Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A Suggestion?

Dear World Wide Web,

I understand that change is inevitable….really, I do. In order to grow and improve, we must allow for modification. But that does not necessarily mean that all change is good…or even welcome, for that matter.


Sometimes, altering something is just…stupid. And confusing. And, I’m starting to suspect…maybe just allows for a quick shortcut to Internet-Insanityville.


Case in point: Blogger dashboard has done a virtual overhaul of their publishing/posting page.


Now, granted… you may have warned me that this was coming….and it’s quite possible I missed that memo. Just as I missed the memo where today’s young whipper-snappers have replaced the phrase “my bad” with the word “fail”.


My bad.


Usually, I’m all for the upgrade….more options? Great! User-friendly? Bring it. But, moving everything around and not offering a quick, easy, cut-to-the-chase tutorial for those of us who didn’t see it coming and just wanna post it and go to bed ‘cause it’s like, 2 hours past our bedtimes….three, if you allow for Daylight Savings Time? So. not. cool.


It seems to me that I should have the option to opt out. You know what I’m saying? Maybe I don’t want the “import photos” option to only be available in the “compose” tab and not on the HTML tab. Do I tell you which way to load your toilet tissue roll? Maybe I liked things better the way they were. Did you ask for my input before you made this monumental change to my blogging-routine? How would you feel if I suddenly decided that you could only have decaf in the morning? You’d think that was pretty presumptuous of me…wouldn’t you?


Look. I’ve accepted the fact that before I reach my car with my newly-purchased computer that it’ll already be obsolete. You people are constantly coming up with newer operating systems that render the older ones “incompatible”…and we’re just like little, blind , deaf, mentally-challenged ducklings all just accepting and upgrading and pulling out our credit cards before you’ve even finished telling us how much better our lives are gonna be with this new and improved...whatever.


Whatever.


I… for one…have had ENOUGH. I would like you to stop taking away all my options. Some of us have grown quite fond of having choices and just because a few squeaky wheels bitched their loads about the posting options not being the way they’d prefer, does not give you the right to blindside me at 12:09am when I’ve finally gotten my post just the way I want it and I’m thinking I’m in the home stretch…I’ll just quickly upload these photos, copy and paste my well-thought-out-and-wonderfully-witty thoughts into the Post Page window and I’ll be diving ‘tween the sheets by 12:30 at the latest….and then, WTF IS THIS?


W. T. F?????


Where’s the font button? Where’d you put the import photo button? Why did you move everything around? Oh, and thanks so much for automatically including that strikeout feature…I don’t know how I was making through my sad pitiful daily thoughts without it. It’ll absolutely guarantee higher quality posts. I mean, every national newspaper story is filled with words just randomly haphazardly arbitrarily crossed out…it’s the gold standard for exemplary writing. So, thank you for that.


Ultimately, I know you’re gonna do what you want anyway. I’m only one small, pitiful voice. But, I kinda miss the basic simplicity of my Windows 98. I also don’t know what I’m going to do with all these VHS tapes I haven’t yet transferred to DVD….or is it Blu-Ray now? I’m sure they’ve stopped making the ‘ole VHS players….


Oh, wait. That would be a different letter.

Love,

Lauren said...

Yeah... I think they did stop making VHS players. Pity too because we actually need a new VCR. (Yeah, I'm 20 and I also know what a record and phonograph are). I still say 'my bad' and I've resently resurected "Can you Dig it" but jokingly. But that's all beside the point. I say you should bitch about it some more! Minority rules and all that jazz! If they changed it for a minority they can change it back for one. FIGHT THE POWER! Go Kathryn! I'd stand behind you but then you wouldn't be so much of a minority.

Gigi said...

Wait! Stop the press! They've changed the blogger posting format?? It hasn't been that long since I posted something!! How is that I haven't been notified?? This is reprehensible. It must be stopped.

Oh, and by the way, I will tell you which way to load the toilet paper. Over the top. Just so ya know....

And seriously? Am I the first to comment? A miracle.

Gigi said...

Oh, my bad.....

I'm not the first - but I'm in the top ten . . . not too bad.

Heather said...

Hmm..I didn't notice any changes. Just shows ya how closely I pay attention! I don't have a font button. Maybe it is cause I have a predone background.

Anyone who is anyone, should know that all changes need to be review, tested and recieve the Kathryn seal of approval! LOL!

I still haven't converted my VHS's to DVD yet either!

