Random thoughts about technology
Tuesday, 23 June, 2009
1. Technocrat?
I don't know why I find technology so interesting. I studied Arts/Creative Arts, not computer science. And yet (perhaps by virtue of the fact that I grew up with a laptop) I find myself something of a technocrat in this day and age. Things I assume everyone knows are not common knowledge (e.g. how to create tables in Microsoft Word, or how to flip between programs using shortcut keys). Even if I don't know the answer, I usually know how to find out, but I think, with most people, it doesn't occur to them that there is an answer, and so, where it would drive me absolutely mental, they are content to continue what they're doing, blissfully ignorant of better (read: faster and more efficient) ways of doing things.
2. Explorer?
Growing up with different forms of technology means it's easy for you to adapt when the new ones come along. You may not know anything about iPhones, but once you've got one in your hand, you explore, push buttons, click on things, read the manual and work out how it ticks—the internal logic of the thing, if you will. Then, once you've understood it (or at least grasped its basic nature), it becomes easier as it adapts and changes over time. (Theoretically; I have doubts about the logic of our hard disk recorder.)
3. Fatigued?
Adaptability and willingness to explore is, I think, one of the major things that separates the generations. Or perhaps the younger generations haven't yet experienced technological fatigue. I haven't yet reached mid-life, and by most people's standards, I'm an early adopter (even if I don't feel like I am), but in certain areas of technology, I do feel the fatigue. Connecting to the internet is one (my knowledge of broadband, cable and naked dsl is pretty shaky). Television is another (I'm still not 100% sure how to use our set-top box). (Incidentally, reading about America's switch to digital television was just fascinating because it really highlighted the clash between the old and the new, and, to a certain extent, technological fatigue. I wonder how it will go when it happens in Australia.)
This is why gadgets of the future need to be simpler and easier to use; who has time to flip through a 30-page manual? (Especially one that's badly written. I wonder if there will soon be more of a demand for technical writers ... the art of being able to explain complex mechanisms to seven-year-olds ...)
4. Overwhelmed?
The problem is, there's too much to know. One cannot possibly know everything there is to know about technology. One cannot possibly know everything there is to know about just one niche of technology either. Consider the internet and the building of websites: you're faced not only with the plethora of content management systems available, but databases, different programming languages (HTML, PHP, Javascript, Flash), shopping cart applications, SSL, cookies, and so on. With what I know, I could build you a website or a blog, but I don't know how to create an online store for you, and I wouldn't be able to make you a database for your CD library (Ben could though).
5. Teacher?
Because of the difference between the technocrats and the non-technocrats, and the amount of knowledge needed to bring people up to speed who don't necessarily want to learn but want things now anyway, it doesn't surprise me how frustrated people in technical support and technical jobs (e.g. web developers) get. I get frustrated enough trying to explain to colleagues how to cut and paste using keystrokes. Sometimes I think the gap is so large, it's not even worth teaching people. (Maybe that reflects my lack of patience, or my poor teaching skills.)
That's a bit unfair; I should try to treat people the way I would want to be treated. (I shouldn't look down on people who are unable to manage the chaos of their inboxes; at times, I have nearly succumbed to the same malady. This is good advice for those afflicted.) But why are most Luddites so unwilling to listen? Why don't they connect the dots? Why don't they see the big picture—the scenery beyond the funnel vision on their little problem?
6. Technocouple?
It occurred to me recently that one of the things that makes our marriage unique is that Ben and I have always had certain technologies in common. Unlike some couples where the husband is relatively techno-savvy and the wife couldn't care less (or just dabbles a little), even from the earliest stages of our relationship, we communicated not just face to face, but using different online tools—email, ytalk (i.e. early version of IM for Unix) and, indirectly, blogs. Since then, we've branched out into IM, Facebook, SMS and Twitter. At various times, we've both been into building websites, blogging and social networking. This is why I find it curious when people make comments about us talking to each other through these mediums. “You guys are married,” they say to us; “you could just talk to each other.” And, you know, they have a good point; if Ben and I are in the same room, we can talk to each other. It's just that sometimes we aren't, and what are communication tools for if not communicating? Are we not supposed to talk online just because we're married? Shouldn't it be the opposite—we're married and therefore we talk to each other online?
