The SCN Encourager – Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Here’s one app I don’t need . . . even if it is free!

I’m counting on you, school communicators.  We’ve got to hide the existence of this app from our bosses. It’ll be difficult, but I think we’re up to the challenge! (Yes. I know this task will be easier for me than you, given my talent for reverse-marketing . . . but try anyway.)

Honestly. No one needs this app! It’s Twisted. Sure, MacWorld (Dec. 2012, page 35) says “anyone who’s ever been late arriving home or to a meeting will appreciate this app . . . as it tracks your location and notifies those waiting for you with your estimated arrival time.”

Huh? Who am I? The Amtrak 456? I’ll admit that I’m not perfectly on time for every meeting, but if I’m running late and I’ve ducked into the restroom, I’m fairly certain that the pressure of knowing the clock is ticking is not going to speed things along any.

Please do not let this app catch on. We school communicators are busy enough. Right? One of our few remaining side benefits is always being able to rush into the next meeting or to arrive home at night with our usual “got here just as quickly as I could” excuse. It works like a charm every time. Everyone knows that school communicators are really busy. (Right?)

And oops! I think I used the word “home” in the previous paragraph. OK, school communicators – it’s now bosses AND spouses we cannot let know about this app. Remember, we’re in this together. We do not need this app at work or at home. I’m counting on you.

Tom Page, SCN managing editor