I love people. They are far more important to me than anything else on this plane of existence. When complete strangers ask me to help with their computers, I’m glad for the chance to do something good for another human. I’m so glad, I do it for free. Granted, I may not have time to do as much as they might want, but I try to offer whatever help I can give within the context of the moment.
You are an elitist computer snob if you could do the same, but can’t imagine feeling that way. You most certainly are an elitist snob if you tell your relatives they can’t afford your computer help.
People buy computers without a clue, knowing only they want one and can imagine things they want to do with one. Often things don’t quite work out, because we all know most people are influenced by cultural delusions and advertising lies. Still, they buy a computer, get some sort of ISP hookup and go surfing. And when their bundled virus protection fails because it was crappy in the first place, or the trial period runs out, or they fall for some of the most basic idiotic social engineering trick, their system begins spewing spam, or hosting porn, or becomes part of bot herd, or maybe all three. Mostly, it simply quits working for them. I know they’ve been misled, and I patiently educate them while I fix their system. That education part is far more important than the fixing part. But they paid money for that computer, and it would be a shame if they couldn’t get back on line.
If you feel everyone should be forced to pass an exam and get a license to use the Net, you are an elitist computer snob.
If you think the Internet is some sacred domain for which the unwashed masses are unworthy, you are an elitist snob. If you sneer at folks who happen to know just a little less than you, it’s people like you who make the world a far sadder place than it has to be. You are a part of the psychopath class who would gladly crush the life out of any living being for the sake of your personal convenience, and it’s a darn good thing most of you spend all your time with computers where you can’t do so much harm. But if things get so crazy your elitist wishes start coming true, I might forget I’m a pacifist, and do whatever I can find to do to protect the world from your kind.
Right now, that’s mostly prayer, along with reaching out to people you’ve treated with contempt. I like computers, too, but people come first.
