I tend to be somewhat methodical and sometimes clinical in my thinking when it comes to technology, probably because I'm so deeply involved in it.
I'm always in a hurry, trying to learn all I can and to keep up as much as possible with the rapid pace of technical change. Now and then, it's a good thing to take a different approach, so let's do that today.
We don't usually associate technology with the touchy-feely or artistic side of life, but it's amazing how valuable it can be in that regard. Today let's look at how technology enriches our other selves.
I got to thinking about this last week after I used my Facebook account to locate a friend I haven't spoken to in more than 30 years. This is a lady who was very kind and supportive to me in my young life, and someone to whom I wanted to express my thanks and good wishes. While finding her might have been impossible or difficult even with Google, Facebook helped me accomplish the task in five minutes. How can you calculate the value of technology that enables such a thing?
Next, I considered how important music has been in my life. I was collecting records by age 8, and listening to music soon became the most important part of my day. I later became a professional musician, and much of my musical taste and ability originated in those early days of constant listening, made possible by technology.
Then I got to thinking about all the music I've recorded through the years. When I started recording, the basic equipment consisted of a tape machine, a mixer or board, microphones and hopefully some effects such as reverb and compression to make the recording sound even better.
Later, I migrated to the computer for all my recordings. This enabled a much faster and leaner recording flow, since anything done in a digital format such as the computer does enables instant access to any or all recorded information. Also, most modern recording software includes digital versions of reverb, compression and even the actual musical instruments.
While digital recording forces you to sacrifice a bit of warmth in your recording, it increases the possible frequency range and speed of recording at the same time. I have hours of precious audio, all made possible by recording technology.
Then I took the time to read a few e-mails from friends I had saved over time. These were mostly personal notes, some of which I printed at some point. E-mail provides a relaxed, controlled flow in which we can each respond to each other when we wish and in a thoughtful way. While many people bemoan its many shortcomings, such as spam, it's still one of my favorite means of communicating. It will never be as personal as a hand-written letter, but it has served us well for years.
Speaking of e-mail and Facebook, many people love the so-called walled-garden approach it takes to e-mail and other communications. You can often spend a day just answering messages from friends.
There is no modern technology with a bigger impact than YouTube. I routinely watch YouTube videos, and most of my favorites are older obscure videos and TV shows. I still get a rush or good feeling from some of those -- there's that touchy-feely thing again.
I was watching an old episode of "The Fugitive" from the 1960s last night, and David Janssen's performance still gives me goose bumps. Modern technology keeps us in touch with the old and valuable.
Finally, I must again mention what a joy it is to create this column and the TechCast podcast every week. While some people dread their work, I always look forward to Mondays when I know I start another cycle of work doing what I enjoy so much.
Play "Misty" for me, will you?
