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My laptop with stickers for StickerGiant contest, originally uploaded by tris.

My generation has spent at least the past 10 – 15 years actively online.  We remember when chat rooms began, when all we had was dial-up for connecting, and when Oregon Trail was the game.  We remember before that even, when we had to navigate our way through DOS commands to do anything on the computer.  Then there was Windows.  Macs were always awesome and still are.

Now, we have blogs, web-based and desktop e-mail, multiple instant message platforms, DSL and cable modem connections, role-play computer games, social networks, dating websites, and Twitter.  Most people in my generation are on Myspace and/or Facebook; write on or comment on blogs; and use Twitter or know what it is, at least.

Most of us are now overwhelmed, “full” on Internet, as Seth Godin puts it.  We can’t keep up with e-mail, try to keep up with daily or at least weekly blog posts, attempt to read all our friends’ blogs and tweets, and find ourselves spending more time with our computers than in the real world.

How do you balance the Internet and the real world?  I utilize GTD as much as possible, but I admit I fail at the system now and again (see former post – I am in fact not perfect).

Bonus Link

I was made aware the other day that someone had Googled me.  I am not naïve.  I understand that people Google each other.  It was disturbing to me that this stranger knew so much about me, however.  She knew my age, my previous volunteer experiences, and my various blogs (past and present).  I suddenly felt exposed and creeped out.  If she was Googling me, who else was Googling me too?  Considering how active I am on the internet, I really have no idea; but I am a wee bit more apprehensive as a result of this recent revealing.

My “About the Author” page disappeared when I attempted to update WordPress versions. Yeah I am tech stupid and no I have had NO time to work on it further (perhaps Saturday…).¬† So until I get that dealt with I have a new About the Author bare bones page here.

(Frustrated beyond words at technology and its complicated ways).

Passed onto me by Ali.

If your computer has problems (and you live in the St. Louis area) do not take it to The Computer Outlet Store. They advertise “We fix computers!” on their storefront windows in neon lights, but they do not fix computers.

They tell you that they have done this or that to your computer, charge you upwards of $139, and then you bring it home to find the same issues remain with the computer and then a whole other computer issue (for me: the sound was gone) had developed.

(more…)

Computer Grief.  This sums it up pretty well, I think.

“Technology is a way of organizing the universe so that man doesn’t have to experience it.”

- Max Frisch

Our society, the developing world as a whole even, is addicted to (or at least obsessed with) technology. We rely on computers personally, educationally, and professionally. We utilize automated voice systems, voicemail, and teleconferences. Agoraphobia increases as actual contact decreases. Eyes meet less as on-the-go cellphone conversation occurs more. Technology has resulted in economic success, intellectual inundation, and emotional and physical isolation.

Technology has made us very lazy about communications, interactions, and relationships. We live in a society where physical contact is minimal. Schools drastically restrict physical contact. People spend more time masturbating to porn on their computer than having sex with their partners. We tell our partners and friends how we feel via IM or e-mail. We make up and break up via e-mail or voicemail. I am certain that our technological addiction (or obsession) is a big part of why there are higher rates of depression, suicide, and school homicides.

All of the above said, I believe that many who are depressed, isolated, or phobic may consider technology a lifeline. These people may utilize e-mail, IM, cellphones, and the internet for the contact, resources, and support they do not otherwise have in their lives. Oh and I have nothing against porn, let that be noted.

(Inspired in part by tonight’s episode of Boston Legal)

Updated to add…  If you disagree with me, fine; but respond with more than “blah blah blah” or “this is bullshit.” 

I got a fine new Toshiba Satellite P105-S6124. It’s purty.

Performancing.com discussed Commentful, an application that will track blog comments and other types of content. It looks like a neat application.  If you would like to track comments made on my blog, to see if I or another person replies to yours, consider this program.