Last
month I attended a tech conference in Wisconsin called Madison Ruby.
Now before I talk Madison Ruby it's vital to at least acknowledge the nature of my relationship with technology.
I
consider myself to have low tech literacy (relative to my age group &
global location). I've only been actively computing for 7 years &
I've only recently escaped the notion that I am “one of those
people” who just breaks tech devices when I come into contact with
them. (I'm further alienated from tech than most of my peers, so why
not make up a fantastical story about it). My partner is a former
tech writer recently self-taught web developer. For the past year he
has been constantly challenging the iterations of “I can't” that
circle through my brain and stumble out my mouth when I talk about
interacting with tech. Often I still think “I'm not smart/good
enough to use x piece of technology”.
My
partner and I had talked about whether it would be a good idea for me
to accompany him on the 7hr drive to Madison and hang out while he
was at the conference. But beyond a strong interest to meet some of
his colleagues and internet friends (who sounded cool from the
internet!) I thought the trip wouldn't be worth it. I'd have to find
some place to be and mill about Madison while he attended the
conference panels.
