Technology and Me

This has been a week of technology challenges and I’ve got to ask the question (to myself) why does technology hate me?

It seems that whenever I make a change technology-wise, even the smallest one i.e. upgrade an internet plan, change computers or whenever I feel brave and try something new – a new website, blog, set-up of Facebook and Twitter, it never goes smoothly – something always seems to jump up and bite me.

So this week it’s been an email issue. I have given up trying to work out who’s at fault here (of course it’s not me – never is) and accepted the fact that to ask ‘WHY’ is not fashionable (because no-one can ever tell you why a system works one day, fails the next or indeed why a password is happy to be obedient one day and then not.)

I’ve accepted that for now, that’s just the way it is, but what really annoys me is that all of this technology frustration has eaten so viciously and greedily into my creative time. I believe there is nothing more harmful to creating a beautiful story, in words, pictures, dance or music, than brawling with technology.

I do acknowledge that technology has now taken permanent residence in our lives and in all areas of the arts – a writer needs a computer (and all the additional bits), an illustrator the same (or at least many of today’s illustrators), and dancers and musicians need it at the very least, for their performance.

I’ll ask again. Why does technology hate me? And I’ll reply that I hate it too – when it’s misbehaving. The rest of the time I am as dependent upon it (and sometimes even love it) as much as the next person.

So now I’ve voiced my anger and frustration, I will strive to replace my creativity hat and simply move on and write.

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Comments

  1. 's Avatar
    Gabrielle Wang How frustrating that technology has gotten in the way of your precious writing time. I remember when I was doing my May Gibbs Fellowship in the nest in Brisbane, I had the same problem the first couple of days. I couldn't get the internet to work at all and only after several visits from the staff downstairs did we get it connected. Then the printer wasn't compatible with my Mac so in the end I went out and bought a new one. Hopefully, your email problems are fixed now and you can get on to create beautiful words... xx
    June 8, 2011 at 7:29 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Hi Gabi. So many people related to this so I know it's not just me . . . which makes me feel heaps better. Bon voyage. x
      June 8, 2011 at 7:46 pm · Reply
  2. Sue Think of it as a hiccup and that once it's sorted, the rest of the time is your own to write. (A very painful hiccup mind you!) Hope it's sorted soon.
    June 8, 2011 at 8:51 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Hmmm. Not quite.
      June 8, 2011 at 7:41 pm · Reply
  3. 's Avatar
    Chris Bell Hope your techno gadgetry starts behaving very soon. When I had similar probs away from home, I got some advice from website and Bigpond tech's and a change of incoming/outgoing mail settings solved it. Meanwhile, hope your creativity hat is soothing and welcoming the muse. x Chris
    June 8, 2011 at 9:14 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Thanks Chris. Tried all that.
      June 8, 2011 at 7:41 pm · Reply
  4. alison reynolds Corinne, I hear you. I feel as if the computer plays a game with me, and always wins. Today this new thing's started on my email where the first few lines of each email appear in the list written in bright blue. No idea why, but it cranks me up! I hope that your tech problems disappear soon. Enjoy the May Gibbs. Alison
    June 8, 2011 at 9:52 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne No, I'm just learning to live with it. Thanks Alison.
      June 8, 2011 at 7:43 pm · Reply
  5. 's Avatar
    Kayleen West - Children's Book IIlustrator If it makes you feel any better know that there is nothing personal between you and the PC. The computer is out to frustrate us all. Crashing, freezing, being fussy about passwords etc. I think mine gets PMS! It cares not who it offends. But then again on occasions it can be adorably cooperative and makes our lives so much easier. Today mine has behaved and so I will give it a dust as promised. Works every time.
    June 8, 2011 at 5:16 pm · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Thanks Kayleen. Logically I know that, but ....
      June 8, 2011 at 7:40 pm · Reply
  6. Kaye Baillie Hi Corinne. Many times I have cursed lost time due to my inability to navigate screens. It's not in my blood to love technology although it has its benefits. I pretty much just do what I need and no more.
    June 11, 2011 at 8:59 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Yes Kaye, it's so maddening though isn't it? Thank goodness, all good now, but I'll say that quietly.
      June 12, 2011 at 10:54 pm · Reply

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