7. Twitter-lover?
I got asked today why I like Twitter. (NB: I finally joined because Ben was hanging out on it, and I wanted to hang out with him. And then, once I joined, I became fascinated with the technology. [See especially this New York Times article on why Twitter is unique.] I don't recommend that everyone join [in fact, given some people's comments about it, I hope they never do!]. But I recognise the value it adds to my life.) Here's my list:
- Connecting with friends: Some of my closest friends are on Twitter, and their micro updates help me to keep in touch with what's happening in their lives. Twitter makes me feel closer to them. It helps me to know what to pray for them. It nurtures and cultivates our relationship. It's the whole “[bringing] back the dynamics of small-town life, where everybody knows your business”.
- Finding out what's happening: Some of the Tweeters I follow keep me in touch with what's happening in Sydney; some keep me in touch with the news (e.g. The New York Times; some are musicians, actors and writers who talk about what they're doing.
- Discovering interesting links: Some Tweeters have fascinating feeds (e.g. Jonathan Carroll, from whom I found Cory Doctorow on writing in an age of distraction and Merlin Mann on getting creative things done).
- Gleaning tips on creativity: A large proportion of the people I follow are people from the comics industry—for example, Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean, Scott McCloud, Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie (the latter two are the creators of Phonogram, the comic that is currently pushing my squee! buttons). Every now and then, Tweeters from this group post stuff on how to break into comics, advice for artists, advice for writers, advice on working with editors, and so on. I find it fascinating stuff (and mentally file it away for if my graphic novel ever gets off the page). It's nice to get an insider's view on things. (Also, from a publishing point of view, it's also fascinating to find out how people in a similar industry to yours operate.)
- Talking to famous people: I suppose this is the fangirl in me coming out, but there is something rather thrilling about getting personal replies from well-known Tweeters. I remembered Scott McCloud tweeted about liking Jesca Hoop, so I told him about The Mummers. He was hooked pretty much immediately. Jamie McKelvie also tweeted the five-page preview of Phonogram 2.3, and was grateful (or at least seemed to be!) when I pointed out the typo on page 4. It's extremely satisfying when you ask a well-known Tweeter and they actually take the time to respond to you. (NB: I realise I need to restrain myself from getting too fangirl-ish when this happens ...)
Current:
seen: Moon 15/10/2009
read: The Incredibles 11/10/2009
seen: She's the Man 05/10/2009
read: I Kill Giants (Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura) 04/10/2009
read: Astro City The Dark Ages Book 1: Brothers and Other Strangers (Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson and Alex Ross) 04/10/2009
seen: Children of Men 02/10/2009
seen: Metric (The Metro) 30/09/2009
seen: 500 Days of Summer 25/09/2009
seen: The September Issue 18/09/2009
seen: Gilmore Girls: Season 1 17/09/2009
read: Flight (Volume 1) (edited by Kazu Kibuishi) 16/09/2009
seen: Ponyo 11/09/2009
read: Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert) 05/09/2009
heard: Aimee Mann (Enmore Theatre) 04/09/2009
heard: Ben Folds Solo (Opera House) 31/08/2009
read: Phonogram: Rue Britannia (Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie) 26/08/2009
seen: Northanger Abbey 20/08/2009
read: The Princess Diaries (Meg Cabot) 18/08/2009
seen: The Phantom of the Opera 17/08/2009
seen: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 10/08/2009
seen: District 9 10/08/2009
read: Shortcomings (Adrian Tomine) 02/08/2009
read: AIR Volume 1: Letters from Lost Countries (Willow Wilson and M.K. Perker) 28/07/2009
seen: Persepolis 25/07/2009
seen: Ghost Town 25/07/2009
heard: Gutter Twins (Seymour Centre) 23/07/2009
seen: Coco Avant Chanel 20/07/2009
seen: Gutenberg! The Musical (Seymour Centre) 16/07/2009
seen: So You Think You Can Dance? Australia Live Tour (Sydney Entertainment Centre) 11/07/2009
seen: Every Little Step 07/07/2009
seen: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen 03/07/2009
seen: Synecdoche, New York 30/06/2009
seen: Charlie's Angels 27/06/2009
seen: Penelope 26/06/2009
seen: Coraline 10/06/2009
seen: The Sky Crawlers 08/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Ultimatum 07/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Supremacy 07/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Identity 06/06/2009
seen: Stick it 05/06/2009
Comment:
@Sarah: Thanks for the tip RE Australian Breastfeeding Association! I never would have thought to look there. Ditto KMart: I was wondering if they did since Target don’t.
