Reviews from

Brain Drain

Technology can't sit still.

35 total reviews 
Comment from Muffins
Excellent
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I can't stand the new version. And this morning when I saw that highlighted warning the hatred grew one hundred feet tall. Tom/ fan story committee, for some reason, is to chicken to complete shut down the classic version, so they sneak around it and come up with these lame tactics. It's not new technology it's the new ones that don't work which are the problem.

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    Ah, you interpreted this the same way I did.
    My son says it's the same with Windows 10. The company wants everyone to switch to that.
Comment from Louise Michelle
Excellent
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When I wrote Tom asking if he is phasing out classic Fan Story, he told me no. I can't remember the nature of the problem he said some folks were having with it, but I got the impression he's still willing to work with those of us who use classic.

Then I read another posting where a member said he was not at all cordial to her about using classic.

Anyway, yes I'm getting that yellow highlighted message. I might as well be watching a foreign film with captions, LOL.

Oh, so what was Tom's response to you?

Meanwhile, I will continue to use classic as long as it's available and doesn't give me any problems. Of course we have to use the new version when we post.

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    Talk about mixed messages. He was cordial to me, just addressed my complaint about the small print and urged me to try it. I'll switch back and forth.
Comment from sibhus
Excellent
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I know, I know, you just get to the point where you can actually use all this new tech and they change it, which means they can charge you more money. I saw an article, the other day, that was talking about how retail stores are floundering, because the younger generation isn't interested in clothes and things. They are squandering their money electronic gadgets and games. With the cost of computer goodies and the low earning power of the younger generation, it's either electronic toys, or traditional stuff. Anyway, won't go off on a rant. An interesting article, Spitfire.

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    I wonder how much profit stores make on these gadgets? My son keeps updating his toys all the time. Each of his children has an Ipod or pad, whatever you call it!
Comment from LateBloomer
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Spitfire, Very good. I do not like the new version. On my profile page, I just re-posted on my profile page, "Classic FanStory is still for me." Yes, indeed. The new version is so blahhh ... black and gray, how depressing. Your story made me smile, especially:

You are using an outdated and unsupported version of FanStory Click here to use the current version.

(And I plan to continue to use this version--no matter how many times the yellow highlighted message appears--until the computer or FS stops me. Given a choice, I will always choose the classic version ... a little like myself - a little out of date, but still very useful - lol.

I also liked:
Call me the little red engine who said over and over
"I think I can."

(And "can" you did ... over and over again!
Lol. Way to go, Red.)

Big-teeth smiles. I hope that you get more Sixers than "Tom's" computer can compute. A fun poem about a frustrating, changing situation.

Keep the blue waters flowing. LateBloomer

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    I'm amazed at how much feedback I'm getting on this. I was so frustrated to think Tom might be phasing out the Classic. I am getting a few sixes on this much to my surprise. Guess I hit a sore spot. LOL
Comment from Debbie Noland
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Good piece, Shari. Tech is frustrating, no doubt. I think I struggle most with the language techies use to tell me how to do things. There sometimes seems to be no common denominator that we can both go back to understand one another's worlds. It's like trying to have a conversation with Auto Correct.

I came onto FS just as the new format was being brought out, so I never really knew one much more than the other and just stuck with the new. I am still holding out on Windows 10, though, as long as I don't accidentally click on "Install tonight" instead of "remind me later." Your comments here steel my resolve to click with caution.

Enjoyable writing and sensible views that hit home for me, most certainly.

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    Actually, I did click "remind me later". The next thing I knew the program started downloading and then install. I didn't realize could stop it until too late.
    I wish Windows 10 had a paper booklet. I can follow that better a video or their e-mails.
reply by Debbie Noland on 21-Dec-2015
    Too bad there is not a button to click that says "leave me the heck alone!" I do not sound exactly overflowing with Christmas spirit, do I? I must try to improve.
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    Ha, ha. Good one.
    Christmas is not my favorite holiday. Too much work. I hate wrapping presents!
Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
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Hi Sahri,

You speak a lot of sense in this well written piece.
I never use the new site personally, too flashy for me. I love the classic but I guess I'll have to bite the bullet sometime!

