Own a Computer? How Does It Feel to be a Victim?

In our NewWorld Order of technology over common sense, we are not only slaves to our machines, we are hostages to their manufacturers and providers.

Our emotional stability and peace of mind is bound and gagged, and our bank accounts are being robbed at the same time. Shame on you, Microsoft, Apple, and so many more.

The scene mirrors a common crime – an unwitting victim may have taken a slight risk in walking alone through a darkened parking lot after the bar closed – but that does not give anyone the right to kidnap and pillage a hardworking citizen.

A little dramatic? Perhaps. But I’m a writer (hence the drama), editor, and a Boomer on a TIGHT budget, and don’t appreciate my computer (and my dollars) being held hostage by a rich conglomerate.

How? With the (practically) minute-by-minute upgraded devices we are FORCED to purchase. It may seem I am arguing for the stagnation of technology, but I am actually advocating freedom.

Freedom to choose between “keeping up with the Joneses” and simply content with the equipment we have at the moment, which works just fine for our purposes.

Be honest now – do you USE all of the features on your current computer?? I’ll bet not – so what is the attraction for you to upgrade?

Thieving & Thriving Ad Scams

This is a little off the beaten path of writing, but speaks well toward your reading and comprehension skills. You remember – one of the frightening categories of the ol' SATs!

So I’m looking for a new place to live. I don’t own, I rent. I don’t need much, it’s just me – though I’d love to enjoy the company of another “killer” guard-cat someday.

This past week I began perusing the Craigslist ads – oh, how I hate doing that – but shelling out for a “service” that may or may not find a great match is not an option. I tried that last time, without success. When on a lean-and-mean financial budget, Craigslist is a necessary evil.

Rummaging through the ads for various reasons is something I do periodically, so I am not new to its advantages and vices. Today I am reminded of its underbelly.

3 Despicable Deeds of Like / Share

Call me anti-social or simply obstinate, but I truly dislike being told to take action that I believe is benign participation, which in reality disguises someone else’s gain to further their agenda.

My focus: the ubiquitous “Please Like / Share” tease on inspirational, thought-provoking or humorous photos / texts, posted on social network platforms.

Though this article does not strictly reflect the art of writing, it does apply to what we publish or the creative writing / art we link to in our social networks.

It’s time for a rant …

1) As early as 2011, reports noted that MANY (if not most) of those contrived heart-string messages are tied to advertising or at worst, malicious software, and every time you Like / Share it, someone somewhere chants cha-ching!