Why I Bought a $12 VCR: A Journey Back in Time
James Brown explores the nostalgic charm of older technology in this reflective commentary. He shares a personal experience of purchasing a $12 VCR, which sparks a journey into digitizing old tapes and reconnecting with the past. Brown contrasts the tangible, intimate nature of vintage devices with the sleek, impersonal modern gadgets that dominate today’s landscape. He expresses concern that future generations may lack meaningful connections to their technological heritage, pondering what pieces of technology will endure. Ultimately, he invites listeners to share their own memories and thoughts on the technology they miss most, highlighting the enduring stories embedded within these relics of the past.
James Brown takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the world of old technology, sparked by a simple $12 VCR he discovered at a Salvation Army store. Reflecting on the significance of outdated machines in today's digital age, he reminisces about the physicality and intimacy of older tech that has largely been lost in the sleek, modern gadgets we encounter today. With a touch of humor and sincerity, Brown shares how the act of engaging with older devices—whether it be loading a cassette into a Walkman or pushing the buttons on a VCR—had a certain weight and satisfaction that modern conveniences simply cannot replicate. He expresses concern for future generations, wondering what stories and memories they will create with the disposable, cloud-based technology that dominates our lives today. Through this exploration, Brown invites his audience to reflect on their own experiences with technology and what relics they hold dear, fostering a sense of community and shared nostalgia among listeners.
Takeaways:
- James Brown reflects on the charm of older technology and its physical engagement.
- He believes that older devices have a unique intimacy that modern tech lacks.
- The nostalgia for older tech stems from its ability to evoke memories and stories.
- Brown worries that future generations will miss the tactile connections of the past.
- He finds joy in the act of digitizing old tapes, connecting with the past.
- The satisfaction of using older tech lies in its tangible interactions and sounds.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Salvation Army
- iPhone
Transcript
Old tech, new eyes this is commentary from James Brown.
James Brown:I found myself at the Salvation army last weekend staring at a $12 VCR.
James Brown: Yes, I know it's: James Brown:It sparked joy.
James Brown:It reminded me of a time when technology was more physical.
James Brown:So I bought it.
James Brown:Now I'm on a mission to digitize some old tapes.
James Brown:There's a charm to these relics that modern gadgets just can't replicate.
James Brown:Modern tech feels different.
James Brown:Sleeker, sure, but also more distant, more mysterious.
James Brown:Cold.
James Brown:Older tech, though, had a kind of intimacy to it.
James Brown:You didn't just swipe or tap.
James Brown:You engaged with it.
James Brown:Punching a key had power.
James Brown:Loading a tape into a VCR or sliding a cassette into a Walkman, these actions had weight to them.
James Brown:There was something deeply satisfying about flipping a switch or hearing the gentle hum of a machine come to life.
James Brown:Cassette tapes, for example, that had a satisfying click when you pushed play or record, the way you could rewind one with a pencil or hear the faint crackle as the music played.
James Brown:These little quirks made the technology feel alive, like it had a soul.
James Brown:Now we live in an era based on the cloud, planned obsolescence, and flat screens so cheap that they're practically disposable.
James Brown:I worry that my kids won't have much to look back from it on their era or mine.
James Brown:Or will it even matter to them?
James Brown:Maybe they'll find nostalgia in something else.
James Brown:For me, these old devices tell stories.
James Brown:They remind me of how we lived, how we connected, how we consume the world around us.
James Brown:They are a tactile link to a time when technology felt human.
James Brown:What about you?
James Brown:What do you think?
James Brown:What old piece of technology do you miss the most?
James Brown:And what do you think will survive this era?
James Brown:I would think an iPhone to some degree, maybe.
James Brown:Let me know in the comments and support my work@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.
