I recently heard report on NPR about multitasking that said humans are just not that effective at it. If we try to work on two things at once, the reporter said, one will suffer.

Now, I’m kinda mixed on this one. On the one hand, I like to think that I can keep at least three balls in the air at the same time. On the other, I realize more and more every day that when I try to do this, something is not getting my full attention and will suffer. Of course, getting older doesn’t help.

But in my defense, right now I have two computers open to Virtual PCB, viewing the show as both and exhibitor and an attendee. And to top it off, I’m writing this blog. None of this is brain surgery, so there is the level of attention required for each to be considered. What I really want to find out is why attendees at Virtual PCB get shy and reluctant to contribute in the scheduled chats. One of the chats this morning had 20 or more people in the “room,” but every time the host or moderator asked a question, no one had anything to contribute. No wonder PCB people outside of design say that we are apathetic.

It is true for most things I can think of: You get out of it in equal measure what you contribute. Get off your hands, people, and quit being so passive.