I've never been a beach person

I so identify with a blog post by Marco Lament (Tumblr and Instapaper developer), who writes about how some people love being completely offline and unreachable, taking a vacation from their computers and cell reception.

To most people, the computer is an annoying tool that they reluctantly use because their job requires it, and mobile phones are a way for their boss to reach them wherever they are, creating an expectation of constant availability for “working”.

I’ve never viewed my connected technology this way. Yes, computers and phones are a way for me to be connected to my work. But they’re also my play, my hobby, my leisure, my education, my exposure to society, and my enlightenment. I like this connection.

I don't talk much on the cell phone, but I use my iPhone for so many creative projects as well as reading e-books.

Most people imagine their personal paradises as something like sipping drinks on a beach and doing nothing. To me, that would be hell. I’d rot into boredom and depression from mental atrophy.

Heh. I've never been a beach person, either.

I'd rather be creating something or challenging myself somehow than be a passive observer. I'd much rather be curled up reading a good book than watch a tv show or movie.

What about the rest of you? Do you see your computer as a burden?

Comments

[Barbara]

I never have my cell phone on other than when I'm meeting someone and tell them I'll have it on if they need to reach me because of delay, etc. And it irritates me when others have it on when we're together. My time with someone is just that: my time with them -- no distractions. And I do not want someone calling me from the car when they may drop the call, answer another, have to put down the phone to do whatever...oh no. From the grocery (or wherever)? Don't even get me started.

I've traveled a few times with my laptop though don't anymore. I think there's such a thing as being too connected, too available, and a getaway is just that: a get away.

Calls, particularly long distance, used to be special, where you'd curl up and chat, always aware of the time spent on the phone, luxuriating in it. Nope. I'm not a fan of all the new technology although of course I use some of it every day.

Give me a good book (read on iPhone - God no), good friend, a real phone, a glass of wine, and I'm in heaven. I haven't watched TV in years, and Blu Ray distresses me.

I know this isn't a popular stance!

[Martin GK]

I suppose for me, laptop=work, and work != holiday. I'm in IT, and I've watched many in my profession who invariably take laptop and mobile on holiday, and will expect to take calls and stay up with email. I've also watched some burn themselves and their relationships out with never letting go of work. I decided a long time ago that there were several things more important than work (and yes, I'm an MD, and yes, I tell my employees that as well)!

My laptop does not and will never come on holiday- my mobile phone comes, but incoming calls are diverted to the office (that way I have it for making bookings or checking information to do with the holiday). If I ever do go online while on holiday, its for something to do with the holiday - email can wait until I get back.

For me, its not to do with sitting and doing nothing - I can sit on a beach and read, but I'd prefer to be exploring the area. What I do want to do is be able to concentrate on and enjoy what I am seeing and the people I am seeing it with, rather than my job.

[Luisa]

Ooooo - give me the beach any day. Here's the ideal: me on the beach for a couple of hours, within easy reach of shade, in a comfy chair, reading a great book. When I look up at the water, I can see my husband and children frolicking. We go to Wasaga Beach every year, and it used to be a pain because we could never be connected there. Not even by regular landline phone. With the iphone, things have improved greatly. We prefer being wired. As you said - being wired != work. We used to lug a full desktop computer up to the cottage with us. Now it's a laptop, thankfully. I enjoy relaxing in the early morning with a cup of coffee, at the computer playing a game or two while I wait for my family to wake up. In the evenings, we snuggle up on couch and watch movies or play games on the computer in the kitchen (great memories of Fungus on the Mac when the kids were small). Of course, sometimes, we play board games. Really, there's no difference: board games, computer games, renting a video, or watching one on your laptop. As long as you're having fun with your loved ones. And it's even better when you can vacation, yet stay connected with with loved ones who aren't there with you. (Like, say, teenagers who refuse to come any more!)