On Monday, the 11th August, the radio advised that it was the tenth anniversary of the first secure online transaction - "Ten Summoner's Tales" by Sting.
I was reminded of this sticker on the Post Office in Clondrohid that I came across only ten days previously.
It was in 1996 that the Cork Examiner was last printed – changing its name to The Examiner and then the Irish Examiner. Prior to that they had moved to telephone sales and placing one’s ad online was probably available about then also.
Just like the anecdote of the local telephone exchange operator knowing the business of all in the locality, it could be argued that a local agent for advertisements in the newspaper would similarly be made aware of one’s business.
But I think that is a small cost to bear for personal interaction, for the joy of speaking directly with someone who is trying to help you with your transaction. The help was genuine which I have never experienced online.
The norm of online sales and automated telephone systems is not doing a lot to promote the art and joy of conversation.
I suppose this might be considered an odd observation on an online blog. Maybe it is my romance with and attraction for a past age.
I was reminded of this sticker on the Post Office in Clondrohid that I came across only ten days previously.
It was in 1996 that the Cork Examiner was last printed – changing its name to The Examiner and then the Irish Examiner. Prior to that they had moved to telephone sales and placing one’s ad online was probably available about then also.
Just like the anecdote of the local telephone exchange operator knowing the business of all in the locality, it could be argued that a local agent for advertisements in the newspaper would similarly be made aware of one’s business.
But I think that is a small cost to bear for personal interaction, for the joy of speaking directly with someone who is trying to help you with your transaction. The help was genuine which I have never experienced online.
The norm of online sales and automated telephone systems is not doing a lot to promote the art and joy of conversation.
I suppose this might be considered an odd observation on an online blog. Maybe it is my romance with and attraction for a past age.
