Psst: I don't care what gadget or platform you use
The platform defenders are the worst of the lot, as the imagined offense is greatly magnified. It's obvious that choice of platform is a very personal decision with many folks, more so than any other reason. Just writing about another platform is perceived as a personal attack against their choice, it seems.
I won't whisper this in your ear, let me state it loud and clear. I do not care what platform you use. I care even less what gadget you own. My only care is that your preferred mobile device and the platform that powers it works well for you and does everything you need. I like it when people find a good fit with mobile technology, as that is a joy to behold. Just be assured that I have no intention to prevent you from finding that good fit, nor disparaging you for it.
I am platform agnostic, which is why I move around among the various platforms running mobile tech. I cover all aspects of mobile tech as that is my job, and I switch gadgetry as often as some folks change socks. I have a natural curiosity about the technology, and I am always looking for ways to best leverage it in both my personal and professional life.
When I write an article about platform X, I promise I am not shooting barbs at all the other platforms out there. I am certainly not trying to get as many people as possible to also use platform X. I honestly don't care how many people nor which individuals also use it. My reporting about it is to explain what I use, why I use it, and how well it works for me. That's it, really. There is no promotion of anything going on here.
Let me dispel another apparent secret-- competition is actually a good thing. It is the only thing that provides us with lots of good choices, especially in the mobile space. The last thing any of us want is to only have one choice to make, as that is not really a choice. Let's have as many companies making products on multiple platforms as possible, so our choices are plentiful and varied.
If I write that I prefer product A over product B, I am not slamming those that own the latter. I am simply stating a personal preference, and not implying anything about you or your choice in products. I am definitely not trying to get you to switch to my preferred product A, because I don't think less of anyone who uses something different. I like to hear why, as a matter of fact.
As a late friend once told me, "I learn more from those who disagree with me than from those with the same POV." Those words are so true and I have come to live by them. Share with me why your POV is different and I may learn something, but if you rant because you don't understand how I work I surely won't.
Continue to share with me what you use and why, but not from a defensive stance. It's not necessary because while I am interested in your choices in a curious way, I really don't care what tech you use. I just want you to be happy in your choice.
This article was written tongue-in-cheek for the benefit of a very few readers of this column. The readership of this blog is by-and-large some of the most tech-savvy people on the web. I learn something new from you folks almost every day and appreciate the dialog in the comments section. I thank you for that.
Image credit: Flickr user Alaskan Dude