Moonrayvenne said...

WHAT??? I guess if I posted more often, I would've noticed.
I'm with you! They should just leave things alone or at least give plenty of notice & then change things a little at a time. (((HUGS))

Oddyoddyo13 said...

Before I completely agree with you and start ranting about how simpler is truly better when it comes to computers, I have just one question to ask.

"Young whipper-snappers"?

Lynn said...

Hmn....I just posted. Didn't notice anything different. I think they're picking on you, Kathryn. Seriously. But look? Blog fodder material! YAY!

Alicia said...

I just want to know where the spell check button is? Am I missing it?

I'm behind you Kathryn, I'm not a big fan of new and improved...I just want my old and wonderful!

Alicia said...

Oh...and I'm more than ready for that Margarita. It's green so it's totally kosher for St. Patricks Day right?

Christopher said...

I'm scared to write a new blog now. So if there's no post tomorrow it's entirely your fault.

I agree with you though.

BlackLOG said...

Perhaps it's because I adopted the changes some months back and didn't have them forced on me that I don't have a problem with the new blogger publish environment.

I do miss the Load video option but since it failed to work 9 times out of 10 and I would waste hours waiting for well nothing, so depriving me actually turned into a good thing.

I do take your point on change though, why is it that whenever they upgrade a model of phone, that I love, they manage to offset all the average new features by stripping out the really juicy ones that you love.

If you are asking why change? The answer is you don’t fined out until you have made yet another foolish investment. Grrrrrrrr

They are just taking advantage of us gadget freaks…..

A Daft Scots Lass said...

I belive the older we get, the more resistant we are to change.

I envy the youngsters and their ability to navigate todays technology like old pros.

dailyseeking said...

You are so right!!! I am the only person who actually owns and still uses my VCR. What am I to do with all of my tapes? To change or not to change--that should be a choice!

Runnergirl said...

I hadn't noticed anything different. But my posts are just heavy on the text and nothing else.

That and I actually don't know how to use HTML so I hadn't actually realised there was an HTML tab.

Fail.

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

Oh, they drive you insane don't they!
I'm not on Blogger, but when Typepad started changing things it drove me mad. I kept opting back into the old way for months. Sounds like you didn't have an option. But you are Kathryn: the brave and tech-savvy; you'll figure it out!!

Alyssa said...

Not that this is super related, but had to mention it - daylight savings time is totally screwing me up this year! Still can't fall asleep at night/wake up in the morning :( I'm new on blogger and I would LOVE some HTML tutorials!! (On the plus side, just started with blogger, so never really learned any of the old stuff)

The Shitty Astrologer said...

I want to slow down progress all the time. It seems I'm just getting into a comfort zone when something new pops up again and I have to get with the program or risk hearing DUH! from the bleachers in my mind.

brite said...

I will add my 'small voice' to yours...I adopted the blogger changes awhile ago and I hate how I can no longer resize photos to my liking...only small, medium or large...it's like going to McDonalds!

Anonymous said...

All these changes are so annoying. Seriously blogger.com, EPIC FAIL! That's right; I said EPIC fail instead of just plain old fail. Gives it so much more emotion don't ya think? Come on Kathryn, let's grab our running shoes and thinking caps, and (try to) keep up with the times.

:)
xoxo

Momiji chan said...

lolz your post cracked me up today i needed it ive got a post up now

Spot said...

So I'm totally lost because everything seemed the same yesterday when I posted. Haven't done today's yet.

I love your posts where you're commplaining about something. They make me giggle madly. Hope you got some sleep...

♥Spot

Unknown said...

A few weeks ago, I *chose* to adopt the changes.... and then my spellcheck button disappeared. WTF??? Geez louise - what to these crazy kids think, you can just spell however you want?!? Craziness...

Tinkerschnitzel said...

Yep, I'm not happy with the picture thingy either. Why does it always automatically go to the left side when you want it centered?! I don't get it. BTW, I still own a VCR. and cassette tapes. My 5yo picked one up the other day and was like "What's this??" God, I feel old.

Unknown said...

I, too, don't like "new and improved" shoved down my throat. But I chose the new blogger format a few weeks back and I actually prefer it to the old. Except, as someone said, there's no spell checker now. And me - being anal about having things spelled correctly - now has to open Word and type the word in question to see if I've spelled it correctly.

But the new "insert pic" or "link" buttons (or whatever they are called), I like them. At least the pic now goes where I want it instead of plopping it at the top and me having to move it where I intended it to go in the first place.

