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Submitted by: Gnomely

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Hi Karen, Gnomely here! I almost toppled over that was so funny. Thank you so much for sharing. Your story reminded me of one Sue's posts to a forum long ago when she was contemplating the advantages and disadvantages that different generations bring to site building. <b>I'm going to directly quote her thoughts:</b> "I've been contemplating what distinguishes the over 50 webmaster crowd from other site building age groups as well as the unique challenges that the older generations face building our sites. Although aptitude certainly plays a huge role in conquering the learning curve of site building philosophy and mechanics there is also the intuitive piece as well. Intuitive ability is what I think probably represents the major pain point for many of the older people learning how to build a website. (Well at least for me so I'll try not to clump all older people together on this one). Let me explain while I take you on a little adventure in a covered wagon. Why? Because I see the older generations as a group that have spirits akin to those of pioneers. As a general rule we are adventurous, we can't wait to discover what is on the other side of the mountain, we relish the challenge of beginning something new, nurturing it, and watching it grow; we aren't afraid to build, fail, and re-build again. Our foundations are firmly rooted in honor, persistence and a strong work ethic. We aren't afraid of change and we believe in ourselves. Those qualities keep us forging ahead despite the times we become mired in a valley of despair because we can't figure out how to wrap our text around a graphic. We are doers. We plod along and get it done dealing with each adversity as it arises. But the younger groups load up their wagons, outfitted with the latest technology and run laps around us. They know technology, they understand technology, they grew up adapting and growing with technology. Their phones do everything for them except spit out 20 dollar bills. We had to wait until Mabel was done talking to Aunt Edna to free up the party line. Technology just <b><i>is</i></b> to them. It is their generational intuitive gift. We don't have that intuitive ability in quite the same way. We have to learn it, step by painful step. If something goes wrong, we haul up those big girl panties (or boxers), figure it out and get that wagon back on track to see what's waiting for us over the next horizon. As each month goes by different pieces of the gigantic puzzle become clearer to me. And no, I don't completely understand everything. (Yet). I will someday though. It's a matter of overcoming that lack of technological intuitiveness. Well, fellow pioneers I've got to get back to work and keep my wagon a rock'in and roll'in along the web site building road." Boy, I must say that it is remarkable how far Sue has come along since those early years, don't you? My Very Gnomely Best, Gnomely

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