Old Tech Tales are the stories we share with this generation about products and services that has completely changed or become obsolete due to the advancement of technology. We’ve learned that overtime, keeping our technology and software current and up-to-date is necessary to remain competitive in this application economy. However while we often look ahead at the upcoming trends in technology, rarely do we joyfully reminisce about the past. Join me and the Customer Lifecycle Solutions group in sharing some of our favorite, funny, and almost embarrassing experiences with old technology. The latest tale in this series is from Susan Earle, VP, Business Unit Strategy - CLS Security.
“I recall growing up in a home with one telephone in the kitchen – which had a 20 foot phone cord that stretched down the hall to the furthest bedroom and we would pull the cord as far as possible so we could go into the closet for privacy. Our phone calls were timed and siblings would line up to use the phone during the designated “telephone hours”! My mother used a kitchen timer to make sure we need not exceed the time limit. Often times we sat next to the bedroom door, with our ears pressed against it, hoping to hear something “juicy” from one of our siblings.
There was no such thing as call waiting or texting. All modes of communication, whether it was sharing the day’s events with a family member, or gossiping about a 6th grade crush, was all conducted via a 10 minute phone call to one “select” ally per day. Most of the communication was done face to face, verbally. We used facial expressions to convey our feelings and hand gestures to elaborate! Sometimes just a glance to a friend would tell an entire story. We would often wait 2 or 3 days before being able to reach our best buddy to share a personal event or anecdote.
Nowadays, my kids all have their own phone, enabled with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn as well as texting capability and gaming systems. Emoji’s have taken the place of facial expressions. Communication is instantaneous. Global, local and personal news overflows and updates by the second … not the day!
I grew up using cameras with film that had to be developed at a photographer’s studio. We had to wait a week or so before our “memories” became glossy prints to share with the world. And by “world”, I mean local family and friends. With the advent of social media, photos and experiences are shared instantly with not only our friends, by our friends’ friends, acquaintances and anyone that has access and a mobile phone!
Oh how times have changed! Our ability to connect with others and share information is amazing… and ever increasing.
What were some ways that you shared news and stories with friends and family before social media? Share your experience in the comments below or tweet them to me @SusanEarle
Haylee Thikeo is part of the Customer Lifecycle Solutions Group and she will be posting an old technology tale every month here on communities.ca.com Be sure to stay up to speed & stay ahead in this application economy with CLS: Video || Infographic||@hayleethikeo