Don't Let the Internet Gnomes Win

I am an Alaskan.

Which means I get paid to live here.

Every year, all Alaskans get a PFD, a nice little check derived from the earnings of the oil companies. The amlount varies each month; within the past ten years, it's been as high as $2065, and as low as $845.As a broke college student living in a city with a high cost of living, it usually doesn't last very long, but every little bit helps.

People are encouraged now to fill out the PFD application online every year, as well as encouraging Alaskan's to donate a part of their PFD to the organization of their choice through the "Pick. Click. Give." campaign. Of course paper forms are available too. Which I am sitting here filling out, at my mother's insistence. A few years ago, they tried the online application, and apparently there was a glitch caused by Internet gnomes and my step-dad's authenticity was questioned.

Because they are already weary of technology, this experience made them think that internet applying is an evil and terrifying thing. And that the Internet is out to get my step-dad. While I can understand wanting to avoid a bad experience, I believe that one shouldn't allow a bad experience and fear of beaurocracy hinder one from embracing beautiful technological progression. Glitches happen. Its not reason to avoid technology; in fact, it's a reason to embrace it. If the programmers/designers of a product become aware of a glitch, then its in their best interest to fix it as soon as possible, or else the masses will move on. 

Don't let the Internet gnomes win.

With the paper forms, errors can happen, and be much harder to rectify. A form can be lost in the mail, and you would never know it until October. With the electronic application, you get an instant confirmation email. You can't pick a charity to donate to on the paper application. The electronic application saves trees. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

I opened my mouth to point out these things, and was quickly silenced as Mom pointed out that her dad is dying. I'm not exactly sure how a dying parental units relates to Internet application forms, but she seems (understandably) stressed, so I let it go.

Next year... I'll convince them next year.