During a weekly orchestra rehearsal, I observed one musician ordering seeds when she wasn’t playing. I watched in fascination as she placed a paper catalog on her stand along with a paper ordering form! I’m so accustomed to ordering everything online and from the tiny confines of my smartphone screen. I forgot we used to fill out paper forms manually and place the orders through snail mail.
While counting rests in the pieces, I kept glancing over to chart the progress, line after line filled out in handwriting. In some ways, paper is still a great way to place orders. It allows the customer flexibility to review products, then seamlessly enter the product number on the form. Although the digital version also creates an easy experience, the customer bounces between the catalog and shopping cart.
When I shop online, it’s irritating that some screens change to the cart with every item added. This requires me to hit the back button or select the continue shopping option. I’m constantly toggling between the catalog and my order, rather than viewing both side by side. Of course some of this is due to limited screen space on a phone. Though admittedly, the big perk of online ordering is the ability to track purchases. This is tricky to do once a paper form is mailed.
I left rehearsal that night trying to remember how I figured out things before internet and smartphones. For example, while listening to the radio, the program mentioned tickets were going on sale for a famous artist. In today’s world, I would use my phone to search for the artist, check dates, and buy tickets instantly. But before internet, I think I relied on hearing things advertised, from friends, and by reading local publications. And how did I buy the tickets? I think I used to go to designated ticketing booths with restricted hours to purchase the tickets in person, probably with cash.
I’ve always been a fan of old-school bulletin boards. I enjoy being able to see a whole bunch of things advertised in one place. I still find myself stopping to review bulletin board content. Now I can combine this with the magic of my smartphone to look up more details by scanning a QR code! It’s like having the best of both worlds available.