@Rae: Thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out.
@Little Rachel: Oh, I’ll definitely be up for visitors! I may not be very good company (brain-dead, etc.) but I’ll certainly appreciate visits!
@Rachel C: CONGRATS!!! So excited for you 
Yours sounds like a good philosophy. One day I shall have to blog about Outliers!
@CafeDave: Thanks for the tip!
@Elissa: Thanks for your kind words! It makes me happy that you and Dave were excited we were getting married! Thanks also for the prayers!
@Elsie: There are lots of other lovely things I could have said about you, but let’s not overload my readers, shall we? ;P
Aww...thanks for the lovely things you said about me! I enjoyed reading this post (as I do with all yours). xo
Congratulations to you both. I know you will be such wonderful parents. You sound WAY too sensible! 
(Sorry to read that there were some unusual comments made about your marriage! We thought it was exciting. We still have a lovely photo of you & Ben in our lovely box of special memories. (I was only 22 when married & I was 30 when we had Bonnie...)
Everyone is different! I nodded through your post. SO many people feel the curious need to share their “horror stories” which is just dreadful. I remember complaining to David who said - go find people who are positive & listen to them. Great advice, which I did. Those people still have a big place in my heart because their advice was honest & gentle.
Bless you & Ben & the little Peanut. We pray all goes smoothly over the coming weeks/months ahead. We sometimes forget what a precious little miracle life really is…
Another book from the dad’s perspective I found helpful was From here to paternity - it’s an Australian book, and was followed up with a blog.
Hi!
I’m so excited for you reading your blog about being pregnant I am 13 weeks pregnant with #2.
You’re so right about all the pessimism “advice” that you get. I got so mad about it but never found a good response. I’ve had such joy right from day one with E that I just don’t want to buy into the negativity (I’m sure kids pick up on it too!).
My philosophy was/is to be a relaxed mum and from that figure out what was best for my baby/child. Get advice when you’re not sure on things or want to know how other people approached things, read books (loved Outliers!) that aren’t all about parenting… but just enjoy.
In a sample size of one to date, I’ve had such a happy, chilled out son right from day one. People say all the craziest advice… glad you don’t do guilt
With love,
R
Thanks so much for writing more! I love hearing how you’re going and all your thoughts.
After watching my sister I agree with you that it seems the first six months are perhaps the hardest. She got quite lonely at home all day; weekends were all right because then her husband was around but it’s just as you say… one feed ends then the next begins! If you are accepting visitors during this period then I hope to use some RDOs to come have grown-up conversations!
The book review of The Second Nine Months makes me want to read it now!
Names: We have one girl name that we both like and no boy names that we agree on. But they are also top-secret… so if anyone else uses them we can’t accuse them of theft! 
Yay Peanut, keep on growing, can’t wait to meet you!
Hello! Thanks for sharing
I loved reading your pregnancy update! I am glad to hear that things are all going pretty well, and I hope the rest of your 2nd trimester is as good.
I just wanted to add, that some other blokes decided that there was not much for the fathers-t0-be, and made a couple of DVD’s just for expectant dads. They are called ‘Being Dad’and i think they are available at big W. I have both though, if you would like me to send them!
Just wanted to wish you all the best!
Love
Rae
re: gluten: no idea!! I didn’t have to go on that diet - it was probably related to the test I didn’t do.
At the risk of adding to your list of advice:
Re: maternity bras - because I’m big I had to look hard for something nice in my size and discovered the Australian Breastfeeding Association. They have a massive range online and most are (dare I say it) sexy.
Re: maternity clothes - Kmart have a nice range of basic stuff.. I only found out towards the end of pregnancy and I would have liked to know earlier!
