I have a plan (again).

Dear reader,

I have a plan (again) to keep this a worthwhile blog.  I’ve been reading much of late, so that explains some of the delay in posting a blog entry.  But I also find that I am becoming a technophobe, an anti-techie, as it were.  The kindle reader, for example is touted as a great thing.  I’m sure it is.  But it also retails at $360, plus approximately $10 per title purchased.  I’m too cheap for that, I think, plus I enjoy the experience of browsing in the bookstore.  That, in fact, is part of the enjoyment of the book; that I share some sort of history with it that I can pass along to others when I recommend the book.  Amazon is fine, of cours, and quite speedy and economical (for the most part).  Still, I think of all the books I might purchase at a used book store for that price.  Perhaps as a result of getting older (or perhaps as a result of feeling rather diffused in the focus I have been giving to all of the diverse roles I have that causes my tech aversion.  It may also be that, knowing the tendency of technology, and computers, in particular, from having had to repair hardware and software, I like to have a backup plan.  Indeed, avoiding the technology (even this blog) and relying on more reliable, time-worn, technology, is a sound alternative.

Having said all of that, I plan to leave the laptop at home during the week, unless it absolutely necessary.  From hence, I will be writing long-hand and offline through the week.  At the same time, my eldest has agreed to post an essay two or three times per week.  That way, the laptop doesn’t become a burden as extra luggage or as detractor from recording my thoughts and opinions.

I do have at least one ulterior motive for leaving the laptop home, though.  I find that I write better using pen and paper or pencil and paper.  I do not say this is true of others, but it is true of me.  The sound of pen or pencil scritching in the notebook, leaving a permanent record, is a welcome sound.  It is one that still allows me to hear the birds chirping, the cars honking, and the people talking.  It prevents distraction from reading everything in my Google reader first.  It provides a natural discipline and solitude from which my thoughts seem to flow better.

Oh, and I thought of one other facet to this approach.  When we (those that do) write a letter, some delay exists between the writing and the sending of the letter, between the sending and the receiving of the letter (thankfully), and between the receiving of the letter and the reading of the letter (normally).  So this is no different.  Dear reader, you may be reading something next week that I had written last week.  That’s okay by me.  I trust it is okay by you.  In any case, that will be the method of operation.  I trust it will produce better writing that is less drivel.

Well.  That’s my plan.  I’ll see if it works.  Let me know what you think, dear reader.  I shall be thankful for any replies, but on the other hand, I do not expect any, either.