About Nicholas Carr (the author of It doesn’t matter)

Nicholas Carr is a famous writer whose major areas of focus are on the social, economic, and business implications of technology. He was born in 1959 in and is a resident of America whose prowess in writing has led to his publishing of several books and articles on technology, business, and culture. Among the many books, he is known for includeThe Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains which was a finalist for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. Others include ‘It doesn’t matter’ which has garnered a lot of controversial reactions from many readers, authors and scholars though the HBR staff voted it the best article to appear in the magazine in 2003.

It doesn’t matter: Nicholas Carr’s Position

In the book ‘it doesn’t matter’, Nicholas says that information technology has been a very important and integral part of business today. For a brief period, infrastructural technologies have opened opportunities for forward-looking companies to gain strong competitive advantages. Time after time, their availability has increased, and their costs have decreased. As time goes by It has become prevalent, ubiquitous, and part of the status quo. People have become used to IT and are no longer considered something unique for anyone. According to him, information technology has become a common feature in a non-proprietary technology infrastructure and has therefore lost its significance in the provision of a competitive edge or strategic advantage for business growth and profitability at the company level. Though used by organizations, from a strategic business standpoint, It gradually become invisible and do not longer matter anymore. He points here that if a company is to be profitable, IT does not matter anymore. The company’s vision and strategy are all that matters. If this can get interpreted from a non-biased standpoint, what Carr means is that IT is no longer a strategic resource for companies. They should also focus on others things and not overspend on IT alone as a feature to lead them to success.

My position
I do not agree with Carr’s position. Saying that IT does not matter is not correct. My differing side from his argument gets based on the fact that IT has today become an integral part of the organization which has helped it in conducting very many daily duties and transactions. IT infrastructure is imperative as it speeds and makes efficient many activities of the company taking care of duties that a man could do in the whole day within seconds. Today, managers make deals with others business partners at the comfort of their desks. Marketing of products has also been made easier through IT which does so through creating social threads via social media. Today, one does not have to appear physically in the shops but only does the ordering from the comfort of his/her home and relax waiting for delivery. IT has created a lot of opportunities and transformed the vast world into a small global village. Thanks to IT that communication between two people located in extreme corners of the Arctic and Antarctic can speak and do business. Apparently, its use is still needed today as was in the past. It matters and is very crucial.

Los Angeles is a hub for business conferences, with a variety of events happening throughout the year. In 2025, there are several must-attend business conferences in Los Angeles that are sure to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration for entrepreneurs and professionals alike.

1. TechCrunch Disrupt: This conference brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts to discuss the latest trends in technology and innovation. With speakers from top tech companies and startups, TechCrunch Disrupt is a great opportunity to network and stay ahead of the curve.

2. The Global Business Summit: Hosted by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, this conference covers a wide range of topics affecting businesses in the global marketplace. From trade and tariffs to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, the Global Business Summit offers valuable insights for business leaders.

3. Women in Business Conference: This conference focuses on empowering and supporting women in the business world. With workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the Women in Business Conference is a great place for women entrepreneurs and professionals to connect and learn from each other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who should attend these business conferences?

A: Business professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the latest trends in finance, retail, technology, marketing, and material engineering.

Q: What can I gain from attending these conferences?

A: Attendees can gain industry insights, network with peers, discover new technologies, and learn strategies to propel their businesses forward.

Q: Are there opportunities for startups at these events?

A: Yes, many of these conferences have sessions and networking events specifically designed for startups and entrepreneurs looking for growth and investment opportunities.

Q: How can I register for these conferences?

A: Registration details are typically available on the conference’s official website. It’s advisable to register early for any early bird discounts and to ensure availability.

Q: Will there be virtual attendance options for these conferences?

A: Given the recent trends, many conferences offer virtual participation options. Check the event details closer to the dates for online access information.

Los Angeles is set to host a diverse range of business conferences in 2025, each offering unique opportunities for learning and networking.

Learning a new language is something that almost all of us have considered at some point in life. Getting started with it is an enriching and stimulating journey with many challenges ahead. French is one of the most popular choices due to its widespread usage. When starting this adventure, one of the very first decisions to consider is whether to do it on a private basis or in a group class. Both approaches come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore before making a decision it is important to understand them well.

Personalized attention in private French lessons. @@@@@p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal,
As obvious as it may sound, private lessons offer a personalized attention during your learning process. This is very important because it will enable you to learn at your own pace, meaning you will not get lost in class if you are a slow learner and you will be able to progress much faster if you are a quick learner. Moreover, each individual has different skills and whilst some people might have difficulties understanding grammar, others may struggle with listening or speaking. Another obvious advantage is that you will be able to take lessons at your preferred time and frequency to match your lifestyle and learning speed expectations.

Learning at your own speed is essential to assimilate the contents and learning how to use them. Very often students go through some content only to observe after that they are incapable to use it in context when the time comes. Additionally students will be able to put more focus on certain topics that are more relevant for them live business or travel.

One final very important advantage is your capacity to engage in more meaningful conversations with your teacher. This interaction will become crucial to develop your conversational fluency. The most common problem in group classes is that students will not get many chances to practice real conversations with a native speaker, which at the end of the day is one of the main objectives of learning a foreign language.

Good for socializing: Group Classes

The main advantage of group classes is that students will get the chance to socialize with other people. This is especially useful for students taking the learning process as a chill relaxing hobby regardless of the outcome. Learning with others can be fun if your goal is to slowly learn the language as a long term process rather than a short one.

Group classes will also cost less, so for students on a tight budget often the only choice is going for group lessons. It can be a very good value for money if you consider the whole pack of learning a new skill plus socializing. It is very important though to have a good instructor following a well-structured curriculum.

Another difference is the systematic approach to learning. Such classes follow a curriculum which cannot be adapted the student needs giving less flexibility but a clear structure at the same time. Some students find the sense of progression going through different levels satisfying and something to be proud of.

Factors to consider

When deciding between private lessons and big group classes for learning French students should consider the following:

Learning goals: Are you looking to become fluent within a specific time-frame? Do you have specific immediate goals like a work trip or a holiday? Private lessons will definitely be a better choice for long term fluency.
Learning style: Do you prefer big group social interactions? Or do you thrive more in one on one sessions? Your personal style should be considered.
Budget: What is your current financial situation? Private lessons provide a more personalized attention but the cost will be higher.
Time constraints: Do you have a busy schedule? Or your timing is flexible?
Motivation: Which setting do you think can keep you personally more motivated?
Availability of resources: Take into consideration the resources provided in both set ups so that you can also do self-learning when you are not with the instructor.
Finding the Right Balance
In reality you don’t have to settle for one approach. If you want to quick start your learning process you could go with private lessons first and later on switch to group classes. If your top priority is socializing you could first go for group classes and later switch to private learning. Some people that consider themselves slow learners might opt for a group + private lesson approach which also works well.

Ultimately the choice between one or another comes down to personal preferences, goals and resources. It is essential to stay committed to the learning process if you really want to learn the language so you should find whatever keeps you engaged and motivated.
Learning French is a motivating activity and if you know yourself well and what usually works best for you, definitely you will achieve your objectives. The French language will open you a new world of opportunities. The most important thing is to push your boundaries and enjoy the journey, bonne chance!