Originally Posted on Google Blogger 12/22/2008
Mother-in-law: I want a scanner for Xmas.
Hubby: OK.
Me: Ask her what she needs a scanner for.
Hubby: What do you want a scanner for?
Mother-in-law: I need to make copies of all my insurance policies so that when I die, you will be able to know what insurance policies I have. I’m going to put the copies in the safe deposit box.
Me: She needs a copier. Take the papers to Kinkos, the office, or get her a copier.
Hubby: Do you want to scan (pictures, documents, etc..) to save on your computer or do you want to just make regular copies.
Mother-in-law: I want to scan.
Hubby: So you want to save the files to your computer?
Mother-in-law: No, I want to put them in the safe deposit box.
Hubby: Found this great 4-in-1 copier/scanner/fax/printer I think would work for her. We can eliminate the printer and get everything in one unit.
Mother-in-law: So I’d be able to copy these documents?
Me: Do you want to scan or copy?
Mother-in-law: I want to copy.
Me: Just take the papers to Kinkos, the office, or get her a copier.
Mother-in-law: I want to do it myself.
Me: I’ll take you to Kinkos.
Mother-in-law: I want to do it alone.
Hubby: I’ll get her the 4-in-1.
Me: There are WAY too many buttons on that thing. Yes, she holds a PhD, but she can’t work her remote control, lamp, VCR, or email half the time. This is too complicated for her. She’ll get confused.
Hubby: No she won’t. I’ll just tell her to push the copy button, she’ll be fine.
Me: I think you’re asking for trouble.
Mother-in-law: I can’t get this thing to scan.
Hubby: Are you scanning or copying?
Mother-in-law: Scanning. All I want to do is scan these documents for the safe deposit box!
Me: <”told you so” look on face>
Hubby: Push the big COPY button.
Mother-in-law: Where?
Hubby: On the front of the unit. It says “Copy” right on it. Biggest button there is.
Mother-in-law: Oh, OK. That was easy.
Me: Was it? Was it really?
When supplying technology to the technology-challenged – follow the KISS Principle: Keep it Simple Stupid! Try to find out what they really NEED and address that need.
I see stupid people who do not follow the KISS Principle when giving presents to the technology-challenged.
