Here Goes...

Well, here goes. I am actually a bit shy about this. Not usually truly my thing to publish my thoughts or share in such a potentially large forum. Okay, having said that, let's go!

I would like to start this off by trying to collect all that is useful. I do not want to be pigeonholed as only tech stuff or only one hobby or issue, but whatever y'all like and enjoy. I look to you to help me as much as my blog can help be a forum for you. Thanks. Also, in my training in my other job (you know, the one that pays) we have to give a financial disclosure. Here's mine - I no longer own any Internet stocks (popped in the bubble) and own some boring companies that are more as a speculative high risk for the long term returns IRA thing. I will tell you when I hit on something that I own. Today, I do not own a piece of any of the companies I will be blogging on.

First useful thing to start with is this blog, and perhaps "free" stuff on the Internet. The Gmail account is quite functional as is this blogspot and its editing toolkit.

Years ago I started on Juno, and still think that they have a good thing going. Their email program you use to create and read emails, and then have it dial up (or access by your network) to up- and down-load email. That way, at least in the day of dial up, you could get in, get on, and get done with things. Nice to have the spellcheck and a bit of free internet time too.

Free faxes - those who only need to get, say 5 - 10 pages a month or less should look into a free fax account. Some even have gone up to 20 pages. Helps quite a bit when you can fax (at work or for fee at local places) but receive faxes easily.

Other free email and instant messenger accounts - works well. Good for those who want email addresses which are independent of their internet provider, so that when they quit or switch, their email is still there. AOL instant messenger provides a few XM radio channels to listen to.

Here are a few things to ponder. What say you? Are these things worth it? Please understand that I do a lot of writing at my job, and at home I enjoy using fountain pens and fine paper. I am a bit Emily Post-ish that communication still needs to be personal as often as possible.