Today was yet another day spent wrestling with the migration of my WordPress sites to a different hosting service. I find this type of technological challenge quite engaging…
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The Satisfaction of Tech Exploration
There's a unique satisfaction that comes from delving deeper into technology rather than just engaging in basic point-and-click activities—often referred to by enthusiasts as "grunt and click." However, for those of us who enjoy exploring beneath the surface yet aren't professional webmasters, systems administrators, or database managers, the process can sometimes feel tedious and overly simplistic. This is the reality of computer science: an intricate web of variables, any of which can lead to unexpected bugs and complications.
I’ve come to recognize that the digital world often presents a facade of perfection.
What do I mean by this?
Simply put: In the realm of real life, chaos and imperfection tend to prevail. Order and predictability are the exceptions rather than the norms. Many aspects of life appear broken, or at least dysfunctional. I grappled with this harsh truth in my youth, feeling a sense of nihilism creep in because, at my core, I am an idealist. Unfortunately, the reality around us seldom reflects that idealism.
Years ago, I turned to computers as an outlet for my longing for a perfect world. I vividly remember my first "Macs for Dummies" book by David Pogue, which opened my eyes to the elegance of the original Mac OS, back when System 7 was on a Performa 538. I loved how I could select a digital item using my mouse and then take action—Noun > Verb, Object > Action. It was incredibly fulfilling. To bold a word or phrase, all I had to do was highlight it and then either choose the bold option from the Edit menu or use a keyboard shortcut.
Imagine if everything in life could operate on this simple principle of Noun > Verb. Or perhaps that would be too simplistic.
Before long, I found myself engrossed in world-building games like Civilization, Age of Empires, and SimCity—virtual realms where I could create my ideal world, empire, or city. Everything functioned as intended, and these games, especially those with a touch of historical context and a technology progression system, became my digital addiction.
This pursuit of a perfect niche is also why I take pleasure in physically tinkering with computers. I've upgraded RAM, installed hard drives, and swapped graphics cards—all of which provide a sense of accomplishment akin to my days as a remodeling contractor.
I’ve also spent countless hours on computer games, scripting, programming, and database design, often feeling as though I’ve squandered precious time in front of a monitor. Here’s a little embarrassing admission: I dedicated so much time to the online game Forge of Empires that I achieved a 3rd place ranking on the US server. Yes, it’s quite the source of shame.
Many individuals gravitate toward video games because they offer a more thrilling experience than reality. Within these realms, one can accomplish more, receive greater rewards, and indulge in the pursuit of creating the perfect digital world.
Yet, stepping away from the screen reveals that this perception is merely an illusion. Still, technology is expected to function smoothly, and software should provide an emotionally rewarding experience due to its predictability. When things go awry, the frustration is palpable!
For me, encountering a computer issue is akin to having a grain of sand lodged in my mind. I can accept various imperfections in real life, but if my websites refuse to load, or if I’m plagued by glitchy reminders, it’s infuriating! In the grand scheme of life, these are trivial matters. However, I believe that computers should represent a corner of existence that operates predictably—where I can exert control and receive the outcomes I seek.
This is the only domain in life where I feel justified in embracing my idealism. So, please tech support, help me get my sites back online before I lose that too.