I have always had the feeling that guys who run computers like they are toys look down on people who are virtually computer illiterate (like me).
Why is this?
I have known many people who lack computer skills who are part of a viable work force, yet they are looked down on because they have no need, desire or knowledge for computers beyond "point and click".
There was life before 'puters. How did we ever survive?
Most IT people don't mind folks that are virtually computer illiterate.
- They do mind repeating the same information to the same person more than once. For example, if I have a user call about problem XYX, and I tell him to do A, B and then C.... I might get annoyed if a day later he calls again with the same problem. And the next day, and the next day.
- They do mind policy jumpers. "I know the policy says I can't share my password, but I want to attach a Post It note to my monitor containing my password anyways."
- They do mind folks that don't ponder a situation one iota before calling/emailing. By now, everyone knows that you should reboot your computer first as it fixes 75% of all problems. But folks don't. Or closing the application and reopening it. Or being able to give a specific account of what they were doing that led up to the problem.
- Screamers or 'Right NOW' folks. Enough said, no one likes them and they're going to a special hell anyways.
I can't speak for anyone else, but personally, if I get someone computer illiterate that is polite, doing what they're supposed to do, etc and has a tech problem, I don't stop until their problem is resolved or is proven that it cannot possibly be resolved. I've typed up so many "cheat sheets" for folks it's not even funny.
Having worked in other professions, I can see parallels in pretty much every other career field. Every career field has a generic list of really annoying things the users/clients/customers do. The list doesn't change that significantly between career fields, either.
I suspect it's always been this way, but it's impossible to get good help. Most folks do a "good enough" job, but really don't pay attention to detail.
It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it well. I have a lot of respect for good craftsmen.
Hell, I respect anyone that's just plain good at anything remotely constructive. A good craftsmen is worth his weight in gold. Unfortunately, they only tend to get paid a bit over normal rabble. Tis not right. When I do find a good craftsman, I definitely try to pay enough to keep on their good side.