LABJ FORUM: Spending Time on the Net
For many, the Internet has become an essential part of the day. From e-mail to online stores to news, Internet sites are being used by even the most techno-phobic. Meanwhile, news about the dot-com implosion has made more people aware of many facets of what used to be called a “new” technology. So the Business Journal asks: How have your Internet habits changed?
Roger Stinnett
Senior Manager,
Personal Financial Counseling
Ernst & Young
There has been an increase in my Internet usage. Working long hours and having a family means I often don’t have the luxury of watching TV news, or reading the newspaper to keep up to date on what has been going on locally and globally. So, I really find myself relying on the Internet to stay abreast of the news.
Zack Zalon
General Manager
Radio Free Virgin
There are two factors that have led to my changing Internet usage habits: broadband deployment and 802.11b Wi-Fi (a wireless networking technology). The fact that I have instant access to streaming-media, large data files, and even plain old e-mail without being tethered to a cable opens up huge opportunities for me. This is at the office, at home, and even while traveling or enjoying a coffee at Starbucks.
Scott Stewart
Co-founder and President of Production Orphanage Inc.
I’m not sure my habits have changed all that much. We’re a pretty tech-oriented group. One thing is I don’t read Hollywood Reporter and Variety on paper any more. I read them via the Internet and it’s great. I’ll send links to people on articles that are relevant to us. Also, I am now completely dependent on sending documents digitally via e-mail. The irony is that faxing now seems like backwards technology, slow and poor quality.
Scott E. Lyle
President
Next Edge Inc.
First, I find myself more consistently utilizing the Internet as a primary resource for critical information. Gone are the days of calling 411 or pulling out the Thomas Guide for assistance. This is due, in part, to the fact that the sites I use have optimized ease of use and their information seems to be much more reliable than in past years. Secondly, with the downfall of the dot-com industry, I find myself using sites supported by existing, well-established brick and mortar companies and dot-coms that have stood the test of time, such as Amazon, e-bay, etc.
Darren Hereford
Associate
Weston Benshoof Rochefort Rubalcava MacCuish LLP
Over the last several years my use of the Internet has increased in some respects and decreased in other respects. I no longer use the Internet to surf randomly for hours on end I use it to communicate and gather news and information in a very focused and discrete fashion. I am able to obtain information on a wide variety of topics very quickly, allowing me to become an instant expert on almost any subject, which in turn allows me to win trivia bets with friends. One additional observation: I have become entirely immune to banner ads. However, technology is evolving and now there are banner ads that crawl and move around on the page. In response, I have become very proficient at finding the “close” button.
