Am I quickly becoming a curmudgeon? I looked around today and realized that I've fallen behind the technology curve - not because it isn't interesting, it just isn't interesting enough. Have I become "normal"??? Have I lost my geek edge? It's true that I no longer run a computer that is stabilized with a wooden shim twisting the motherboard into place, but I think there must be some hope. Let's take stock of some of the ways people can spend time with technology:
Internet stuff
Web sites - I have my favorites, but don't stray too far from them. If I stumble across something interesting on google, I may add it to my list, but that's becoming more rare with time. Too many sites, not enough time.
Blogs - okay, you can see I do blogging... I even do some custom PHP and CSS work to make my blog unique
Social sites - this list includes Facebook, MySpace, and a jillion other "social network" solution. I have a lame Facebook site that exists primarily so I can find Jessica's cool Facebook site. She uses hers as a pseudo-blog.
Professional networking - the list here includes LinkedIn, and other job board (Dice, Monster) type boards. I have an account on LinkedIn, which I primarily use to promote my career. Otherwise I don't understand the fascination here.
Micro-blogging - best example: Twitter. These site allow people to update their life events from their cell phone - teenagers can coordinate burger rendezvous with groups easily. Doesn't work for me. I understand it, but not into it.
MMORPG - giant on-line games with lots of people. I do play one: Maple Story. It's a Korean side-scrolling game designed for teenagers. We all got hooked when Jessica was a teenager. Anne has achieved pretty high status with one of her characters; I'm just loafing along, but it's moderately interesting.
And what about non-Internet technologies?
Game consoles - XBox, PSP, etc.; just not into them, never have been. This could be a major chink in my geek armor.
Smart phone - had one, got rid of it. The phone was cool for e-mail and calendaring, but was lousy for phone calls. I wanted a cell phone that made great phone calls - picked up a Chocolate3 - plays my music, makes clear phone calls, happy with it.
Computers - I haven't built a box from scratch since we lived in Florida... time to save up some money! Machines are growing obsolete - can't buy parts for some of them now.
Digital photography - decently geeky. I shoot with a 4 year old Nikon digital SLR. It's only six megapixels, but I like it.
Digital video - no video camera here. I used to have a nice Sony, but it's 12 years old and just doesn't work reliably any more.
Satellite radio - have XM in the Altima... don't drive the car enough to get my money's worth from the radio. It's great when I'm in the car, but I ride my motorcycle most of the time!
HD TV - have the 65 inch DLP, just need more content. We have FIOS TV being installed next week - more to come there. When HD is good, it can be very good (college football, for example) - but it's often standard definition quality on an HD channel... not so satisfying
HD radio - haven't even heard it... anyone else?
GPS - have one; use it about twice a year. I usually know where I'm going.
Where does it end
Well, that's the point, I guess. The list could go on forever. As soon as I think it is complete, something new will be added - robot dogs, USB coffee cup heaters, vibrating game chairs, etc. So, I think I'll stop for now and consider myself geeky-enough. Perhaps, "responsibly geeky" would be a good description. Jeez, I do sound like a curmudgeon.
Comments
Your Technology Edge
Not to worry, Dave. Your technology edge is so far beyond the tech edge of most folks, that you can take a breather for a while and still be in the lead!