It’s Stupid and Insulting to Pitch ‘Baby Boomers’ As Tech Novices

I’m a baby boomer — and so is Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak and the late Steve Jobs. It was my generation that invented personal computers.  Many of us used CP/M, DOS or even Unix long before Macs and PCs had graphical user interfaces. We were the ones who had to know how use escape codes to get our printers to work and sometimes wound up building our own PCs.

So, I was rather amused and a bit insulted when I got an email today from a PR person, offering  a”great idea for baby boomer and senior first time computer buyers looking to be a little bit more tech savvy.”

What an insult. If anything, it’s younger users who are already accustomed to easy-t0-use touch screen devices like the iPad that don’t ever require you to know how to use a mouse.

Here’s the pitch

Looking to get mom, dad or the grandparents onboard with modern technology?  Here is a great idea for baby boomer and senior first time computer buyers looking to be a little bit more tech savvy- without the challenges that come with typical computers.

Designed for baby boomers and seniors, Telikin is a new touch screen computer that is ready to be used straight out of the box – plug in and go. No more reading the directions and trying to upload various software programs.  The computers use abold, simple user interface that’s far easier for beginners, seamlessly connecting seniors to family and friends in a modern fashion – through video chat, photo sharing, and email.  Plus, the large, 19 inch screen makes for easy viewing.  Telikin opens a whole new world to seniors who used to be intimidated by modern technology – viewing photos of their grandchildren, Skyping with old friends, the possibilities are endless. http://telikin.com