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Author: Anne Panter
Graphics: Adam Panter
Reach us at apanter@kawartha.net
A shouted "Don't answer that!" stopped Abel's hand as he reached for the ringing telephone. "The computer will pick it up.", his son continued. "It's a fax from the insurance company. I called them this morning to make some changes to my RRSP."
"You know," said Abel, "there was a time when I did such things over the kitchen table, not by fax. Howard would bring the papers over, we'd have a palaver over a cup of coffee, and like as not he'd sell me more insurance for your education or whatever. I'm not so sure technology is such a great improvement for us or the insurance company".
"I was thinking that just the other day, Dad, as I was lining up at the bank. It wasn't that long ago that there were eight tellers open on a busy day. Now there are usually two. Fewer jobs in town, and I don't really think I'm getting better service. But then I wouldn't want to give up the 24-hour banking machines. I'm hoping it's a tradeoff - what you lose on the roundabout you gain on the swings. Modern communications cost local jobs, but also enable people to move to this area and bring jobs with them. I also realized this morning how much of this trend is being driven by the consumer - you and me.
"When I phoned the insurance company, it was to ask for the number of the closest agent. Guess what they told me? 'Hmm- area code 705, I guess that would be Sudbury'. When I said Toronto would be closer, she started to make an appointment for me to come in and sign the forms. Faxing them was my suggestion. Then she said I could mail the cheque, and I said no, I'd transfer the money over the internet. Even email seemed to be a novel idea to her. We just assume that everyone is using technology regularly in their business, but I'm beginning to think that we out here in 'the boonies' are actually getting ahead of the city folk. "
Abel nodded thoughtfully. "Stands to reason. If you can get everywhere you need to go by subway, and phone everyone you need to reach as a local call, there's not so much incentive to learn this stuff. It wouldn't surprise me at all if rural areas are leading the way. I've always said people have to be more resourceful to make a living outside the city.
"Meanwhile, if companies in the city want my business, they're going to have to get used to technology. I'm not about to drive to the city and I don't expect they feel like making the trip here too often.
"Now if that makes me part of the problem, I'm willing to change. We could just go back to the good old days, and they could hire more local tellers and insurance agents. I'd still rather do business over coffee than over a fax machine."
To learn how to use the internet, or to help others to do so, come to the Kawartha Internet User Group meetings: the second Thursday of each month, 7 pm, at the Lions' Hall, Main St. Bobcaygoen.