*I didn't realize that humanitarian work had such a rich vein of dark humor.
http://stuffexpataidworkerslike.com/2012/01/16/130-internet/
(...)
"The reasons for needing Internet are slightly different in ‘the field’ than than in the EAW’s home country: after all, nobody needs to download movies or, ehem, movies when living in a country where the latest Hollywood blockbusters, HBO series and countless x-rated movies can be bought for a dollar at most street corners. (Editor’s note: Stop SOPA!)
"The EAW needs Internet access like he or she needs air in order to do many of the most essential things, such as updating Facebook statuses, checking out AidLolz and International Development Ryan Gosling , sending photos with locals to impress relatives and high-school rivals, weighing in on a life-saving discussion thread in AidSource, aid-blogging, or signing petitions to stop giant corporations from ‘getting their censor on’. Besides, an iPad without internet access is just an over-sized MP3 player! (Obviously internet access has to be wireless).
"In countries where wireless internet access is not ubiquitous, the EAW will quickly mutate into an IT and telecommunications specialist, bringing his or her expertise to the information poor in the most difficult settings. Even EAWs who save all their documents on their desktop (because everything else is “too complicated”) suddenly master the art of charging mobile internet USB-sticks with credit units from scratch cards so that they can tweet about having been invited to a local wedding. Others find ways to run Skype off removable hard disks in order to avoid the organization’s restrictions on software installations or tunnel through the delegation’s firewall.
"EAWs can also contribute their Internet skillz to one of the many Technology projects in the land of zebra, elephants, lions and leopards.
"Of course, only the most clueless EAWs allow themselves to be caught in a situation without broadband for an extended period of time. (...)
"Used cleverly, though, lack of internet access can later increase one’s own standing. Known as “going off the grid” (another form of ‘being busy‘), strategically mentioned lack of internet access can simultaneously build field cred and also explain to HQ why those pesky deadlines were never met (“oh, sorry – I’ve been off the grid for the past two weeks…”)...."
