The internet! She break!
Dec 4th, 2007 by handolio
If you’re reading this then it’s safe to say that my internet connection has been restored, but at the time I’m writing it’s completely fubar, thanks to a less than painless switchover to a faster ADSL connection.
It’s at times like these that one tends to realise exactly how dependent we’ve all become on cheap, reliable and quick access to the internet, and how much we give to and take from it as a result.
I happen to be in bed feeling rubbish today, so it doesn’t matter much other than I’m insanely bored. I’ve worked in several companies that rely on internet access for their day-to-day business, and when it’s failed it’s been reminiscent of Total Recall – people lying about looking increasingly sickly and unproductive, trying not to build up too much of an information debt.
Anyway, perhaps it’s Be Broadband’s way of telling me to relax and get well soon.
I’ve never heard the term ‘information debt’ before, but it’s perfect.
I’m always completely non-plussed when my connection to the hive mind is sundered; even stuff like writing my column – that should be completely web-free – can’t get done as I need a constant drip-feed of Wikipedia. And I never remember; I’m constantly trying to send email and thinking “I’ll just check that price on Froogle.”
It’s a bit like when there’s power cut but you keep forgetting, impotently flicking lightswitches or thinking “I know there’s a power cut; I’ll just watch telly until it’s over.”