FEATURES
Editor's Notes
Technologically Challenged

I’m not designed to text. I am compelled to write sentences complete with punctuation and the words spelled out as intended. This might be due to the fact that when I was in high school I took typing classes—for those of you born after 1975, you might prefer the term “keyboarding”—we had some nice Smith Corona models in the class, and one manual typewriter.

Photo Courtesty Of Nicolas Raymond/Stock.Xchng.

Typewriters feature the same QWERTY keyboard as today’s computers, but many computer keys are not found on typewriters, including the “delete” key. Typewriters force you to be more accurate, because making a correction is not as simple as hitting delete and doing it over.

That being said, I am meant to communicate with my son, who, at age 16, prefers texting and chatting on Facebook. So, I took the plunge and purchased us cell phones. I spent a couple of hours at the local AT&T store, which was chosen by virture of the fact that they seem to be the only provider that has pretty consistent service at my house, which some may say is out in the boonies.

Once at the store, surrounded by all the choices, I was unsure of which route to go. Being a typist from way back, I liked the idea of having a complete keyboard, and not using the number pad. The owners of the store were very patient and helpful—I picked up almost every phone, feeling the weight, seeing how the size fit into my hand, wondering if it would be a good choice for my son.

After delaying the owner’s lunch for about 45 minutes, I made my decision, signed on the dotted line and took the phones home.

With the help of my son, we easily discovered how to use the camera feature, and texting was so much easier with the full keyboard. It wasn’t until several days later, when a friend called me on my new phone, that I realized I had no idea how to answer an actual call. I even checked through the little quick-start user guide that came with the phone, and the information was nowhere to be found. Since then, I have managed to answer the phone, set up my voicemail and even recovered several messages.

Technology can be intimidating at first, but it can also provide better solutions and streamline, or even reduce, tasks. In this issue, there are many examples of how technology has affected the superintendent’s job over the years. From improvements in equipment (The Evolution of Aeration and Developments in Topdresser Technology), to products used on the course (Bunker Liner Basics and Report from the Course) to the grass that is grown on the course (Trends in Golf Course Turf).

On the floor at the Golf Industry Show, you’ll get to see first-hand what new technology is available to make your job easier, more efficient and possibly trim your budget.

Most of us are reluctant to change, we stick with what we know and are comfortable with (I still haven’t cancelled my landline). However, if you see a new piece of equipment, hear about a new type of grass or read a new method for getting rid of grubs, and you want to find out more, ask your peers, post a question on SuperintendentSite.com or talk to your local dealer. Do some research, and then take the plunge, or maybe just dip in a big toe at first: ask about testing the equipment on your course; create a test plot for that new grass. What’s the worst that could happen?

Brooke A. Rockwell
Editor
brockwell@MooseRiverMedia.com