Does technology free us or hold us prisoner?

Richard, I'd have to say, "Yes" to both.  It's funny, I have I have a love/hate relationship with.  If we're together talking and discussing their real estate needs, I love them.  If it's done through social media, email or texting, I hate them (not really).  They are not good at the impersonal use of the technology tools.  They are very good at one on one communication.  

Yes Richard.. a major addiction.. Not sure what it will be like five or ten years from now. It can be annoying at times.. but i don't think most of  us are going to give any of it up soon.  i'm headed to get an Ipad in June... yes technology.. can't life with it, and can't life without it.

I have to agree with you.  We are in a have to have it now society, including information and "stuff".  Not only is that culture inherent in us, it's in our kids as we look around and see that they are always plugged into something...as are we.  

The sad part about it, is although we are all connected, it's like everyone feels they are in their own world.  Terrific post Richard and I couldn't agree more.

Richard, No doubt patience has been lost.  Don't return a call within 15 minutes??  Maybe even 5?  You're OBVIOUSLY not responsive to my needs.  I'll call an agent that answers they're phone.  What, you were with another client and you give them your full attention?  Too bad.  Now that said, I love being able to find out who guest starred in Gilligan's Island episode 37 in a few minutes instead of having it knock around in my head for days! Bill

Richard you have certainly hit a home run with this one.  Gadgets can be a double edged sword for sure!  How do we live with them?  How do we live without them?   

Hi Richard - seems clear that we must all embrace technology to stay competitive - it can become all encompassing though and we still need to find time to be real estate agents!! Regards, Dave

Hi Richard. I think it can set us free OR hold us prisoner, depending on the type of technology and how it's being used. For example, my company, IXACT Contact, offers a real estate contact management solution. In many ways, it facilitates more Realtor face-to-face time with clients because one of the main benefits/ uses of the system is to schedule and organize yearly and monthy "keep in touch" acitivities with contacts...

Richard i think you have to chose not to be technology slave. I often find myself driving and fumbling for a phone number. Then I think to myself this can wait 10 minutes. So the beast is there . Harness the beast and do not let him harness you

Oh so true.  While it may be hard to get the technology genie back in the bottle, there is still no excuse for lack of courtesy in anything.

I was just thinking this yesterday.  An agreement was emailed to me on a listing on Memorial Day.  I was okay negotiating it over the phone but at the end of a long sun drenched day, I had to shower and go get it signed on what should have been a day off.  No way around it.  If I didn't have the technology all around me and my smart phone by the pool, I wouldn't have know about the offer until today, at which time, I would have worked on it.  When there's a possibility of income, you have to take it, but boy did I want to put my pj's on after a long hot day and go to bed early!

Hostage with out a doubt.  I feel this way everytime i figure some tech issue out and then it gets changed

Richard, while I hate to admit it, I am becoming a prisoner of my I-Pad! 

Relaxing is essential, I agree. Especially getting away from the all of the hustle and bustle of the latest gadgets. It's easy to become addicted to things like smartphones or tablets, even if you can claim that you don't need them. They are surely very convenient, but we can't let our lives be run by material things.

Hey, Richard!  I included this post in Last Week's Favorites.  Have a great week.

I try to look at and use technology as something that saves me time and money.  I resisited using docusign/authetisign for the longest time.  Now I think it's the "BOMB" and can't imagine how I did business without it.

Richard, yesterday was my son's high school graduation. I had turned my phone off during the service. A client was texting me trying to reach me. I never responded. I was determined to have a day just for my family. Technology does make our life easier but it gives client the sense that they can contact us anytime day or night. The negative side of easy access.