TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: PC Phobia info... From:"Susan W. Gallagher" <sgallagher -at- STARBASECORP -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 29 Aug 1995 13:23:34 -0700
I guess I missed the original PC phobia message, but
I just had to throw my two-bits into the ring...
Years ago, I attended a seminar and purchased the
highlighted book (and, for the life of me I can't
remember the book or author now -- it was sometime
around 1986, so it'd be out of print by now anyway)
about the resistance for office automation.
The author's research included asking potential
computer users and new users to draw (sketch) their work
environment with and without computers. The
"without" pictures were full of birds and flowers
and music. The "with" pictures were full of storm
clouds and monsters.
The author's conclusion for the fear experienced
by introducing computers into the work environment
included:
fear of losing "expert" status
fear of failure to learn the computer
fear of losing job due to above reasons
and the ever-present...
fear of that which we do not understand
Although the book and author elude me now, those
sketches have stuck with me. And, tho there are
many more who have found peace with computing
technology now than there were in the mid-80s,
there are still those who do not understand and
are afraid of failing.
Just something to think about...
Sue Gallagher
sgallagher -at- starbasecorp -dot- com