Loading Bars

Everyone sees them and I'm sure everyone of you at one point in time was completely dependent on one of those suckers. There is an abundance of nervous pacing and finger biting that goes on, hoping to God that your essay saves or some online exam uploads correctly and within the space limits and before the deadline. I've recently been informed by the son of a programmer that these life-stopping progress completely at random, however that tidbit of knowledge did not deter this ranter. For what bothers me has nothing to do with the actual mechanics of the loading bar, but the service that it provides.

I hate, I HATE, the loading bars that just continuously cycle through the bar seemingly to no end. What in the world is that supposed to accomplish? Fill up, empty, fill up, empty, fill up, empty, retarded I tell ya.

Randomly filled or not, the single progression bar is key. Why you ask? Simply put, its a placebo for the user. Constantly needing to know how much is left to go and getting (supposed) instant feedback is not only satisfying, but reassuring to the user. Honestly, how many of you have cancelled a certain load because the damn load bar is on its millionth cycle through? I know I sure have. Cussing was probably involved. But if you come back from a nice meal of bologna sandwich and potato chips and find that only a seventh of the bar has loaded it gives you a time frame. Sure you may be annoyed by the slowness but at least you can make a more educated decision on what to do with your time. And in this hustle bustle work-a-day world isn't that all we truly want? Time frames?

Man, thats kinda sad. Well, I shall now upload this rant (loaded to you by now)
*Obvious Alarm*....
*Geek Alarm* (damn thing always goes off after the obvious alarm)
All thats left is for me to watch the load bar and hope it faithfully gets yet another rant posted.

Peace.