All technology is NOT suitable for ALL people! On the surface, I think that most people would agree with that. Yet, try to convince some people that a technology is not appropriate for them (or a particular circumstance) and that can be a herculean task.
I can only speak for Americans, but when it comes to technology, they have this sense of entitlement. I have a "right" to be able to do this! "This should work for ME! NOW, because I said so..."
Let me set the stage. Nearly everyone older than 10 can operate a screwdriver. Some may require supervision to prevent them from harming themselves or others. Most people understand the purpose for and the basic operation of a hammer. Once again, supervision may be required and various levels of proficiency will be observed. How about a pneumatic nailer? Would you hand a loaded framing nailer to a 12 year old and say, "Ok, have fun and good luck with the tree fort..."? Perhaps a
Sawzall? "Here honey. I know that you've been wanting to remodel the kitchen. You get started and I'll have someone come help you in a bit..."
Technology is no different. There are a wide range of tools out there. Some are made for
everyone to use a specific way. Some are made for specific people to use any way they see fit. Everything else is somewhere in between.
Now, time for venting... How many times has someone come to me and said, "I tried to send this 15MB attachment with my email. It failed! I need you to fix this so I can send it." My response is typically something along these lines, "I could change the settings on
your mail server to do that for you, but I won't." I go on to explain "best practices" and "standards." I explain that just because you can send a 15 MB attachment doesn't mean that anyone can accept it. In fact 95% of the people out there can't.
I might suggest that the attachment be transferred by FTP. I might... That is if a properly configured FTP site is available AND the sender and recipient are qualified to utilized the FTP protocol.
Let's say that the recipient offers the use of their corporate FTP server and provides the necessary information to post the file. Let's say that the recipient goes as far to recommend a free tool that make posting to the FTP site somewhat effortless. How shall we deal with the sender who doesn't want to load the free tool? They want "another way." So, we take a moment and custom configure a URL with the proper credentials included and provide instructions on how to ensure that their browser is configured to permit FTP file transfers. All the user has to do is click on the link and follow the instructions. Hmmm, they report that doesn't work. It worked for you. You tested it. It would work for anyone familiar with the tool. Does the user have the "right" to transfer the file electronically?
Perhaps not. Solution? burn the file to CD and send it to the recipient by the carrier of your choice. Am I wrong on this?