All the best
G

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    It looks that way, G. The new site is just plan UGLY! Black, for heaven's sake.
    Congrats on your Grab Me win. I wish I had voted for you instead of wasting it on myself. Not sure it's a good idea to let members vote for themselves.
Comment from judiverse
Excellent
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I thought I was the only one mourning the demise of Classic FanStory. I don't even like the appearance of the new version. I'll have to find out how to increase the size of the print. I am so annoyed with the books that are supposed to help you use WordPerfect, too. The endless pages don't contain the answers to the questions I have. It's good if you have someone in the family who is knowledgeable about computers. My husband is good with Windows, but he doesn't do any writing, so he's not much help with WordPerfect. I like your determination. Yes, you have to keep your brain in shape and at least try to keep up with what is presumably progress. judi

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    Increase the print size by pressing the control button and the
    "+" key at the far right of your keyboard. Do it by degrees until you get what you want. When you return to Classic, you'll find it too big. Just press "Ctrl" again along with the "-" key above the "+" key.

    What questions do you have about Word Perfect. Maybe I can help. I did a lot of experimenting and got some of the answers
    I wanted.
reply by judiverse on 22-Dec-2015
    Thanks so much for the information. I'll try that. Merry Christmas to you and family. judi
Comment from Dean Kuch
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Yes, I too like to use FS Classic at times, Shari. And in answer to your question, I also see the same highlighted message as you do. Seems we're left with little choice but to accept the "New & Improved" version of FanStory.

I'm also experiencing the same dilemma with Windows, although I've yet to give up my Windows 8. I'll simply keep ignoring those pesky pop-ups and continue on my merry way whether Microsoft likes it, or not.

~Dean ;)

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    Wish I hadn't converted.
    Wasted a lot of time trying to figure it.
    Spent forty dollars for a half-hour one-on-one tutorial at
    Office Depot.
    It helped a little.
Comment from Rosalyne
Excellent
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Hi, Shari.
Your post is great, sharing the frustration so many of us are experiencing with the ever-changing technology. Your use humour throughout the article is great. I burst out laughing reading about your discovery of the camera. I've often threatened to throw my computer out the window and see if it can fly. LOL

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Have a wonderful holiday's.
Bye
Rosalyne :)


 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    I have days when I want to smash my PC too. Only common sense and dollar signs stop me. Hey, I was tickled to death to find the camera.
reply by Rosalyne on 22-Dec-2015
    You've now updated your skills and joined the selfie takers. LOL This was so funny to read.

    I agree, the cost of computers is the only reason mine hasn't landed in a million pieces. I now have two, neither working well or maybe it's me, the user that needs lessons. LOL
    Merry Christmas, my friend to you and your family! :)
Comment from Tessa Kay
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Windows 10 has caused many a problem. I had to get my whole computer rebooted twice. The start button refuses to work regularly even yet, though with turning on and off it corrects itself.
I'm always wary of updates. Who knows what they do to the computer?
I did prefer the old FS as well, but got used to the new one eventually.
This is the second post now lamenting that the old version is being phased out. That's technology for you.
I like it that you say you refuse to be beaten and keep telling yourself 'I think I can'.
That's the spirit! Who are these machines that they think they can beat us!
Well done. :)

 Comment Written 21-Dec-2015


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2015
    I think my Windows has an internal problem. I went to Office Depot for a personal tutoring session, and the "expert" had problems too.
reply by Tessa Kay on 21-Dec-2015
    The technician I took my computer to (twice) says he gets loads of callouts about windows 10. Well, given time, Microsoft should have the problems ironed out. We'll just have to hold out that long without throwing the computer through a literal window...:)