T O T K a t - 2 0 0 6

Nobody whines about plumbers using "jargon" this much... or car mechanics or even solicitors. Yes people occasionally joke about their jargon, but not on this scale or all over the media. People tinkering with their own cars or doing their own plumbing, or household accounting aren't seen as nerds or weirdos in some way. People generally don't see it as a bad thing to take the trouble to learn a bit about things like that. I wish the population (and especially the media) would sodding well grow up and stop seeing "geeks" as anything different to or more "amusing" than plumbers, electricians, solicitors, accountants...

I really really hate the fact that we're something to be laughed at, and being told that what we do is "just pressing buttons" but at the same time allegedly it's all too complicated for Joe Bloggs. Make up your minds people and start giving us a little respect rather than half embarrassed pity, half envy, half suspicion. And start standing on your own two feet. I mean, most people know how to change a car wheel and put on the spare, right? And how to check the oil and washer bottle in a car. And how to re-start the central heating after a power cut. It's not much different taking a little interest in your computer and how to keep it healthy and safe.