It seems to me, in all our definitions, there are 2 different types of people in the world. Those that care (and understand) about technology, and those that do not.
I most definitely fit into the second category. I once took on a role in the tech dept of my company, and it was the worst thing I ever did. I'll never make THAT mistake again (and I suspect, neither will my boss!) Don't get me wrong. I LOVE technology. In so many ways it makes my life more interesting and creative. The internet alone opens up my world. HOWEVER. What makes me sit very happily in the care-free zone is my inability to understand pretty much everything of a technical nature. I suspect I could if I made the effort, but in truth, I am just not interested.
I just want to turn things on and have them work! No explanation as to why or how it is working - I JUST DON'T care. Tell me it works and how to make it do what I want it to do, and I am happy. No flowery descriptions, no "or you can do this..." LISTEN Carefully - I DO NOT CARE.
If one day you take it upon yourself to give me your enlightened view as to how and why technology is so great and your latest discovery, be warned. I may look interested. I may even nod in all the right places, my eyes may be looking at you (or the said revelation) but in my head I am singing. Probably some song from the eighties - "Wake me up before you go go", "Don't worry be happy", "Tainted Love". It is keeping me entertained. I am nodding to the beat. Leave me to my tunes.
2 comments:
I must confess to being excited by technology simply for its own sake and not because it brings any inherent good to mankind. I suppose that makes me a nerd in some books, that's OK I can live with that tag, it's far better than some I can think of.
However, technology that excites me must be useful and be better in some way than what it replaces. I'm also wary of technology that serves a sinister purpose but is pushed on us in the guise of something wonderful.
Any technology that makes communication better and entertains at the same time gets my interest every time.
Being a nerd I do want to know how it works, at a simple level because it interests me and at a deeper level because I want to be sure it is not sinister and on yet another level, because I want to be able to use it in a way that gets me the most out of it.
It's also OK to simply use it without getting all deep and analytical. It's even OK to be bored by its intricacies and innards, after all, if you experience difficulties you could always find a nerd to turn to! :-)
Yes, long live the nerd (the world needs nerds). If ever I need help, I know who to call Joe. Personally I would rather call you a guru!
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