Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Wow. That's insane.

As a software developer, I'd like to propose some changes in the world.

1) Addresses should be the very precise lat/long of the mailbox + the name of the recipient. Nothing else.

2) There should be one time zone for the whole world and no daylight savings. Time should be 24-hour-based. Perhaps you'll need to set your personal alarm for 19:00 in the "morning". Tough.

3) Nobody is allowed to change their names.

4) Whoever keeps sawing outside our building should stop.

That is all for now. I look forward to the complete capitulation of all world leaders to my frank good sense.

Thank you.



I generally agree. Regarding #1, that should be the lowest level available, akin to IP addresses on the internet. There should be another layer of indirection available, so that I can e.g. register "mike@mikeash.com" with the post office and have it work for physical mail. That way I don't have to notify anybody else when I move, and I don't have to tell people where I live just so that they can send me mail.


Once we adopt a single time zone, I also propose using the same core work hours everywhere in the world. That way, if you need to schedule a conference call with someone on the other side of the world, no one needs to come in early or stay late. Also, it will eliminate jet lag when traveling.


That's fine, until the next major earthquake invalidates a whole mess of addresses. Also, long term this won't work as the continents do drift ...


You left out adopting the metric system.


Ah, so you could never move a mailbox?


Or have mailboxes stacked on top of each other. Has GP never visited a mail room?




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: