Do you ever stop to think about how recently we didn’t have cell phones? (Remember the first mobile units that people carried around that were like a carry-on suitcase?) or email addresses? or Google? or even personal computers?
My AOL address is just twelve years old. Before that — well, I guess we just wrote letters.
It’s funny — the other day I was looking for a letter I’d received from the early 1990s. It’s was there in my “letters received” file for 1992.
There is no “letters received” file for 2007 — except for some cache file, perhaps.
Occasionally, I need a technology break. A time-out from accessibility. Blackberry off. Powerbook off. No internet. No cable. Just quiet. How about you?
I’m with you, Mike! Most of the “urgent” served by all our technology can wait a minute anyhow, at least that’s my experience. However, I must say going back to a typewriter for editing is not a fond thought. How about you?
Oh, and the letter’s in the mail!
I use email pretty much daily, both for work and for personal use. It’s definitely a time saver in a lot of ways. However, there is nothing like getting a personal, handwritten letter or note from someone. Given modern technology, it’s something of a rarity these days, which makes getting one even more special. I’m trying to challenge myself to send at least one note of encouragement through “snail mail” a week. Thanks for the reminder that getting mail the old-fashioned way is a special thing!
All these tools enable us to communicate in ways that would have dazzled previous generations. I think these technologies are a great thing. Occasionally I enjoy some solitude, but not for long. I’m always eager to communicate again.
I’d love to take a technology break. But it’s really hard to do that while keeping up with my full-time job at my church” maintaining its Web site amd the worship audio-visuals, producing 1100+ weekly bulletins, and posting information on the LED sign out in front of our building ….
I’d love to take a technology break. But it’s really hard to do that while keeping up with my full-time job at my church: maintaining its Web site amd the worship audio-visuals, producing 1100+ weekly bulletins, and posting information on the LED sign out in front of our building ….
It’s really kind of sad that we don’t have those things to hold in our hands. Occasionally I’ll print out an email and carry it around with me as if I received it in letter form. It helps. I still can’t read a book on here. I’ve tried. It is not the same.
Great Office episode on technology two weeks ago when Michael and Dwight take a car’s computer-driven navigation guidance too strictly. “Everybody gets a new Blackberry”. As I post this my computer is telling me I have a Java update, a spyware update and a few other really urgent issues.
Hard to believe it was 20 years ago that “Baby Jessica” fell down that 18″ well shaft in West Texas.
This has nothing to do with your post……
I just stumbled upon your site and boy does it take me back! I attended Harding University 89-93 and I have to say some of my fondest memories are from 5:30 in the Benson on Wednesday nights! Of course, one of my saddest moments was your last 5:30 in the Benson! Harding was just not quite the same after you left!!! Oh, Congratulations on the grandbaby!!! She is beautiful!! Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what an impact you made on my college years and how I cherish those memories!!!
I’ve recently changed a few norms for my youth group. I asked them to give up all electronics when we’re together. They loved it. I couldn’t believe it. I thought I would never hear the end of it.
They must have felt the breakdown in community the texting and iPods were causing because now they come into class with their mobile phones held out ready to turn them in. They’re finally talking again too.
I think for our long distance relationships, such as this blog, that technology is necessary and helpful. But in close and intimate communities technology can put up walls and offer places of hiding.
Man, I did a technology fast this summer when I was participating in the Bay Area Urban Project and it was friggin great. Seriously. Playing cards with people, cooking meals with them, and sitting down and talking with one another every single night turned out to be some of the best memories I have of a community.
Good Note Mike!
My parents do not own a computer OR a cell phone. They write wonderful “snail mail” letters & notes every week to people. Their youngest grandchild, who resides in Italy right now, has received some airmail letters from them, & he’s always so thrilled to get them! I believe those are the only real letters he receives in his mailbox. They’re a lovely novelty for him.
I read recently that the average person receives 177 emails, text messages, cell phone calls, voice mails, and faxes per day.
I like this blog devoted to the original computer:
http://www.pencilrevolution.com/2006/01/124/
Go Clint Hurdle and the Colorado Rockies!
Peace.
A friend and I were recently discussing the old Commodore 64 computer, and the Tandys we had in elementary school, along with actual typrwriters for typing (I think they call it keyboarding now). I’m only 30 and I feel ancient.
I do like a break from technology. Saturday mornings (and some weeknights) are no TV time. My husband and I enjoy having breakfast together and going over the paper and simply talking with one another about whatever we want. (I did just get a new cell phone, so I’m kind of hooked on that right now)
Letter writing is an almost lost art form. We have some ladies in our congregation who are dedicated to it, and I love to see their beautiful handwriting in my mailbox.
Mike — when I was working for you in the mid-’90s, you were the only person I knew who had a cell phone at the time.
I’ve never seen anyone fight technology like Bill Nash. He wouldn’t even push the intercom button to announce staff meeting — he’d ask me to do it.
Steve, couldn’t help but wonder how much irony is in a blog about a wooden pencil, complete with dozens of links and product reviews on (I’m assuming) non-techie stuff?
I think Keith needs a technology break. He’s posting things twice.
Mike, funny you should post this. I am cleaning out my office, and yesterday came across a letter that your dad wrote ten years ago. Pretty interesting stuff…
by the way, my first cell phone was a car phone i had in denver in 1982. though the cellular system had not yet arrived, this was in the same vein, with a phone line hooked up to a radio tower on Cheyenne mountain. I could get service up to 100 miles east of Denver. pretty cool stuff for those days.
Whenever qb has the privilege of moderating a technical session at a conference, he usually introduces the session by observing that “anyone who needs to keep his cell phone ON during the session is obviously too important to be spending time in here with us.”
But it’s not new. In one of his more vulgar moments pre-1978, Kevin Cronin (of REO Speedwagon fame - “157 Riverside Avenue,” live) curses the telephone for ringing at the wrong time. That’s 30+ years ago! We’ve just commoditized the gadgets more and taken them into more places.
qb also finds that when he stops by the Drudge Report or FoxNews.com on his way from his bed to his car’s front seat for quiet time with the Lord, the innocence, purity and freshness of that time is irretrievably lost for the day. (Note to you smart-aleck lefties: one imagines that the net effect would be the same if qb stopped by the Daily Kos or MSNBC.)
qb
Every once in a while, my kids (ages 10, 8, & 5) will want to hear stories of what it was like long time ago when phones were connected to the wall and we had to cook or bake our food to get it hot. They can hardly believe it!
My wife and I just experienced a little pre-technology get away at the Parish Hermitage. It was wonderful to get unplugged from technology and plugged in the God.
You are on it, Kent. Does seem a bit ironic.
Peace.
I was at the point of conversion from writing to computers. I am not sure how people did all they did back then.
http://www.matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org
I love the ability technology gives me in the office…but I have to say I don’t think I will ever conform to a cell phone. It INVADES my family and personal life. I know…I sound like my grandmother, saying she will never use a microwave.
I’m pretty strong willed about personal time… and cell phones don’t encourage peaceful days. Do I have kids? Yes… and they pay for their OWN cell phones. Their choice.
oh well.. I really am a lone sheep.
What’s funny to me… is that I have BECOME an imposition to others, because I haven’t conformed to their standard. That in itself is a great reason not to ever get one! He He.
Yes, I enjoy technology breaks! It is eye-opening to think about the short amount of time we have been so “advanced” and how much we rely on these gadgets now.
I am not a phone or tv person - no temptations there. But I can spend way too much time on this computer of mine! I am starting to see articles about e-mail addiction. That may be too strong a word, but it’s easy for me to get sucked into the e-world. Our blog community is just too entertaining. And educational, of course.
Sorry, can’t comment— I’m on a technology break.
Is it any wonder that our culture has issues with pornography & sexual sins & yet we avoid human contact as much as possibe throughout our day?
Maybe we just need a little bit more ‘human touch’ in our lives. (The GOOD kind, like meeting with a friend in person as opposed to e-mails, etc.) I think we ALL crave it.
Yes! Especially in light of the fact that I cannot for the life of me figure out how to use my new phone - and its just a basic Razor! I feel so old because I now have to find younger people to help me learn how to get it set up. And I’m only 31.
I heard the other day that only ‘old people’ use email. That made me feel ancient. Here I thought I was on top of things with email, cell, facebook, blog, etc. But I loathe texting. And didn’t realize that was the “thing” now.
Not a big TV person, so that isn’t a real issue.
But the main reason I will not get a Blackberry is because I see how it sucks people into it’s universe! They are constantly pecking on that thing and ALWAYS looking at it. And it’s also why I don’t have the texting option on my cell phone. Call me if you need me immediately, email if you need me eventually. Otherwise it can wait.
But, I must say that I love email and it’s ability to keep me in touch those I might otherwise NOT keep in touch with.
have you ever thought about how cool it would have been if the Apostles in the first century had email? think about the extent of writings we would have? would they be inspired?
And what if the Apostle Paul’s had a blog he wrote on his missionary journeys?
vapor
If I was making a job description for any minister–it would state the following in regard to technology.
On days off your cell phone must remain off unless dealing with a personal family emergency.
Blogging is restricted to your days off unless using solely for teaching.
You will take one vacation a year of at least week duration in which you hole up with family and no TV, computer, or phone availability of any sort
You will not have cell phone on your person during Bible class or worship as an example to the flock
Your wife shall have the final say as to whether you are too involved with technology
You will one week each month keep a detailed log [30 min. ingrements] as to how much time involved with technology so that you may evaluate for yourself if too much time is being spent.
Well I would refine a little but you get the drift.
I don’t want to go back to the mimograph [hand cranked] with its messy masters. In moderation our technology is great–but we don’t have to have it just to keep up with the ……’s
And please, please if you are going to use powerpoint for sermons learn how to make educationally appropriate presentations and have a set up so that you can change the slides yourself.
So, Mike, if your papers come into the Center for Restoration Studies archive for permanent access and study, as I hope they will, the record of your professional correspondence will vanish in 1995?
I think don needs a technology break. He’s posting two comments in a row.
And I wouldn’t have posted the same comment if it weren’t for this @$&*#( computer.
(I didn’t cuss like that before there were all these widely-available abominations.)
Funny–our server has been down at Otter Creek for 3 days. It’s been maddening! But, I found myself yesterday pulling out my notecards to hand-write some notes to people involved in my ministry–instead of email. It’s cool to get a hand-written letter in the mail. I need to remember that and take more time to go the extra mile. But…I still love email! Especially when I can send a note, a music file, and spreadsheet all in one note!
See you this weekend?
Saturdays are Sabbath rest tech-free days, except for emergencies and the day I pray about and try to blog, only on Saturdays. [a new resolution of mine in light of excessive time spent on this PC! grrrr]
Only five people have my cell phone number, the same I turn on only when in the car, and I do NOT drive talking on the monster. I really, really dislike cell phones; really, really do!
I do not, nor will be purchasing a berry of any color; a pod, other than those with seeds;and my cordless phone is hi-tech enough for my purposes. I refuse to be tethered to the whims of others wishing to reach me. Send an email, leave a voice mail or drop a note on my blog. I promise to answer when I can; promise, promise, promise!!
Confession. Though I love cell phones when my kids or someone I love is on the road, there are times when I accidentally leave my cell phone at home…on purpose! Some days I don’t check my e-mail and my server is not down. I’ve even been known to pretend the cable is out, when it isn’t. Don’t tell! Ok?
I have never been technoly advanced unless you consider power tools in that category. However it helps to have access to the web in order to have a discussion with Richard B.
Kathy,
Interesting! If determined to not talk and drive, why do you turn on your phone only when in the car?
Sounds dumb doesn’t it! LOL The reason, dear C? If I have an accident or emergency, really don’t want to wait for it to “boot up” - takes too much time in an emergency situation. That’s all. I never ever answer it while driving, but keep it at the ready in case of emergency.
That’s what God created Vermont for…an opportunity to get off the grid and power down.
I remember the big floppy discs.
The greens screens.
Pong.
Atari.
Pac-Man…………
Wow! Your post here got me thinking about my own transition into the computer world back to the 80’s.
Can you remember the first email you sent? I cannot.
Can you remember when it was difficult at first to write a paper using word processing programs? I actually had a difficult time making the transition. While most of my classmates were going to the campus computer lab to write their papers, I was still sitting at my desk writing 1st, 2nd, 3rd…. drafts.
Can you remember the first time you used a mouse with a computer? I remember when my school had a Mac lab. These computers were the precursors to Windows based ones.
Can you remember the old computer languages that people used to learn in school? Cobol, Fortran, etc. Wow, how things have changed.
It just blows my mind going back in my mind to the early days of computers in my own world.
One of my favorite times in my life was when I worked on a ranch in Montana when I was 16. The ranch house was 7 miles from the road, 30 miles from the nearest town. The ranch was over 40,000 acres. There are still places in the US that do not get cell phone coverage.
I don’t use enough technology to feel like I need a break, I guess.
Working for AT&T Mobility I’ve gotten quite an education about cell phones. It really is amazing how new they are, and how fast the technology has developed. It’s too fast for most people to understand it. That’s part of the reason why I’m doing an occasional series on my blog entitled “Cell Phone 101.” I haven’t gotten too far with it, and I don’t know if anyone will read it, but I’m putting the links on the blog sidebar in case it comes in handy to anyone down the road.