Embrace the change, Kathryn! It is the only thing that is constant! :)

Kristy @Loveandblasphemy said...

I call myself the Carrie Bradshaw of cell phones. Oh, I'm terrible with those.

JD at I Do Things said...

I feel very cranky when changes are made to ANYthing without my written permission. Forget options. I demand that my approval be requested and required.

THE END!

Tina said...

What? I'm confused. I didn't notice that. I have a new template but the posting is the same. Now I'm worried!

Momiji chan said...

hmm i have noticed it and it will get some time to get used to but is it really a big deal to fuss over it im sure there just trying to make this website a better site which in my case im still learning my self hah

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is a hoot. I love the way you think...Ok what the heck does that say about me????

Jen said...

This is why I moved to Wordpress. Actually it isn't but it makes more sense than the real reason, which I can't remember anymore. But there was a good reason. And I am glad I did after I learned everything all over again.

kathryn said...

Lauren: Gee...you don't think just the two of us standing there would be considered a minority? I'm really not that BIG all my myself, ya know... I say grab Freud and the gang and meet me in front of Blogger headquarters...say, noon-ish? I'll bring some bagels...you bring something to make a big 'ole sign.

Gigi: HA! "Load" the toilet paper! (Was that an intentional pun?) Please tell me I'm not the only one with this "different" version of Blogger Dashboard. Could you imagine? If no-one else sees it but ME?? Crap...

Heather: HA! Yeah...'cause EVERYONE thinks to check with ME before changing ANYTHING, right?! Crap...what are we gonna do if there are no more VHS machines?? How will we watch all our home movie stuff??

kathryn said...

Collette: Thank you! I KNEW you'd agree....since you're just like me. (AH! 2-points for the Seuss-rhyme!) You're the third person to express surprise over this change...I'm starting to panic that it might just be ME. Seriously?!?

Oddyoddyo13: HA! Well, I didn't mean you, of course...although you and Connor are the same age...and I did check with him for the latest updates on everything he says I say wrong, so....yeah!

Lynn: I know, but....seriously?? Oh, c'mon! Mine is majorly different! You can't miss it! Internet Explorer, right? Now, I'm starting to seriously freak OUT.

kathryn said...

Alicia: HA! Oh, thank God you see what I'M seeing! I didn't even realize that spell-check was missing, but that's only 'cause I do all my posts in "Word" first and it just loooooves correcting me there. Oh, and green...red...purple...any color Margarita is okay by me!!

Christopher: HEY. No blaming ME, bud. You need to MAN-UP and FACE the BLOGGER DRAGON....ahem, as it were...

BlackLOG: This is SO TRUE. And the truth is that with most of the electronics, the upgrade is without choice anyway. You're upgrading...or you get...nothing. So, if your old phone breaks, or your computer, or your iPod, or heaven forbid your VCR...you're out of LUCK.

kathryn said...

Gillian: Well, yeah....BUT. We "old-sters" can handle GOOD change...and OPTIONAL change. My problem is with the rest of it...and who gets to decide what stays and what goes, anyway??

dailyseeking: I SO hear THAT! Taylor is presently using our one and only VCR as a connecting-device for his gaming system...between it and the tv, evidently. I'm freaked at the prospect that I won't have any way to watch all our family memories!!

Runnergirl: Aw...no "fail"! The only reason I'm aware of the HTML business is because Blogger always gave me agida when I tried to import photos...the spacing would always be off and I'm a bit type-A about that, I'm thinking. I'm glad it's not troubling you...this is a GOOD thing!

kathryn said...

Maureen@IslandRoar: HA! WOW...I am sooooo impressed by myself! Brave! AND tech-savvy! I can bring home da bacon.....! Yeah, I'll figure it out...but I won't LIKE it. OPTIONS...I WANT my options. At least, make me feel like I've got 'em....ya know?

Alyssa: Welcome! And YES, we're dying over here as well from the switch to DST. How can one simple hour make such a horrendous difference on how well we do (or don't) sleep? Feel free to email me with any questions...I'll help if I can....although, I'm feeling like a beginner all over again with this change! Thanks for the comment-

kathryn said...

GRUNTILDA: I know just what you mean! No-one wants to be left behind...then we're considered "technological dinosaurs"...but it seems to to be so...all or nothing, ya know?

brite: The "McDonalds of Blogging"...it gives new meaning to Burger King's old slogan of "Have it your way," right??

