So if you're reading this on Saturday March 24, 2007, you lose! Or something.
Of course, it's after midnight on Friday March 23, 2007 so technically, I'm not participating properly either. Of course, I'm too much of an addict rebel to go along with any set day like this anyhow.
Actually, that's not so far from the truth. Personally, I'm much much of a fan of constant, consistent, responsible recognition of any good cause. Just like Earth Day is every day, Computer Shut Down day – or TV Turn-Off day or Christmas or pretty much any recognized or imagined holiday you find value in – should be something that you keep the spirit of every single day.
For example, if this is a cause you feel is worthwhile, why not cut back on your computer usage for 15 minutes per day every day for a year instead? That's over 90 hours computer usage saved each year – just about four days worth. How do you save 15 minutes? Quit reading any blogger whose entries are more than four paragraphs long! 
I wish I wasn't but I'm also naturally skeptical about any organization that shares less than nothing about themselves, who they are, why they're doing this, how they got started and so on, on their web site no matter how good their cause sounds from the brief blurb which is pretty much the only content on the page. Oh, and a prominently placed “Donation” button.
I know someone is going to reply and say that it's only symbolic to have a single named day for various causes/celebrations/whatever. But this reminds me too much of people who only dig deep to give to charity during the Christmas season then ignore the related issues the other 364 days of the year. Or people who drop a $20 on the collection plate at church then don't have a spiritual or pious thought for the other 167 hours of the week.
Which is all a long way of saying that I'll probably be on my computer tomorrow at some point. Although the forecast is +18 and I have a garage that badly needs cleaning so those two factors are going to affect my computer usage more than any newly-coined, virally-spread yet strangely suspicious “day” will.
Jason (rhymes with Contrarian…if you squint really hard…and how long has it been since I used the “Rant” tag? Quite awhile.)
[Edit – what a surprise. Other computer nerds agree with me – although there are a variety of other reasons given to oppose this day in the Digg thread in addition to some of the ones I listed above.]
[Edit #2 – oh, and for the record, I do celebrate the day popularly known as “Christmas” on that day.]
[Edit #3 – anybody know the costs for using a computer/laptop for a year versus activities such as driving the average commuting distance in Canada or choosing to be a meat-eater? I know the day isn't just about reducing costs/environmental issues and is sort of a “just go outside” message. But
that is a factor too in how “legitimate” a day like this is to me. Is there a “Drive Nowhere” Day? “Don't Have A Cow, Man (Literally) Day?”]
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