Perspective

In all of the years that I have been using computers, through all of the down time, crashes, error messages, and upgrades to my operating systems, I have never hesitated to make a humble plea for help when I needed it. I have learned to cherish the insight and expertise of numerous computer techs who often solved my problems and got me up and running quickly. I have always been grateful to them, bordering on reverent, and they are usually flattered and pleased to help. But once upon a time I came across a rather arrogant geeky type (no one you know!) who analyzed my dire situation and, rather than click away at the solution, told me that the problem was 'between the keyboard and the chair.' In other words, I was the problem. I was doing something wrong to cause my problem. I never forgot that, and I always feel a little vulnerable when I try something new on the computer. But now I see that even though there may be some trial and error, the most important feature of web 2.0 is between the keyboard and the chair---it's us. Once we master the basic stuff, we can really make these new technologies work for us in amazing, useful ways. The technology is easier and more intuitive than ever. We don't have to think so much how we make something happen. We can concentrate on what we want to get done. Maybe not everything we learn will be relevent to our lives, but some of it will stick and will change the way we do things, like sharing photos, keeping in touch with family and getting information. So, I am going to play around, share my experiences, talk about this stuff at the dinner table, and remember that it all transpires between the keyboard and the chair.