Sorry, technology, but sometimes things were simply better before you interfered. Sure, I love the internet, social media, etc., but sometimes I miss the good old days when technology knew it's place. Now, it's seeping into everything we do. One of my biggest pet peeves is when technology (or more accurately the people creating it) can't leave well enough alone and interfere with things that don't need to be messed with. "If it ain't broke don't fix it." So call me ancient, but I prefer the old-school paper versions of these popular things.
1. Tickets
Concert tickets, plane boarding passes, movie stubs, they all moving away from their traditional form to personally printed out or digital tickets. Now okay yes, technically printing out the tickets is still on paper, but it's not the same. I want ticket stubs that I can use as a memento, not piles of printer paper. I know I can't be the only one that likes to save tickets for my memo board and now-a-days that just isn't a reality. The part that bugs me the most about this transition is they now have the audacity to charge you more if you want to pick up a real ticket. If I want to forgo convenience to wait in line at will call for my ticket, let me.
2. Books
E-readers are a great invention if you want access to a large amount of reading material while taking up minimal space -- otherwise, they suck. I want to feel the pages in my hands, be able to visually see how much of the book I have left, and appreciate the smell of the ink on the crisp new pages. With an e-reader I can't do any of those things. Plus, you can't take an e-book to the beach or pool with you (I mean I guess you could but it's not the best idea) -- and don't even get me started on the effects of blue light on our sleep. Also, e-books are not even that much less expensive then the actual book -- might as well spend the extra three dollars so you can display the book on your shelf or lend it out to family or friends.
3. Newspapers and Magazines
Don't get me wrong, I love having instant access to all my favorite content online, but there is something about flipping through a magazine or newspaper that just feels right. Whether it's at the doctors office, the salon, or the airport, reading an honest-to-goodness print magazine or newspaper far surpasses reading the same articles on your phone.
4. Photos
There is a reason Polaroid cameras are making a comeback, people -- sometimes it's actually nice having a physical copy of that cute photo you just took. Digital cameras are great in that you can take photos to your heart's content, but the bummer is that most of those photos just stay on your phone or computer, rarely to be seen again. Having real photos encourages you to frame them, put them on a bulletin board, or make a photo album, which in my opinion is a lot better than them living in your iPhoto library.
5. Cards and Letters
Everyone loves getting unexpected mail. There is something exciting about receiving a postcard, letter, thank you note, or card in the mail. Yes, for everyday use email is the better choice, but for special occasions putting pen to paper is always more sincere and genuine. Plus, stationary now-a-days is so cute.