Fierce: HA!I guess Connor (13) didn't think "my bad" and "EPIC fail" were on the same level....so, I suppose we could blame him. His response? You guessed it: "My bad." Sigh....

kathryn said...

uo-chan: (Smiles) I'm glad you enjoyed it, sweetie.

Spot: Either I've been singled out, or all the smart kids don't notice the changes the way I am. I just don't get it...'cause it seems like a drastically different dashboard to this demented damsel. Ya think I'm sleep deprived? I wonder if that happened before or after I noticed the change?

ValleyWriter: Aw, crap. That must've been where I missed the memo. See? Now Blogger (I almost spelled it "booger" ((snicker)) ) is gonna say it's my OWN FAULT for not being prepared and that I had my chance. My bad. I mean, Fail. I mean, EPIC FAIL. I'll stand behind YOU & Alicia and we'll protest the missing spellcheck button. Or, should we call the police and put in a missing booger report??

kathryn said...

Tinkerschnitzel: Aw, Don't feel old! Just don't let the 5yo stuck a pb&j into the slot of that dinoasur...and explain to them that the tape could very well contain the only moving images of them as a baby! THAT'S what's scaring ME. We'll have to pay a king's ransom to have these babies "converted" to whatever the newest techhie version of electronic recording may be (at that moment)...

Kimberly: HA! "Embrace the change...it's the only thing that's constant!" I LOVE THIS! It's gonna be my mantra and I'll think of you every time I have to post and decide to move a photo around to a different location. The "compose" page is still off on spacing from one paragraph to the next and I counted on the HTML to set everything straight. Now, I'm toggling back and forth, between my beloved italics (compose page) and underline or bold (I believe still on HTML page, or maybe they're gone). Grrrrrr. I wish you could customize the options for THIS the way they let you customize the options for your template! that would be something!

Kristy: Oh, give yourself time. In this day of "everything now" and "immediately" and "ASAP, between Pizza and the Pediatrician, you won't believe I've thanked my lucky stars I've had a cell...and that I know how to use it!!

kathryn said...

JD at I Do Things: Yes, ma'am. That's why your place is called I Do Things. (With the "and not YOU" part kind of implied, right?)

Tina: Maybe 'cause your new template is custom? It's beautiful, btw. Maybe they're only torturing us here in the U.S....'cause they know we don't handle change well??

uo-chan: I'm sure eventually it'll seem "normal"...for now, I'm still trying to figure out where everything is...

kathryn said...

sarah: That says that you have excellent taste, of course! I can totally admire that in a reader. And now, I shall admire your writing at your place!

Jen: Ok. Okay. Well, that's a very good reason. I think. Wait....what?
Wordpress.....riiiiight. Got it. No...wait...I'm on Blogger. What was the question?

wendy said...

Well, I am a behind in my reading once again. We actually were given as a Christmas gift from my parents in '09 a VHS/DVD combo player. That was the only way we could get a VHS. And I was glad because I love my workout VHS tapes. Some aren't on DVD and are so old I doubt they ever will be. It was bought at Wal-Mart since my dad works there and gets a discount. Best present ever. Don't get rid of your VHS, Kathryn. Go to Wal-Mart instead =)

Jerry said...

Oh great! Somethings changed.

I use Yahoo mail and a few months back they came up with a new and improved version that would somehow automatically connect to things I didn't understand. I searched frantically for and 'undo' button or 'I don't like this shit' button. Finally after digging down multiple menus I found an 'opt for classic' button. I jammed that thing hard. Up popped a questionnaire why? I don't think I was too nice in my response.

Just leave me alone. I barely understand what I am doing now.

So, yeah -- I understand.

Anonymous said...

I go through this with Facebook every 6 weeks or so. SO frustrating. I suspect the hair color industry is bribing them to give us grey hairs.

kathryn said...

Wendy Blum: I may have to do that! But, what happens if all the VHS machines break before I get out old stuff transferred over to DVD? And what if DVD goes the way of the dinosaur before I get around to that?

Jerry: HA! LOVE this comment! LOVE the idea of an "I don't like this shit button". That's utter perfection. I know you feel my freakin' pain. Now, my spacing's all off. Grrrrr.

~:C:~ Oh, yeah...you know my theory on one industry in kahoots with another to make us insane....Oh, wait. That would be the pharmaceutical industry...they're probably behind it ALL!

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