Why techies are leading the back-to-paper movement

"The biggest boon for the low-tech migrator is the stripping down of one's needs to the barest fundamentals. Suddenly naked in front of the mirror, we see all our marks, foibles and strengths. We see the things we actually need to get done, and perhaps how best to do them.

We see the downfalls of the past, and the possibilities of the future. We can suck in our stomach, puff out our chest, and get to work. We see our calendar, in black in white, before us, as well as some simple checklists, some basic reference material, some blank paper to brainstorm, and perhaps a chart or two. Why exactly does one need a 17-step process to create and then tick off "read office memo"?

The revolution is not for everyone, of course. Some people, attaining a Zen-like fluidity and uncluttered approach to their technological tools, are perfectly efficient to the point of no longer needing paper. But --if you love your technology-- it might be difficult to beat the addiction, to stop the tinkering, to put away the neat little AJAX web applications, to break away from the scribbling (and Mah Jongg) in your handheld. Your evolved digit musculature might cramp at holding a primitive pencil, or you may balk at the waste of trees (neglible, to be fair, compared to the environmental damage caused by outmoded computer equipment). Or you may even be forced to use a company extranet which allocates and subdivides your time into scheduled nuggets of productivity, no exceptions please!"

" Vive la révolution!"
by Douglas Johnston
Guest-posting at Dave Gray's Communication Nation

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Comments

[Chris Meisenzahl]

I gave up my PDA for paper and pen/pencil and have never looked back. Working great so far. ;-)

[GrannyKass]

I had a PDA and a laptop and all the other techie tools until recently. My corporate position was eliminated and before I could "check" out of the job all the techie tools had to be returned to the company. Floundering and lost without my instant access to my contact information, notes and other data stored on the devices I suffered seperation anxiety.

Being a limited moleskine user, I was already familiar with the analog side of the discussion. Now I have an actual need for that M address book I bought so many years back. I more fullly utilize that calendar M I carried around for quick notes and my grid paper M is getting a greater workout than ever before.

I'm still working to gather scattered information, but am beginning to feel more comfortable without all the heavy instruments in my bag and free of the constant need to 'plug-in'. I no long carry extra batteries for my devised and am free to express myself more fully in a wider visual aspect of life.

Thankfully life doesn't end when corporate America no long has use for you.