Are basic research techniques not taught in school anymore?
Or is this just simply one of the many victims of the “instant gratification generation.”
This may very well be a “generational rant” so I’ll provide a small apology to start off. I am genuinely interested in the answers to these questions.
And I realize full well as I post this, that I sound just like my Grandparents telling a story….”When I was your age – we had to walk 10 miles – all uphill…..” we have all heard one variation of that story or another!
Here goes mine.
When I was in school, the Internet did not yet exist. Thank goodness we’d moved beyond relying on Microfiche, but “Mr. Google” was a long, long way from being invented.
If you didn’t have a newish set of encyclopedias in yours’ or a close friend’s home – you had to rely on the library to complete research. Old fashioned, tactile, hands-on, research. Hours were spent in the school or public library. The Librarian – a professional degree by the way – was your best resource of where to start, or where to look next. That, and actually taking the time to interview people who were experienced in the topic on which you were researching, in order to get their perspective on things.
I think the reason I’m so easily frustrated is because I experienced what “research” was back in the 80’s and early 90’s before computers were part of every household, let alone held in your hand. Even the early-2000’s before wifi, and all of the technological advances we have at our disposal today – research required effort (and sometimes actual legwork!)
So now, when it’s as easy as typing a question into a search field, is not taking that quick initial step nothing more than outright laziness? Or is there more to it?
So my big question is this:
Why does it seem the ability to do even a simple Google search on one’s own has simply disappeared?
Why must some people go into an online group, create a post and then wait for someone to answer them (and perhaps incorrectly), when they could have so easily been redirected within 3 seconds by performing the most basic of searches?
IT REALLY IS SO EASY!
I’d like to start a business in my city. What should I do first?
STEPS TO TAKE - 1985- Pick up the phone and call City Hall, or actually go down to the building itself.
- City hall may have additional resources for your state/provincial requirements (i.e. name/business entity registration, tax IDs) AND to where to learn about any Federal obligations.
- Several phone calls may be required.
- Contact your province/state re naming, business structure options, and tax obligations (Documents usually sent by mail or you are directed to a local pick up location.)
- Contact your tax authority (IRS/CRA etc) to confirm/register for any tax IDs
- Forms are requested from non-local sources (mail may take a couple of weeks to arrive.).
- Forms are manually completed, relevant supporting documents (often notarized as copies) are attached and mailed back/handed in at specific locations.
- Again, await replies before proceeding. (Could often be weeks….)
- If not approved – start over wherever the process broke down.
I’d like to start a business in my city. What should I do first?
STEPS TO TAKE - 2021- Open browser window
- Type in – “Starting a business in (City) (State/Province)”
- Wait approximately one second, but let’s say three, just for arguments sake.
- You will see a page full of links to resources – choose the most appropriate one.
- Download any checklists/save links to other required resources and electronically submit any documents available on the website.
- Wait for responses. (* can range from seconds to weeks.) Usually if there is a problem with any application – you will receive a phone call/email requesting additional info.
If you consider yourself “research-challenged” please help me to understand…..why is going into a FaceBook or other forum/group and posing your question a better route to take?
I would love to hear your feedback!
Great blog. I especially love when people ask for TAX or MEDICAL advice in Facebook groups! What the heck?!?
Thanks Patty! One of my faves is when the question asked is so easily answered by typing their question right into any search engine. No one comments because the only thing they want to respond with is a LMGTFY link (with internet explainer.) Only to have the OP return hours later to ask, “ANYONE???”