Am I just old?

When I sit down to do some thinking about an idea, I don’t do it at the computer. No, I still prefer my trusty pad of graph paper. Or if that’s handy, any piece of paper, napkin, or whatever planar surface I can use to physically make marks using a writing implement.

Am I just an old fart, stuck in my non electronic, obsolete ways?

Or is there still just something missing from our modern electronic devices? We have super advanced, powerful computers. We even have tablet devices meant for semi-physical human-computer interfacing. Some even have writing implements, in the form of inert “styluses” you can use to simulate writing and drawing.

Aside from the fact that these technologies are still lacking the satisfaction (to my old person sensibilities) of actually physically applying some mass to a textured surface in a more or less permanent fashion, and that these old methods are still generally far cheaper, flexible, more portable, more viewable and do not require power or any additional tools (the device itself, apart from the storage medium) to be consumed by anyone you share it with, why do I still not find myself using technology for my creative process?

Now don’t get me wrong. I love technology. I’m a software developer for crying out loud! And I wouldn’t dream of doing any kind of significant writing using pen and paper (unless it was stylized writing like calligraphy). I’m using a blog on a computer right now.