The Drones Are Here

For better or worse, drones are becoming more affordable. This one from Hammacher Schlemmer costs only $1300.

I can certainly understand why a lot of people would want one, but I’m hoping there won’t be too many buzzing about around here. Already national parks are banning them because of complaints about disturbing the peace and bothering the wildlife, not to mention the potential dangers to peoople down below if one of them crashes.

What do you think? Do you think they wil be more of a boon or a curse?


 

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10 Responses to The Drones Are Here

    • Jean says:

      Thanks. I would never have thought that kites would be harmful to birds, but that’s because we don’t have many kites here. At least they’re not noisy!

  1. Mike says:

    I think it would be fun to have one. However, there have already been abuses. I think that all drones used in public areas should have to be licensed and, in many instances, have specific permits.

    • Jean says:

      There’s bound to be more regulations as time goes on. But being an old curmudgeon, I’m sure they’ll still be too noisy for me. 🙂

    • Jean says:

      I recently read that a drone crashed into Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone, third largest hot spring in the world. The park is trying to see what damage it has done/will do to the spring, and how they can remove it without doing even more damage.

  2. nick says:

    Definitely a curse. If they catch on big-time, I’m sure the nuisance to other people will be huge. Like having to listen to everyone’s mobile phone convos.

  3. Vicki says:

    Personally, I think this world’s technology is moving alarmingly fast… yet, still no cure for cancer. Not that they’re telling us anyway.

    Imagine a sky filled, not with birds, but with these robotic invaders of privacy.
    I know I don’t want to look up at a beautiful blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds, only to have an ugly, creepy metallic bug fly into view.
    Imagine not having privacy in one’s backyard because a neighbour is buzzing a drone about the neighbourhood.
    Initially, people might see them – or they are marketed – as “a new, fun way to see the world”. But as always, things can get out of hand.
    There might be “rules” attached to owning one. But, rules as always, are broken and abused.

    On a surveillance level, they will be regarded as “monitoring for protection”, by the powers that be. But, I can’t help feeling wary about the more sinister uses for drones – which will get increasingly smaller – from a small bird to the size of a housefly. A fly spy. Collecting information from the unwitting.
    The government/police/military have their reasons…

    Orwell must be spinning (continually) in his grave.

    • Jean says:

      Agreed, the paparazzi will love them. And no more privacy in one’s own backyard for non-celebrities either. As for the government…. Yes, it’s scary, because there is always so much room for abuse.

  4. Evan says:

    I can see a limited use in search and rescue. I can’t see much benefit otherwise.

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