Isn’t Technology Supposed To Make Life Easier?

Over the course of human history, man has used tools. We were gifted by our Creator with opposable thumbs and a brain complex enough to understand that a small rock could be used as a tool. Perhaps, we used a rock to eat the first oyster. (I can only imagine early man looking at it and saying “Uggg, looks delicious.”)
Basic technological achievements such as tools, fire, and agriculture took hundreds of thousands of years to develop and use effectively. Then came irrigation, building boats, and making iron. These tech advances took thousands of years. Most of the major tech advances have taken place in the last 200 years; engines, electricity, airplanes, rockets, and computers.
Today, tech advances at an exponential rate, but in the rush to improve, we rarely ask, “Will this actually improve things?”
I was given a Dash Rapid Egg Cooker last year. The giver thought I needed to eat more eggs. The concept is you put some water and eggs into a tray, then click a button, and in 7-8 minutes you get hard-boiled eggs. The device costs $18.99, and I don’t see the point. The old way involved a pan, two eggs, and water, and took 7-8 minutes. How does this new technology save me time or make my life easier? Short answer; it doesn’t.
A few years ago I bought into the idea that “there’s an app for that,” and I downloaded everything. And today I’ve downloaded AppCleaner, an app that gets rid of all of your unwanted and unused apps. The first app deleted was ParkAlbany, an app I used one time while visiting that town to see my beloved VCU Rams lose in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Instead of walking up and dropping four quarters into a parking meter in 10 seconds, I had to fill out four screens of info, my 16-digit credit card info, and the simple act of paying for parking took me 10 minutes.
Don’t get me wrong, these tech triumphs might be useful for others. I’m sure lots of people need an egg cooker. Others may not carry quarters around for parking and that’s OK too. The point is that tech innovations, just like your product or service, have to be marketed to the right people. I am definitely not the target for an egg cooker and even Amazon’s robots have the sense not to suggest I buy another one.
The important thing about marketing is getting the right product in front of the right person at the right time. At Madison+Main, we understand this, convey it to our clients, and then put it into practice.
That being said, it’s important to always ask yourself, “Does my product or service make life better or easier for our customers?” Many of the so-called technological advances I’ve discovered recently seem to benefit companies more than people. And in that spirit, I’m compiling a list to share next week and I always love hearing your opinions. What’s a technology that you find useless, annoying, or just plain dumb? Send it to me and I’ll put it on the list.
MONDAY:
HEADED IN A FUN DIRECTION
We’re always excited when we get to see creative work for our clients come together, including some over-the-top fun ads for our client Compass Entertainment Complex — like this one!

TUESDAY:
SUNNIES AND SECOND ANNIVERSARIES
Tuesday was National Sunglasses Day and it’s never too late to celebrate. Break out your sunnies and snap a selfie today! The Madison+Main-iacs are celebrating by popping on our favorite shades and soaking up the sun this week!
Today, Account Manager Rochelle Sommer is celebrating her second anniversary with Madison+Main! Rochelle brings such creativity and energy to every project, and we are excited to be celebrating her!


WEDNESDAY:
AROUND THE HOUSE
June is National Homeowner Month and we know how much it takes to keep a home running smoothly. If you’re feeling the heat this month, keep Carroll Plumbing And Heating in mind to help you stay cool – they’re also here for all your plumbing needs, including repairs, maintenance, renovations, upgrades, and installations with 24 hr emergency service.
THURSDAY:
SNAP YOUR SHOT
National Camera Day is here. Shutterbugs, grab your lenses, and get out to Fort Monroe to photograph the historic buildings! Or venture waterfront in Chesapeake with our client Chesapeake Economic Development to snap some new memories and explore some new businesses while you’re there!

FRIDAY:
WHAT A WEEKEND AHEAD
I took my smooth talk back to WRVA with my friend John Reid this morning to talk about Richmond events for this pre-holiday weekend! Listen in to hear about what’s going on around the city.
Several of our Madison+Main-iacs headed out to see our clients at The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers today. They’ll be taking a tour, planning upcoming projects, and then having lunch at their gorgeous Williamsburg club.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Fort Monroe Presents: TRADOC 50th Anniversary Celebration
Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe
Gullick Dr. Hampton, VA 23651
June 30, 2023 | 5 – 9:30 p.m.
A free celebration concert honoring 50 years of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command is being held Friday, June 30, at Outlook Beach, in Fort Monroe. They’ll be featuring the TRADOC Band, family activities and food trucks, the U.S. Army Parachute Team “Golden Knights” demonstration, and a special guest appearance from Ashley Smith of 13News Now!
Sunday Supper – Best Reason to BBQ
The Brandermill Church
4500 Millridge Pkwy,
Midlothian, VA 23112
July 2, 2023 | 5 – 6 p.m.
Reservations: dawn@brandermillchurch.org or call the church office at (804) 744-3661, ext 101
Our friends at The Brandermill Church are hosting BBQ Sunday Supper for a great cause! All the faves and fixins will be on hand, with pulled pork and chicken barbeque sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans, with chocolate and vanilla sheet cakes for dessert! Reservations required – $7.50 for adults, and kids up to age ten are free!
Get your reservations in by 5 p.m. Monday, June 26th, by emailing dawn@brandermillchurch.org or calling the church office at (804) 744-3661, ext 101. Holy Smoke food truck is providing the food and after costs are covered, the remaining funds will be donated to the Sunday Park Food Pantry.
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” — Albert Einstein