I’m not a rash person. I think things through and make informed decisions — usually. But buying technology is my greatest weakness.

I researched computers for months before I bought my first one at age 12. I researched digital cameras for quite some time, before I bought my first one two years ago. In both cases, I walked into a store on a whim and bought a product with little forethought and no research.

The only significant difference between the computer and camera and the cell phone I’ve just bought is that the computer and the camera were single, one-time purchases of about $400 apiece, whereas the phone was bought by selling my soul to Rogers for the next three years.

In all, the cost of three years of cellular service is a little over $1000, and it’s unlimited for the first six months, which is when I really need it.

My chief rationalization is that as part of the Co-operative Education Program, I’m now a professional in the workplace, and I should be reachable at all times, and at a consistent number, no matter where my dwelling place is.

I was already reachable consistently — by email, but not everyone is on that bandwagon yet. For the rest of my entire life, my name at this domain and at my other, perhaps more permanent one will be pointers to the same inbox that is checked at least daily, and most days, sits open for hours, being checked constantly.

For those over eighteen and under thirty, there’s really no excuse for not having mail at your own domain. Google ‘Mike Purvis’ and see what comes up. It’s not just vanity — it’s good business practice. Or bad, depending what I write here. But it’s been shown that outside of entrenched HR departments, hiring officers like to see a blog for an applicant — even if it is a little scathing at times: it’s got more personality than an interview, it shows communication and design skill, and it shows ability to stick at a project.

Mike

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