Maybe I'm old-fashioned or being naive, but some stuff just used to be better, funner or easier without much technological advancement. Here's my list of things I kind of miss, even if I don't still use them myself.
8 Things I Love That No One Needs Anymore
1) Tap Water: When did tap water become not-good-enough for people? I mean, sure, if you're someplace where the water tastes nasty or is nasty, pop open a bottle of distilled Alpine water that's been blessed by Buddhist monks. Otherwise, get a filter and drink the stuff from the faucet. Don't you know that there are millions of people around the world who would kill to have drinkable water flowing through their homes?! Use it, dammit!
2) CDs & DVDs: We're all about the digitally downloaded mp3, PDF, etc. now, and I admit that I rarely buy music anymore. But, I do love a hard copy with liner notes, lists or lyrics. It's a wonder anything ever gets made with all the people who have to be involved, and I like seeing who helped make my favorite stuff possible.
3) VCRs: I know, seriously old school. And if more than two things you wanted to see played simultaneously, you were screwed. But! It was so easy to use. I still have one even though it's been abandoned to the basement. I suppose this is me being nostalgic for my childhood, when VCRs were still new technology. Ours kept a lonely kid happy on my many uneventful nights. And for that, I love it still.
4) Books: I need books. It's that simple. Not a Kindle or Nook or whatthefuckever. BOOKS. I like the way they smell and feel and how words look on the page. I like how books sound when you thump them. Unlike the items in #2, I still buy books. Way too often, in fact. Sure, they take up a lot of space, but no one can accidentally delete them from your life if they're sitting on your shelf.
5) Cameras: I majored in photojournalism in college. Yet, of the 400 photos I've taken in the past three months, only about 12 of those have been with a stand alone camera. Even though I own six working cameras, I used my smartphone for every other shot. Oh, I still lust over fancy pants equipment. I'd just prefer to carry as little extra weight as possible when I don't need to have my real gear on me.
6) Film: Before smartphone photography took the world by storm, there was the digital camera revolution. Remember the thrill of knowing that every shot was a good one? Well, I say perfection can be boring. Why do you think all the photo apps on your phone have settings that mimic fucked up film shots? It's fun! Not quite knowing what you're going to get is exciting, and excitement is something most of us need more of.
7) Laptops: Yes, a tablet would be easier to carry. I'm already freed of heavy camera weight, though, so I've got poundage to spare for my portable friend. My newest model is named Siobhan and she's 16 months old. I'm serious. Stop laughing! I like to name stuff!
8) Pen & paper: I frequently write posts out longhand. Sometimes all the clickaty-clack and staring at a screen makes me feel disconnected from what I'm writing. Besides, if the world goes all Revolution on us, we are going to need to know how to write with our hands, people!
What do you love that people don't need anymore?
