 |
|
||||||||||
View from the Cheap Seats... Just because we can, doesn’t mean...Constant advancement and evolution in technology have given us many tools and avenues with which to work more efficiently, learn new talents and do things better — expanding our personal and professional horizons in the process. Sometimes, however, improvements in technology go a bit over the top and actually become a detriment to efficiency or enjoyment, particularly when out of sync with the system in which it works. Take modern packaging, for instance. Have you tried to open a newly-purchased CD lately? After I finally find an edge of the plastic wrap loose enough to grip onto and then finagle it open, I’m still left with that tape. You know, the sticky stuff that holds the case shut tight, the stuff that’s nearly impossible to get off the case in one pull? The adhesive on that tape is so overkill that one could probably stick one’s thumb to the ceiling with it and just hang there, in perpetuity. In most cases, I could have listened to about half of the CD by the time I worked my way through the barriers of the package. Seems to me like the packaging engineers were flexing their muscles, showing off a bit. Medication containers (formerly called ‘pill bottles’ in an earlier, simpler life) are another example. I understand the need to keep medications out of the reach of children, and we certainly need to protect ourselves from those whose intent is to poison the general populace. However, who consumes most of the medication in our society? The elderly, of course. Now, when I struggle to remove the outside seal, line up the arrows, push down, pull up, twist and pry off the cap before facing the inner seal, I wonder how the average arthritic 80-year-old ever manages to do the same. Technology has outweighed function. Just the other morning I was subjected to another example of manufacturing technology overkill. I like Cheerios with a banana (or strawberries, in season) for breakfast. I particularly favor fresh Cheerios from a newly opened box, so I shun the huge boxes in favor of smaller ones that get consumed before going stale. That particular morning, I opened the lid of the cardboard box and proceeded to pry apart the crimped seal of the plastic inner bag. I huffed and puffed and tugged and tugged, but that seal was not separating for anything or anybody. All of a sudden, the plastic of the bag itself gave way, splitting wide open and sending my fresh Cheerios all over the kitchen floor...All of a sudden, the plastic of the bag itself gave way, splitting wide open and sending my fresh Cheerios all over the kitchen floor. There I sat, with shredded bag in hand as my dogs delighted in their unintended treat. Needless to say, the crimped seal of the bag was still intact. The pendulum had swung too far. Technological capability had outdone its purpose once again. Keep my shredded Cheerios bag in mind this season when preparing the course for Member/Guest and other special “showcase” events. The technology of our equipment and management programs can be pushed beyond the point where they best satisfy the need. Just because the latest greensmowers can be set down to 0.064 doesn’t mean they have any business there. Your members may like to brag about a 13’ stimp, but could their putters really tell between a safe 10.5 and a dangerous 13? When faced with pressure to push just a bit too far for special events, remind the power brokers that golf does need to be played for the balance of the season. After all, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Reprinted from the May, 2007 issue of TurfNet the Newsletter. Peter L. McCormick is the founder and maestro of TurfNet. He can be reached at maestro@turfnet.com. |
|
 |
 — The TurfNet Media Network: TurfNet.com, TurfNet TV, TurfNet Monthly, TurfNet Today, TurfNet Events — Connecting golf course superintendents worldwide, since 1994. © 1994-2008, Turnstile Publishing Company. All rights reserved. |
 |