Re: Parenting classes - if you’re at RPA you can just ring the midwives section (they’ll put you through) and ask directly.
Congratulations again
Don’t laminate your ultrasound picture That is my advice.
Congratulations! This is so fantastic!
Thanks so much for sharing all of this… people swap engagement stories but rarely pregnancy stories! And it’s kind of similar don’t you think, all this excitement leading up to a big day!
So happy for you guys! Actually never been more excited for anyone except my sister! I think it’s because I think that you will both be amazing parents and love the idea that someone could grow up in your family.
Looking forward to many more posts on the topic.
Lovely news, Karen.
Thanks everyone! I will be sure to ask for help when I need it!
Great pic!! Peanut is cute! :D
Praying for you all!
xx
:D
I had a similar sort of morning sickness.. except I threw up! I’m suitably impressed that you coped OS.. that must have been tough.
It sounds like you’re doing marvelously otherwise!
Book recommendation on something a bit less technical and a bit more human: ‘Birth’ http://www.birthnet.com.au/
Praise be to God indeed! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
Congratulations, Beilharzen! Welcome to the slightly-bewildering world of pregnancy (and birth...and children...). God has blessed you greatly with this new life. We’ll be praying for Peanut’s growth and development, and for you guys as you prepare.
I’m sure you’re surrounded by baby veterans, but always happy to help with books/advice/recommendations/listening.
B&L;
Excellent job Karen! You SHOULD be pleased with yourself!
Have you discovered http://www.ravelry.com ? It is an excellent site with thousands of free patterns in its database, lots of support, tips, forums etc and of course - friends like me? Look me up when you get there - fionag77
PS Are you just wearing a bulky dress or are you sporting a bump under that dress?
oooh.... It’s done and it looks great on you! xxx
Well done on all that hard work! It looks great and will be very snuggly come winter!
Thanks for letting me know, Timo!
Hi there,
Thanks for pointing out the shortcoming on our website. I’ll pass it on to my colleagues and hopefully it will be rectified soon.
The documentary at Fashioning Now was by Holly Kaye-Smith; I’d be more than happy to put you in touch with her if you’d like.
Again, thanks for the comment, much appreciate it!
Kind regards,
Timo Rissanen
Thanks Mark! Much appreciated!
Rich survey, Karen. Particularly I was struck by the notion of Jesus being clothed with our sins. I heard recently somebody suggest the crown of thorns was a kings crown but it was made of the symbol of the curse in the Garden - thorns. I would like to read your thoughts about Joseph’s coat of many colours.
Looking forward to the next installment. Regards,Mark
It is lovely - and looks great on you.
You’ve made me want to read it - though I may need an interpreter at times!
Well done with the sewing!
I think it looks good - very relaxed and spring-y.
Hey Sandra! Thanks for the tip! I read it yesterday, but I struggled a bit because Lewis doesn’t start from the Bible. I wasn’t convinced by his argument. What did you think?
Interesting post Karen - Thanks
I like the ending too! :D
xxx
Fantastic post, Karen. Just great. Thanks!
Thanks Bec! Eternal life just keeps getting better and better ...
I do like the way you ended this post - excellent thought.
Personally I don’t feel that way. Maybe that’s something you should blog about?
Wow. Lots of things to pick up on there. It’s been interesting to see the changes to your blog these last 6-12 months: Twitter is certainly more immediate, but are there (gasp) downsides to having its constant buzz in the ear?
Is our (already fractured) ability to concentrate on a single relationship at a time further jeapordised by the regular buzz of tweetdeck (and worse yet, by the imagined sense of loss that goes with being off the grid)?
Or am I just projecting my own fears?
Hi Karen!
If you’re still thinking about this… I just read CS Lewis’s essay “Learning in War-time” which exactly addresses this issue (ie. how can we justify cultural & aesthetic pursuits when people are going to hell around us?). Have you read it? i’d be interested to hear what you think..
