Journalist Gets it Wrong

Do you know the difference between a file and a folder?

If you are even mildly computer savvy, you probably know that you create folders to store your files. Even Homer Simpson would consider this a no-brainer.

A recent Reuters story outlines a 12-step addiction program designed to cure addicts and free them from the shackles of e-mail. One of the 12-steps is, “Create files where you can put Inbox material that needs to be acted on.”

DOH! E-mail addicts should create FOLDERS for their Inbox materials.

More than five years of technical support has made me fairly tolerant of computer users who are not very computer savvy. I understand that the average person isn’t as knowledgeable about their computer as I am. That’s why I have a job.

But my tolerance stops with a professional writer who is writing about technology. Not only is this a blatant disregard for facts, but it could confuse people who are trying to cure themselves of an e-mail addiction.

Perhaps there should be a 12-step program for journalists who are too busy to get their facts straight and proofread their work. If not, then I'm sure that there a few thousand Computer 101 and E-mail 101 courses available.