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   myrmepropagandist (futurebird@sauropods.win)'s status on Monday, 17-Feb-2025 20:59:42 JST myrmepropagandist

   in reply to

   • Space Hobo Actual
   • Zhian N. Kamvar

   @spacehobo @zkamvar

   In theory a Calculus textbook could be an artifact to be treasured and loved. Durable and simple, filled with a refined and teaching tested version of some of the most important ideas in math. A book you'd keep forever. Were textbooks like that I'd not feel bad about asking students to empty their pockets to buy them.

   But, the modern textbooks are objects made with contempt. Large and heavy so you know you bought something. Full of junk cluttering up the good parts.

   • Embed this notice
     myrmepropagandist (futurebird@sauropods.win)'s status on Monday, 17-Feb-2025 20:59:44 JST myrmepropagandist

     • Space Hobo Actual
     • Zhian N. Kamvar

     @spacehobo @zkamvar

     There was no thread. Just glue. I think they just drill those holes to make the glue stick better. I remember being horrified by the cheapness of the construction of this book (I still have it) for a hardcover book that had a price tag over $200 it was obscene to deliver such a piece of junk.

     In the next year I helped the math department transition to using digital books that were free. I couldn't bear to think about students buying and renting these things.

     Rich Felker repeated this.