I don't own a...

[LizzieMaine]

I think the aesthetic design of too much modern technology comes out of the minds of people who still think the Death Star was the most, like, awesome thing they ever saw, and they won't rest until the whole world looks like that.

 

[rue]

Now that you say it... I think you're right and I don't want any part of it.

"most, like awesome thing ever" You crack me up Lizzie

 

[Mr. Hallack]

We have no cable, and even with an antenna, don't get any stations. So basically the only TV we watch are videos. Sometimes I'll get people asking me if I watched this show or some event on TV which I reply "no, we don't have or want cable" You get this flabbergasted stare from that person or they ask "if you don't watch TV, then what do you do at home?"

Gosh forbid we have hobbies or spend family time together (OK we do have the internet)

 

[subject101]

wearing vintage clothing apparently comes with a whole set of ideologies

I don't think vintage clothing must go with a particular ideology. Take for instance steampunks and dieselpunks. They like vintage stuff but they don't reject any technology. They just change its design to make it look vintage.

I refuse to waste money on disposable things

I agree, I hate disposable stuff but technology it's not the cause itself. The problem is with manufacturers that want to make you buy the same thing several times. This is called 'programmed obsolescence'.

 

[Marla]

I completely agree, many modern products are ugly. And their design isn't compatible with the antique things I already own. But it isn't just modern products like phones and microwaves that are ugly, modern clothing and architecture are ugly too. It's really overwhelming actually, how much ugly-ness we are surrounded by in the outside world, when we are away from the 'beauty' we have created in our own homes. But if I thought about it too much I would never be able to leave my house at all.

 

[sheeplady]

Whether you are an early adopter or a lagger or a luddite really has to do with the people you are comparing yourself to. I can remember when I was working on my MS, *everybody* had a jump drive (flash USB). I resisted for two years, because I wanted to catch the cheaper, more reliable part of the technology S curve. When I finally got one, I considered myself behind the times, but I also was surrounded by a bunch of people at that point who had never seen a jump drive. They were fascinated. 8 years later, they are as cheap as dirt.

I agree, I hate disposable stuff but technology it's not the cause itself. The problem is with manufacturers that want to make you buy the same thing several times. This is called 'programmed obsolescence'.

Well, in most cases, your technology will keep working for a long time. It just will lose it's usefulness. For instance, my now 12-year old computer still runs- it is just too slow and too old to run an up-to-date Windows operating system. It will probably still be chugging 20 years from now- but by then a hand-held calculator will have 100 times the processing power, just due to Moore's law. I have no doubt that the manufacturers want you to buy new things all the time (hence why every version is a little bit better) and there are people who will always want new for the sake of new. However the fact is that if our ability to build it keeps increasing, things will get outdated, especially considering that the way we are using technologies is constantly changing.

 

[subject101]

Well, in most cases, your technology will keep working for a long time. It just will lose it's usefulness. For instance, my now 12-year old computer still runs- it is just too slow and too old to run an up-to-date Windows operating system. It will probably still be chugging 20 years from now- but by then a hand-held calculator will have 100 times the processing power, just due to Moore's law.

This is programmed obsolescence too. Your computer must be outdated in 2-3 years so you have to buy a new one. Therefore, new software needs more processing power every year. Old COM ports became USB ports and then Fireware, USB-2, USB-3. Wireless connection first was Bluetooth, then Wifi and next whatever.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

I know exactly how you feel. I am so glad to come home and be sitting in the time capsule that I have built for myself.

I completely agree, many modern products are ugly. And their design isn't compatible with the antique things I already own. But it isn't just modern products like phones and microwaves that are ugly, modern clothing and architecture are ugly too. It's really overwhelming actually, how much ugly-ness we are surrounded by in the outside world, when we are away from the 'beauty' we have created in our own homes. But if I thought about it too much I would never be able to leave my house at all.

My mantra is the same as yours. However, it doesn't stop others from looking down at me for the things I own and use. I had a friend tell me how 'my kids will hate me someday' because I use a percolator and do everything the hard way. The hard way? Because I have a console TV over an LCD and an avocado blender rather than a stainless one? Seems a bit outlandish to me.

On the flip side of that coin, so many people come here and just say that it always feels 'comfortable' or 'homey' which personally, I attribute to the lack of black plastic and other things that belong in a hospital and not a home.

