I’m not quite as intransigent as I make Arlo appear in this not-so-old A&J strip, but it does reflect my ambivalence about the ever-shifting online experience. I think I can say, without contradiction, that Arlo & Janis was one of the first syndicated newspaper strips to embrace digital technology. A&J was one of the first comics—if not the first—to invite email back in the heady days of AOL hegemony, and I diligently have maintained a personal Web presence for well over 20 years. (OK, I sometimes have been more diligent than other times.) I am not a Luddite, but I am antediluvian. I find myself flummoxed these days by what seems to me the chaotic array of ‘social media.’ I have dabbled in Twitter, and I have waded up to my knees in Facebook, but I’ve not taken any plunge. Still, we all know this site is getting a bit threadbare. That’s not your fault! That’s mine. If you’re reading this, I thank you, and I take it as a sign you have at least a vague interest in where this all goes. I know, I know: I’ve talked about this before, a lot, and it hasn’t been just talk. I have sought professional counsel (Not that kind, although it might not hurt.) from various sources and never found a good fit. I continue to struggle with this, I think, important issue. Perhaps I’m overthinking it. Again, I don’t want to sound as if I’m in any way discounting those of you who continue to visit this site and find something to enjoy. You’re my rock! Whatever I do, it will be built on the foundation of what we’ve been doing here for years. But one of these days, I will do something!
55 responses to “Tweets, share and the like”
I’m not sure what JJ is fretting about. The only deficiency of the site is that he doesn’t get to write on it as often as we’d like. A lot of social media is utterly shallow, and optimized for expressing as many brainless opinions as possible in as few words as possible. I remember the day when a 30-second TV campaign ad was considered the most debased possible form of political discourse. With Twitter, a 30-second ad sounds like the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
All we want is more words!
Someone complimented me on the Luddie t-shirt, and I was able to say “Thanks! Do you read A&J? I sort of know the cartoonist, and he’s a really nice guy!” 🙂 So it all helps with your “presence” I think.
Yep, I’m a Mormon convert who’s died once about 8 years ago, but the great Fisher tossed me back into the pool.
I’m on SSDI, working part-time to supplement it since it’s not enough for a family of 5 to live on. My wife and two high-functioning ASC daughters also work part-time, the rest of their time is spent with the daughter who’s 23 and at the low-functioning end of that spectrum.
So, retirement isn’t very likely. Ever. But what would I do with all that free time?
I will be 65 in May 2018.
Jimmy:
I have been a techie since my mid-twenties, but, as I have aged, I have become a careful and selective techie. That means that I will adopt a new technology only if it actually serves a need that I have.
Currently, I have no need for a smartphone, so I stay with my seven-year-old dumb phone.
Because I don’t play online games, etc., I do not need a computer with a hyperactive chip and motherboard.
I could go on, but I think my meaning is clear.
And, because I have always been a logophile, I don’t need or frequent those sites with lots of pretty pictures and animation.
How about who is the oldest? I’m guessing most of the women here are mature enough not to be silly about revealing their age [as long as it’s not a problem for business reasons].
87.
Peace,
“I have sought professional counsel (Not that kind, although it might not hurt.)”
That reminds me of my all-time favorite Arlo & Janis strip.
Arlo tells Janis about how he’s feeling down lately.
Janis: “Maybe you should see someone.”
Arlo: “I thought about that, but I decided it wasn’t a good idea. But that’s very open-minded of you.”
Pause
Arlo: “Oh, you mean like a therapist.”
I am a proud 74 – and I worked 46 hours last week!
77 and working again. Pension doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Pretty good part time gig behind the wheel of a school bus.
By the way at 73 I am getting some “Why are you doing reconstruction of your breasts?” Flack or quizzical looks.
It did not occur to Ghost or me that we not reconstruct them. We both enjoyed them although Ghost did tell me this week he liked the right one best. That’s the one I have for now.
Tommy Smothers, call your office.
Mom always liked you best.
75. I think it’s fun to see where we are on the age spectrum. Good idea, guys. (On my back icing and elevating replaced knee.).
Somewhere between Nancy and Charlotte….
Nancy, how long were you hospitalized for this knee replacement? I was in as long as a week, and a friend was in [a LOT more recently, but with same surgeon & hospital] for only one day.
Nancy: My hospital gig is Family Waiting Volunteer, Tuesdays, about 6hr outside the surgery suite, tending to families, partners, etc. of surgical patients. Last wk orthopod w/ longest waiting list was off goose-hunting, but he was there today, w/ his usual 4 or 5 scheduled surgeries, mostly knee, hip, shoulder replacements. Elaine got a new knee in her mid-70s, courtesy of the now retired orthopod that the above one replaced. Walking behind her 2-3 months after the surgery, I could see no evidence of the new joint. Hope yours goes equally well. Current orthopod [one of 4 + 1 visitor] mentioned has the best ‘bedside’ manner of any surgeon I know, or is maybe tied / that w/ a beloved general surgeon. Peace,
61 living on SSDI because idiots can’t and shouldn’t drive.
68, starting my third year of retirement – I think I may be getting the hang of it.
Ghost is 71 to my 73. Still going for younger men at my age.
I had surgery on Monday and was discharged on Friday morning for left knee replacement. My right knee was scheduled for next Monday and I wish to God it was still scheduled.
36th anniversary of my Jack Benny birthday.
Still doing 2 days a week of “Unstructured Employment”
Jimmy
Just watching the Villagers enjoying themselves is doing something.
I echo the feeling we need an edit button – but realize making it so only the original
poster can edit may make it harder than what it is worth – all around.
“All progress is change, but not all change is progress”.
Be kind to us and concentrate on your “day job”.
Happily I’ve reached the age of 84 in good health and my only problem is that a lot of my strength and agility has ebbed away. I didn’t have the sense (and will power) to keep exercising and walking. Now I’m sorry, of course; trying to do better. emb sure has the right idea, and so have you other Villagers.
Dennis Ewing, do you mean that some idiot hit you and wrecked you up? That’s awful and I feel bad for you.
Sleep well everyone, and wake up hopeful and feeling good.
Good night Old Bear, and Debbe, and Jackie and Ghost; and Galiglo, Nancy Kirk, and Llee.
I’m 68 and hanging in there.
I have lived 22,208 days. My mom lived 22,387 days, which means that I will equal her on April 7, 2018. That is the date of a marathon that I have walked in years past and, the Good Lord willing, I hope to do it one more time.
I am currently 64, and intend to get a lot older while enjoying watching my granddaughter grow up.