The WOW! Buzz

In this role as technology editor I have the opportunity to write about some of the neat, whiz-bang new technologies that make our lives better and more productive.  Technology is also part of our entertainment landscape as we are fully able to experience the art of cinema, music, theatre, and so forth.

In this latter category, the greater the contribution to the artistic experience by technology, the more valid it becomes.  Said another way, technology should enhance the artistic experience, and simply, should not “get in the way” of the aesthetic elements of the art.  Fortunately, this is generally the case, but occasionally we see “technology for technology’s sake”,  where it does nothing to enhance the art, and can even detract from the experience considerably.  Some of the recent 3D cinema releases fall in this category–too many of these and the public will tire of the technology to the point that even a movie where it may enhance the aesthetic experience will not be embraced.  Sort of a perverse “Cry Wolf!” syndrome.

Sometimes the best technology is very simple.  We all click away at keyboards daily in our work and even in our leisure.  But I personally still enjoy writing with a fine fountain pen.

One of the pens I have is a Rotring (Red Ring) fountain pen–made in Germany in the late part of the last decade–a marvelous example of good design, and “form follows function”.

The characteristics that make it so satisfying are also very simple–Proper heft and weight, a finely machined hexagonal barrel to prevent rolling off the desk, a “lava” finish that is cool to the touch and doesn’t slip in your hand, a refillable ink reservoir which is environmentally friendly (no disposable cartridges) and which allows the use of special purpose inks, a smooth writing stainless steel nib (no “for show” gold or platinum here), etc.

Unfortunately, these pens are no longer manufactured, having become the exclusive province of specialty stores and ebay in recent years-giving way to the mass produced inexpensive plastic pens that occupy most office supply closets.

The point is that just because a technology is newer (or cheaper) does not necessarily imply that it is better.  An electronic keyboard, while it has its place in music making as an instrument in its own right, should never aspire (as some do) to replace a concert grand piano.  Can’t be done, and shouldn’t be tried.

Technology selection is something we do almost every day, in one sense or another.  I’d like to hear from readers as to some specific technologies (old or new) that have been particularly satisfying to them which they would like to share with other readers.  We’ll post reader comments, and hopefully learn from each other on this one.

Until next time….