The computer was such a child when it first caught my eye, and I can honestly say that at the time my interest was perfectly innocent. In the beginning we played little games, learned to speak basic to one another and entertained ourselves by doodling simple drawings. Later, as the computer matured, we occasionally stepped out for an evening on the internet. How was I to know things would get so out of hand?

OK, I was stupid. I should have seen it coming. I mean, I hardly noticed as the callow, gawky youth quickly developed into an elegant and sophisticated beauty. I donÍt know exactly when, but over time I became....involved. When I met the computer I was in a long-term relationship with my easel. The easel and I had met and fell in love when I was barely in my teens, and until just a couple of years ago I thought I was happy. Our life together had been stable, satisfying and productive. We built a good reputation for ourselves in the community, artists would visit us, ask advice and lend support in difficult times. In private, we were hot and uninhibited Ü there was nothing we wouldnÍt try together. Sure, we had our ups and downs, but we always worked out our problems.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, all of that changed. As I spent more and more time with that little minx of a computer the easel began to show signs of neglect and abandonment. There was no defining moment that marked a turning point in our relationship. Rather, there was a sense that we were gradually drifting apart. Next Page