Additional brief notes

Brief Notes on Simple Solutions

I try to find simple solution where possible.

Simple doesn’t mean ineffective. In fact, I would propose the oppsite applies in most cases.

A solution that is simple and works, is often quicker and cheaper to implement up front. Nothing prevents you from implementing a more complex solution in the future. In fact, you should plan for this. But with so little invested up front, you shouldn’t feel bad about this future upgrade. By then, you will have a better idea of your real needs, and you be far better informed.

There are additional advantages. Simple solutions concisely described can change the world. Wash your hands with soap. Boil water or filter it through charcoal and sand. Don’t re-use medical supplies. The science behind these things may be complex, but the everyday solutions aren’t.

A sand/charcoal filter that is only 50% effective at removing harmful material is still immensely valuable when other forms of filtration are not accessible. If it will take a month to save up for/build a more comprehensive filtering system, implementing the simple solution today is still worth doing!

Simple problems typically call for simple solutions.

A screwdriver solves a common problem. It’s very hard to properly install a screw with your bare hands. A solution of some kind is certainly called for. Scredrivers are easy-to-use, intuitive, inert, inexpensive, simple to transport, never expire, require no infrastructure to maintain, and are safe to handle and store. It’s a piece of shaped metal with a handle.

If your needs are simple (or you don’t the extent of your needs), start with a simple solution. Later you may find that you need something more, and nothing prevents you from upgrading then.

• frequent light use? light battery powered screwdriver
• frequent use? medium impact driver
• high-torque? heavy pneumatic impact wrench
• need to make holes as well? power drill
• need to make big holes? dynamite

Simple and conveniant are not always the same thing.

A wood fire for cooking is simple, while an electric stovetop is conveniant. However, I would propose that there are often hidden costs underneath this convenaince. An electric stovetop is much more expensive to manufacture (and purchase). It does not function during power outages, and there are other factors as well such as the cost of energy delivery and sustainability. I still use a stovetop at home, but I’m not blind to the cost of doing so.

The same is true of computer technology.

At its worst, “modern” (usually complicated) techniques can even make the web less accessible to those with disabilities, sometimes for no practical benefit.

For those who wish to self-host (or at least self-manage) a website, static html is easy (and cheap!) to host practically anywhere. That’s the approach I take with my personal website, and in many other areas of life as well.