Rick:

Thanks very much for the suggestion.  I'll give them a try.
BTW - if the "discussion" referred to is the thread about whether or not
the Internet has been of any use to anyone, allow me to respond as
follows:

Were it not for the contacts I have established (or, in many cases,
renewed) through the Internet, my life and my work would be very much the
poorer.  As a source of almost immediate information (usually reliable -
if anyone makes a boo-boo someone else will respond in a hurry!), and,
frequently, huge amounts of material assistance, often on very short
notice, the web has become invaluable to me. As well, as a centre for
intelligent discussion on matters related directly to my profession,
there is no equal.

For example: a few weeks ago I got roped into giving a presentation to a
local historical society.  I did all the normal preparation things,
including shooting several rolls of slides to use in my presentation.  In
order to get better background information and leads to additional
illustrative materials, I sent out a plea for assistance over the net.
The response was overwhelming.  In addition to numerous e-mails, I
received dozens of pages of photocopies, faxes, and even loans of slides,
photos, documents, and original artifacts.  Without the generous
assistance of the rest of the internet community, my presentation (which
was a roaring success if I do say so myself), would have been rather
humdrum and boring.  In addition, I made several new contacts and
friends, and I learned a great deal from sources I might not otherwise
have considered consulting.

Does the internet help me do my job?  You bet.  Does it help me and my
professional development?  Without question.  Do my clients ultimately
benefit? Beyond a shadow of a doubt!  Do I ever want to be without access
to the Net/Web again? Never!!!


Chris J.-Andersen ([log in to unmask])

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DISCLAIMER:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author
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