Well, as for me, I don't have most of these things, because that's just how I am, but if someone does, I don't cast a downward eye at them.

 

[Miss Moonlight]

While wearing vintage clothing apparently comes with a whole set of ideologies

A lot of people seem to think so, but I don't agree at all. I like a lot of the past, but like most vintage lovers, I am not wearing rose colored glasses. Bringing forward the best of the past while leaving behind the worst is fine with me.

I had a friend tell me how 'my kids will hate me someday' because I use a percolator and do everything the hard way. The hard way? Because I have a console TV over an LCD and an avocado blender rather than a stainless one? Seems a bit outlandish to me.

Well that's just terrible anyway, telling anyone what their kids are supposedly going to think of them. It comes down to how you raise them, and allowing them to see there is more than one way to live can allow them an open mind and enrichment in their lives.

This is programmed obsolescence too. Your computer must be outdated in 2-3 years so you have to buy a new one. Therefore, new software needs more processing power every year. Old COM ports became USB ports and then Fireware, USB-2, USB-3. Wireless connection first was Bluetooth, then Wifi and next whatever.

Some of it is the simple fact that technology advances as it can. Things don't become obsolete just to make you buy more. Sometimes they become obsolete because someone invented a faster, better way to do something. The 20 yr old computer will chug along but without enough power to process anything modern. So while it's fun to own and play with an Amiga or Commodore 64, I'll put them down when it comes time to get serious with computing.


On topic... I don't necessarily not own things because I have anything against them. I just don't feel the need for.... an iPad, or e-Reader, or sweats, or satellite tv, or a smart phone. I also don't own a car, truck, or other vehicle but I sure wish I did. I never did the 'must buy all these things for baby' and that saved me hundreds of dollars, easy. I stick to what I need for the most part. It makes life easier, for me anyway.

 

[green papaya]

I dont own a bed

 

[MissChloeCorville]

Everyone on here is saying they don't own all these high tech devices, iPod etc..... But everyone on here has one important high tech device...A COMPUTER!!! It doesn't make sense! So why be so extreme but still own a comuter? Don't get me wrong, I loooove listening to records but in the car it is nice to listen to my music from my iPod.

 

[Miss Moonlight]

Actually, the reason I don't want an iPad is because I have a very nice computer laptop. Don't need another device to spend money and time on or recharge and then deal with when it becomes obsolete.

I don't think everyone here is trying to say it's all bad, some want to minimize the tech in their lives, others here don't mind at all being technophiles. I'm in the middle.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

I don't own a computer, I borrow one lol I have no issue with technology, personally. I prefer vintage appliances over modern ones. Console TV's, Tube Driven Radios, Vintage Kitchen Appliances, etc, etc. I like the styling better and the stuff lasts forever. If something breaks, I fix it. My radio was acting up, I replaced the capacitors and a bad tube, voila! I have a 1950s Kenmore Box fan, I borrowed it to my dad, he broke it. I replaced the switch, like brand new! They also don't make Televisions in wood cabinets, or appliances in Avocado, or Harvest Gold. They also sure as heck don't make things out of metal these days! It's all about what the consumer wants. The majority likes the modern stuff, and that's fine by me. It's supply and demand. Besides, if they built things that lasted forever like they used to, nobody would buy anything new. I'm happy to be the ultimate recycler. Nothing in my house is new, minus food, toiletries, a few articles of clothing, and my fridge (not by choice, landlord replaced it)

Sorry to go on a rant. I just felt that it needed to be explained that most of us here aren't technology haters, or we wouldn't be on an online forum. Most of us who like the old stuff get berated for not buying the new and improved gizmo and get rid of that stodgy old whatever you have sitting in the house. I apologize if anyone felt this was rude, as that wasn't my intention. God bless.

Everyone on here is saying they don't own all these high tech devices, iPod etc..... But everyone on here has one important high tech device...A COMPUTER!!! It doesn't make sense!

 

[MissChloeCorville]

Miss Moonlight, I agree with you. I do try to minimize all the new " techy " stuff because I don't think it's a must in my life. But, I do love my iPod! I prefer all things vintage when it comes down to it. It's just some of the posts I've been reading people go to the extreme not to use new tech things, my whole point was they are obviously using a computer.

 

[Burton]

I dont own a cell phone. They dont work where I hang out.

