The value of antiquted technology

My oldest son is 8 years old and already he knows more than anything he wants to design video games. He loves everything about video games, the characters, the stories, the levels, the challenges, the formula. For him it’s not about the latest and greatest technology, it’s a true appreciation for the art form of video game design. So for Christmas this year rather than ask for the 3DS like his brother, my oldest asked for an original Game Boy. No not the Game Boy advance, not the Game Boy color, the old school green and black Nintendo hand held.

My friend Tony is one of the most amazing photographers I know. He’s a professional humanitarian videographer who has won awards for his work here and abroad. Recently he had a book published of photos he shot while assisting in relief efforts in Haiti after the earthquake hit. He has access to pretty much any equipment he can get his hands on. Right now his preferred camera of choice is a Polaroid. The Impossible Project allows photographers access to an outdated technology that isn’t otherwise readily available. It’s expensive and unpredictable but for someone like Tony with a true love of the art it’s an exciting experience.

I myself am quite fond of the outdated and under rated clickity clack of an Underwood typewriter. It’s the ideal machine for writing as opposed to just word processing. With a typewriter there is no distraction to surf or format. It is simply the writer and the page creating a physical connection when the key strikes the sheet through the ribbon. The vibration reverberates through your fingers and a sense of accomplishment comes with each ding, whir line change. It’s commitment to the text as undoing mistakes is a little more effort than cutting, pasting, or backspacing. Writers who appreciate the craft can testify to the value of the typewriter as a tool in the creative process despite the fact that there isn’t a single model on the shelf at the local discount store.

Just because something isn’t the latest top of the line cutting edge technology, doesn’t mean it’s not of value. Whether it’s my son watching you tube videos of the NES Legend of Zelda levels, Tony shaking his photos to see what develops, or me applying whiteout to a typo, it’s all about a love for the art and appreciation for the process it takes to create it.

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By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner, and work-from-home mom.