NaBloPoMo: DIY or DIFM

Picture of my blog (post)

Today's NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) question on the theme of 'make' is this: "Are you a DIY or a DIFM (do-it-for-me) person?" Simple answer for me: both! Complex answer: depends on the context!

For the most part, I am a DIY (do-it-yourself) or in this case, DIM (do-it-myself) person. I'm pretty independent given my life's circumstances, i.e., no dependents (including partners), at least for now (though things can always change, can't they?!).

When it comes to technology however - almost anything to do with it - that's a whole other story. I sometimes wonder if I'm a bit of a technophobe ("a person who fears, dislikes, or avoids new technology" as per google). Technophobia is "the fear or dislike of advanced technology or complex devices, especially computers."

Though I detest the amount of time consumed by facing my technological fears, I sometimes am able to plow through technological challenges, with difficulty at times and yet make progress, accomplishing the task at hand.

I have after all created this blog post, albeit initially with a bit of help, asking questions from one person in particular. And since then learning and growing along the way. I'm actually amazed at what I've not only learned, but also what I've accomplished technologically! For instance, learning to download pictures and videos was a feat.

inlinkz from my computer

Oh, but check out inlinks (http://www.inlinkz.com/) as that was and still is challenging for me. I'm not great at following instructions online or in a booklet for some reason. Anyone else relate? (Tell me that it's not just me!) And yet, I was able to eventually figure it out, I think after watching the demo at least four or five times, if not more!

First two cellphones

I mean, this from a person who only bought her first cellphone about four or five years ago, and her first MP player (very basic, without a display) last week due to being in a new choir. "About time!" some might say, especially when it comes to choir. How could you NOT have one?! I mean, how could you get along without one for choir?

My first MP3 player

It's ok to poke fun at me if you wish - I do after all! - as I totally understand why you might. Sometimes I refer to myself, instead of a tech wiz(ard) to a dinosaur when it comes to technology. I am so behind the times in that regard!

I suppose it comes from not believing in keeping up with the Joneses by chasing them: it's too expensive and futile as technology becomes increasingly advanced every year and every month it seems. It's also my way of avoiding unnecessary 'garbage' and/or recycling, attempting to avoid the consumerism mentality - old(er) models do not take so much space in the recycling bin when you multiply the items by number of people, whether Canadians or North Americans, or around the world for that matter!

Do you consider yourself a DIY or a DIFM person and if so, why?

P.S. I had accidentally deleted someone's link to their blog post on my post yesterday with the inlinkz feature, and I had wanted to read their post! (I feel SO 'bad!')