(i have it in his little volume “Transposition and other Addresses”, but it’s easily findable online)
I’m doing my own series on the trials and tribulations of writing on my own blog here http://sedshed.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20Head%20to%20Hand
It’s coming along slowly
Coincidentily, I stumbled upon the above Phonogram vs. the Fans cover when digging around for ID concepts for Salt. A disturbingly brilliant image.
Thanks Karen. At the very least, this post gives some context to your myriad of phonogram tweets. At best, it has reinvigorated my stagnated appreciation of comics.
Seriously, though 4,549 words. Is that the best you can do? I say, longer!
Blinks:
Why non-religious parents are starting to home school their children. Problems with American public schools. New models for education that will work (instead of just rote learning and teaching things to kids earlier).
Maybe discomfort is better for writing.
Showing her daughter that women are great by doing tours and walking in the footsteps of famous women. I like that this article is about engagement.
Jordan White, editor for Marvel, answers questions.
Jamie McKelvie answers questions.
Vision therapy as a treatment for ADHD, learning disabilities and even autism. The scientific community's opinion. The results of concentrated therapy.
Kieron Gillen on Phonogram, Siege, Ares, Loki and his collaborative relationship with Jamie McKelvie.
Superheroes and how they have changed the way we see urban landscape. Their attraction to New York.
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Comments
Maybe I’m old-school, but I prefer leaving comments on your blog rather than Facebook
Dunno about you; I haven’t reached the point of technology fatigue, but I’m certainly at the point of ennui.
Maybe I started younger than you (yes, that’s possible, just!) but I’m now at the point of pragmatism. Things aren’t cool just because they’re new; things are good because they let me do things that weren’t previously possible, which improves my quality of life.
Being online 24/7 with smartphones may be the way of the future, but it doesn’t yet make me particularly happier or more efficient, so I’m not losing any sleep about not having an iPhone.
Lots of things have come and gone without making a tremendous blip, and a lot of them weren’t worth getting that excited about....
Great post K.
I noticed this online/offline distinction when I was in Adelaide recently - my uncle is a technocrat and my aunt not so (she’s not afraid of tech, she just doesn’t spend much time using it and isn’t interested in learning the intricacies because her husband knows them all). I kept getting my laptop out in quiet moments to catch up on email/feeds/twitter and it was said more than once, in a mocking tone, “oh, you’re just like him, always have to be connected”.
Though I have found that being able to be connected to friends and just the minutiae of my everyday life has helped me in stressful situations. Like when I’ve been overseas and feeling adrift, misunderstood or lonely, to be able to just open my laptop and feel some sense of normalcy is so good.
Having said that, there is still the buzz of getting a good piece of snail mail from someone, or disconnecting and spending time with people face to face. But I don’t understand why some people seem to find these things mutually exclusive. Why can’t you be a fully functioning, sociable technocrat? I think that’s where your point about tech being simple comes in - when it doesn’t mean you have to be a nerd to understand it, then it just becomes part of everyday life.
I’ve rambled again. Oops.
It’s interesting that Twitter helps you feel connected. It is starting to have the opposite effect on me. Pretty much all of my close friends who I hardly see anymore don’t go on Facebook often and don’t use Twitter… so the more I get updates from acquaintances the further and further I feel from the people with whom I wish I still shared my life. :(
@Haoran: I’d much rather you left comments on my actual blog than on Facebook! On Facebook, I doubt I could ever find them again. And I don’t seem to get heaps of comments these days anyway!
I know what you mean about ennui. I’m looking forward to smartphones becoming ubiquitous; then maybe I’ll get one.
@Bec: I love it when you ramble on my blog!
@Little Rach: That is sad, and a very good point. I’m sure I wouldn’t get so much out of Twitter if my closest friends weren’t on it! (Incidentally, most of my school friends, who I am also relatively close to, are into internet-y things ...)
@Haoran: wow, ennui! I’ve learnt a new word today. Must remember it for Scrabble.
In the words of Napolean Dynamite’s brother, “I love technology”.
@Karen I don’t get many comments either. I think I figured out Twitter and Facebook are eating into our blogosphere. I used to spend my internet half-hour manually visiting everyone’s blogs; now I check FB and Twitter and leave Google Reader to last, if at all.
@Elsie: Not to be confused with Thierry Henry.
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