I dunno...I thought it looked more like Jimi Hendrix.
A: Whoa. That's gotta mean something.
B: ...
A: Don't you think?
B: ...
A: You there?!? JIMI!
B: Sorry, I was just dicking with you. Looks like spewing oil.

.
.
.
A: I hate you.

[Duer 157099]

16. LOL. On the other hand, I've done that when I've been reeeeally bored

and actually, it serves a purpose because then you become very oriented with the equipment and what is what so that when something important *does* happen, you already have your bearings and understand what you're watching.

[Blue-Jay]

9. Who spends a bunch of time watching it and why?

I'm being serious.

I depressed enough without spending a bunch of time watching pollution happen.

[gateley]

14. I've been riveted because I'm hoping for success every step of the way.

And I find that watching and learning helps me realize how difficult it is, how hard these techs are working. It's better for my blood pressure than wringing my hands, hollering asking WHAT IS TAKING THEM SO LONG?

And I DO like turtles! :hi:

[HughMoran]

12. Fascinating watching the ROVs operate machinery a mile below the surface where man would die

instantly. It's not much different than watching the rover in action on Mars or humans on the moon for me. Also, as an engineer and inventor myself, I am fascinated by the technology and the special made devices that will work in such a harsh environment and can be maneuvered by the undersea robots. I can't imagine anybody not finding it fascinating. Different strokes I guess...

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. Your mind and mine have to be on a simillar wave lenght

I find it fascinating as a former rescue worker AND science fiction writer.

[flamingdem]

15. I like it for the real drama that it represents. It's a performance of a lifetime and

the story is unfolding and we are all sharing it via new technology. The text includes a classic corporation gone bad and the good citizens of the Gulf. It's operatic.

[Blue-Jay]

17. Drama isn't constant Spew Spew Spew Spew....

I get it when something is actually happening, but why spend hours watching when nothing is going on?

[flamingdem]

18. I go for the dramatic moments. Others just leave it on in the background

and / or chat with other about hot robot action etc.

[complain jane]

19. I guess my first question is, who is watching it 24/7?

[Blue-Jay]

20. I dunno. Nobody in particular.

It just seems like there are lots of "Hey, Look at This" threads. I haven't clicked on any of them, but it seems as though lots of people are keeping a close eye on the geyser. (Are we up to 19 threads?).

Don't get me wrong; this is some serious bad shit happening. Bad juju. Bad practices. Bad Everything.

I was just wondering who spends a lot of time watching the GusherCam, and how they can stand it.

[Ex Lurker]

21. I have it running in a browser tab whenever my computer is on

I don't watch it all the time, but I check in every few minutes.

[Blue-Jay]

23. Oh! Finally!

Believe me - I'm not poking fun, I'm just curious. Why do you check the cam when nothing is going on, aside from the usual disgusting gusher-crap?

Aside from when they're trying to do something(?), it just looks the same hour after hour after hour. I check in a few times a day, but I can't figure out why I need check in "every few minutes".

[Ex Lurker]

27. horrified fascination, I guess.

plus, as others have said, the technology is damned interesting.

[Codeine]

22. My point of view is the opposite;

how can anybody fail to be fascinated by the ability to manipulate objects and work tools a mile beneath the surface of the ocean robotically in real time? Seriously, that's simply one of the most amazing things I've ever seen from a technology standpoint.

[Blue-Jay]

24. It IS fascinating!

I've learned more about offshore drilling, and the dangers of offshore drilling than I ever wanted to know. (That might be a good other topic).

I was only wondering how anyone can stand to watch the Gusher-Cam hour after hour after hour. It's horrifying, but it's also boring unless something is happening.

[Codeine]

25. I misunderstood then.

I only tune in when something is happening. It's as exciting as a garden hose otherwise.