NEWS: Internet becoming indispensable

BEING a tech writer for over 11 years, I have been interested in all
the latest developments happening in the information and communications
technology (ICT) world.

There
are huge areas in the lives and experiences of old and young people in
which ICT makes a unique contribution to them. It is an exciting time
for Web now, as new applications and features are being incorporated to
enrich users’ experience.



The Internet, which started with a simple browsing and e-mail
experience, has now evolved into a mechanism to creatively disseminate
information. Now we have virtual life, videoblogging, Webloging,
podcasting, file sharing, posting photos and videos on social
networking channels, in a whole new Internet, the Web 2.0.



When the dotcom economy was crumbling in 2000 and 2001, I remember
thinking at that time most of the online outfits were out of business.
However, it was a blessing in disguise, which in the long term, was a
good thing. In that struggle, new and better innovations came from Web
lovers, portals like Movable Type (which helps anyone to create a Web
site), All Consuming (offering an interesting slice of the book life
that exists on the Web and in the world), Wikipedia (and thousands of
other wikis to empower community Web sites), Flickr (sharing photos to
the world), and more to come in the future.



Let’s not forget the buzz that bloggers are making these days. It looks
like every one is pouring their feelings online. Basically, anyone can
start a blog by creating one. An easiest way to get started on the Web
is by going to Blogger.com from Google, which is one of the most
popular software for creating Weblogs. Use it daily and you might just
have this urge to read all the jottings.



I read in one of the Web sites which says that it is OK and respectable
to not have a blog at all. Not everyone likes to write things that can
be read by anyone. The last thing you want to do is contribute more
dreck to the universe.



In fact, if you are looking for a validation of the information, rest
assured that you will get neither from blogging. On another thought, my
advice would be you may never know if you enjoy blogging unless you try
it.



For those who do not enjoy blogs, you may consider writing on wiki
instead. Unlike most blogs, wikis like Wikipedia and wikiHow are read
by millions of people each month.



Several wikiHow authors receive “fan mail” messages every day from
appreciative readers. In addition, many authors discovered that they
enjoy the wiki collaborative writing process more than writing in
isolation. This is a great way to obtain the attention and validation.



Try the private journals such as the LiveJournal which can be another
good way for users to log into a secret diary, as your information will
be private as it needs a username to view the entries.



I am sure there will be more new portals to give exciting digital experiences to many people.



The Internet has become something that many people cannot live without.