 

[rue]

I know exactly how you feel. I am so glad to come home and be sitting in the time capsule that I have built for myself.



My mantra is the same as yours. However, it doesn't stop others from looking down at me for the things I own and use. I had a friend tell me how 'my kids will hate me someday' because I use a percolator and do everything the hard way. The hard way? Because I have a console TV over an LCD and an avocado blender rather than a stainless one? Seems a bit outlandish to me.

On the flip side of that coin, so many people come here and just say that it always feels 'comfortable' or 'homey' which personally, I attribute to the lack of black plastic and other things that belong in a hospital and not a home.

I love the time capsule I've built for myself too. No one has to live here except me and my family and we're happy so I don't care what anyone else thinks

As far as your kids hating you.... that's absurd. My kids don't hate me and in fact are proud that we have always lived this way. My daughter has a cell phone, a laptop and a gaming system, but she would rather play a board game with me than be on any of that stuff. It's about teaching your kids that the stuff can be useful and fun, but it's not important. Family is what matters.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

This is very true. My parents are considerably more modern than me, as far as what they own. Now, with all the fancy things they have over at their house, whenever I go over there, our idea of a good time is drinking beer, smoking cigars, and listening to vintage country music on AM radio while sitting on the porch or in the garage. We were always raised to believe that it's the simple things in life that are the most enjoyable.

I love the time capsule I've built for myself too. No one has to live her except me and my family and we're happy so I don't care what anyone else thinks

As far as your kids hating you.... that's absurd. My kids don't hate me and in fact are proud that we have always lived this way. My daughter has a cell phone, a laptop and a gaming system, but she would rather play a board game with me than be on any of that stuff. It's about teaching your kids that the stuff can be useful and fun, but it's not important. Family is what matters.

 

[The Lonely Navigator]

LizzieMaine: I eventually had to go online for a new job, though, and was able to see both sides -- on the one hand, it gave me access to sources of valuable information, and on the other hand, it seemed like a sluice basin full of the worst kind of uselessness imaginable. After fourteen years online, that's still the way I see it -- some good -- some *very* good, and a lot of very very bad. On the one hand it made it possible for me to write a book in half the time it would otherwise have taken. And on the other it made it that much easier for people to *steal* my work without me ever knowing about it.

That's exactly how I see it too. The only things I 'really' do on the net is email a few people (less than 10) and buy items (either eBay or discount health food stores). The net has helped me to save money and acquire things that it would be near impossible to do without.

Like others here, I simply have no use for other modern gadgets and I don't look down upon those who do have them. It's just that in my life - they would be a waste (of money mainly) that I could better use to help my health out. I try to keep the 'modern gadgets' to a minimum, but I'm not 'gadget-phobic' or anything. If I want to watch a DVD, I can do that on my laptop. As for a 'land-line' phone, it's just a waste of money to pay nearly $30/mth for phone service that I would hardly use. That's why it is easier financially for me to use a 'Tracfone'.

As far as the i-net connection goes, I had thought of getting one of the Virgin Broadband2go gizmos, but even then that would be a waste for as little as I do on the internet. I'm just not the type to 'live' on the internet so to speak.

I also agree with many others here on how obsolete modern 'junk' becomes. The first thing that comes to my mind is my microwave. I had a brand new one that was purchased in '08 - and it died last year. Compared to my mom's from the 1980's that lasted for 20-some years... After this microwave goes, I'm pretty much at the point where I won't bother and just make minor changes to my life rather than waste time and energy (and possibly money) in dealing with a new piece of junk.

...and same with how the stuff looks to.

@ Atomic Era Tom: I used to use a percolator too...I decided they were far better than the standard coffee makers as I kept breaking the glass pots. I will take a 'perc' over the standard coffee maker any day.

Miss Moonlight: I stick to what I need for the most part. It makes life easier, for me anyway.

That's exactly how it is for me.

 

[LizzieMaine]

My coffee maker is a spoon, plunging into the jar of Sanka. Now *that's* vintage.

 

[subject101]

Hellooo:wave: amish !!!

We should start a 'who's more amish' competition here in the Lounge. Amish of the day, radical amish of the Lounge :rockon:, the Abram Hochstetler trophy :first: for not owning electric power at home and so on. Winners have to wear an amish avatar for the rest of the year. Suggestions are welcome.