Comments on: Living a simple life with complicated technology

By: Joe Ganley

Joe Ganley — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 21:14:01 +0000

It’s funny how the definition of ‘simple’ changes over time. For example, you list TiVo as a simplifying technology, and it is certainly far simpler than shuffling videotapes and fiddling with the timer on the VCR. On the other hand, it’s a lot more complicated than what we had 30 years ago: Turn on the TV, and if none of the 5 channels are showing anything interesting, turn it off and go do something else.

By: Angel

Angel — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 21:38:46 +0000

Simply, I can`t live without my pda and my smart phone

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 02:42:35 +0000

Often times the problem isn’t the technology, but the way it gives us the ability to do all kinds of things that don’t actually need done. For example, if you spend 10 minutes selecting the font for a letter, you’ve used technology to complicate your life. If you just use your word processor to type you letter in less time than you could have done it with a pencil and paper, you’ve made yourself more efficient.

By: Edwinek

Edwinek — Sat, 24 Sep 2005 21:14:20 +0000

Great, now anyone with the authority or technology to do so can find out exactly where you’ve been and when… The technology is great of course, but I do worry about the fact that all this info is recorded somewhere and will someday be used in a way that is anything from unpleasant (unwanted mail) to downright dangerous.

By: Chris Valenti

Chris Valenti — Sat, 24 Sep 2005 11:59:10 +0000

This was one of those posts that I read and had an “a-ha” moment. After thinking for a bit, I think that I simultaneousely agree and disagree with the TiVO/Podcast one. (I lumped in RSS aggregators in my head for good measure, as they perform the same “search and deliver” functionality) Computers were supposed to simplify our lives. They were supposed to automate things. Unlike the jet-pack that I was supposed to have, they delivered…and how! As a matter of fact, they have put before the average user, an inhuman amount of potential for productivity along with practically infinite quantities of information. Computers even allow people to do things they would otherwise have outsourced. (graphic design, for example…heh.) Over time, these “conveniences” became the norm, and the tasks associated with them are now owned by the user along with their PC. Where before, the limit to my daily news was the border of a newsprint, it is now a bottomless crystaline glass of electronic absynth, where upon each sweet refill only fires our desire for more. Where before, we delegated and outsourced tasks, we can no longer justify the expense when the only friction needed to complete them is between your ass and your chair. Though I am no Luddite, quite the opposite, these new technologies only have a market in this new era of mega-productivity. While indeed, they simplify our lives by somewhat tempering our addiction to limitless information, the fact remains that since the adoption of the PC, people are expected to know and do more than is healthy. If for a moment, one assumes computers have simplified processes, for example…consider this: think for a moment of the infrastructure around the maintenance and support of computer hardware and software in your organization. Then, if you are old enough, contrast that with the old days of paper stamping, folders, curriers, etc…
Again, I love my PC and the convenience it brings, but the addictions and the productivity expectations have crushed me. Is it any wonder that the “GTD” group espouses more “analog” processes?
Thank you for the thought-provoking article! I love my Debit/Check card, btw.

By: John Zeratsky

John Zeratsky — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 19:12:21 +0000

Thanks for the awesome discussion, guys!

Tim — you nailed it on the head. Everyone definitely has a different definition of what “simple” is, and everybody uses these devices differently. For some people, simple is have one device that does it all (like the Treo). For others, simple is having a bunch of dedicated devices (an iPod for music, a phone for calls, a PDA for contacts and appointments).

For me, simple is not having to think about stuff. It’s the same reason GTD has a great simplifying effect on my life — it’s a totally complex system, but it takes stuff off my mind. That’s why I mentioned IPASS in the post.

Anyway, thanks again.

By: Dustin

Dustin — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 15:40:22 +0000

My cell phone makes my life far simpler in terms of meeting up with people. Arranging meeting times and nonchalantly splitting up while shopping with people.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 15:25:21 +0000

It is interesting that each of us probably has a slightly different definition of what simplicity means. For me, it is the consolidation of gadgets (combining mp3 players, cameras, pdas, phones). For others it could be consolidating their entire music collection (while still being willing to carry multiple gadgets). For still others, it could simply be buying a universal remote, rather than carrying a holster of options around the living room with them.

But I’m still sold on the Treo, which by the way, is being released in a Windows CE version shortly.

By: Eric Swayne

Eric Swayne — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 22:29:03 +0000

Almost any device and/or service that allows portability of information could qualify in this category for me. For example, my Wi-Fi enabled Sony Clie lets me quickly download an instant “magazine rack” of channels through AvantGo, while holding everything from the Bible to Harry Potter for later reading. I especially enjoy using the combination of Plucker and Sunrise to download my favorite RSS feeds for reading later.

While I agree with the Eric before me that a PDA can offer infinite complexity, the simplicity of living with complex technology requires you to make active choices in how you use these devices. Simply put, there are just some features you’re never going to use. Your iPod can be a calendar, but if you have a PDA that does that well, are you going to use that function? I ask each of my devices to handle a specific function (or functions), and do it well. Why use your Leatherman to julienne fries when you’ve got a standard kitchen knife?

By: Eric Christensen

Eric Christensen — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 19:37:09 +0000

The Treo thing doesn’t surprise me, but I would probably not include it for the same reason that John did not include the iPod: although it does have many benefits, it actually complicates the process of time management for me. Whereas before I could make do with writing myself reminder notes on a piece of paper or a day planner, I now have to contend with a device that gives me the ability to define appointments and tasks, categorize them in an infinite number of ways, cross-reference them with other contacts, tasks, notes, etc, and issue reminders to myself at inopportune moments. Combine that with a cellphone that gives people the ability to contact me anytime day or night and you have a device that actually increases my stress level without (I would argue) much of a corresponding increase in actual productivity.