I-Tech Columns

Posted on 01 April 2009
By John L. Beath

Outdoor communicators use to have a choice whether to go digital or not. Today there is no choice - go digital or get left behind, stuck in an analog quagmire full of dinosaur-like technology. The choice really is simple, if you want to earn money or save money in your profession today, you must go digital!

In the new I-Tech column I’ll detail new digital technologies that will help OWAA members make or save money in their business or home life. Some of the technologies will be challenging but well worth the effort to stay technologically up to date or ahead of the digital curve. Other technologies will be simple and easy for anyone to use and save money.

Posted on 01 May 2009
By John L. Beath

After opening my Verizon phone bill last month I finally decided “enough is enough.” Two years ago I dropped all long distance on my land-line phone service because I now use my cell phone’s “anytime, anywhere” plan or Skype. Even after dropping the long distance on my phone Verizon has still been charging me a $5 per month “access” fee for the service plus state and federal taxes of $1.33. What a rip-off!

According to my phone bill I pay $75.96 per year for a service I don’t need or want. My Verizon “basic charges,” including seven different fees and taxes, total another $4.89 per month for a total of $58.68 per year. That’s $134.64 per year in taxes alone. The residential line costs $16.90 per month, $202.80 per year. Combine the phone line with taxes and the infamous long distance access fee and my annual phone bill skyrockets to $337.44.

Posted on 03 June 2009
By John Beath

As the Internet continues to expand its digital reach into our work and private lives, it also provides countless new ways to communicate and add profits to your business. The latest craze on the Internet is social networking sites that connect you with people around the world.

So how can you benefit from joining Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or LinkedIn?

Aside from the obvious benefits of connecting with relatives and old friends, social networking sites allow you to connect with people from around the world who have similar interests. These social networking contacts, or “friends” can become readers, listeners, viewers, Web site visitors or customers.