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Newbie Notes

Change, change, change

My cats are mad at me because I moved their chair. They do not like change. But then, people are not that different. We may seek change and see it as a diversion, but when someone dares to change something that we are accustomed to, a part of our routine, we object. New as it is, and new as we may be to it, the Internet has, for many of us, already become part of our routine. But on the Internet, change is almost the daily routine. So how can we survive it?

The first step is simply to accept that change is going to happen. It happens off-line, although at a slower pace, and very rapidly on-line. Fuming about it will simply endanger your blood pressure. Consider it an adventure.

Write it down. What? In the computer age I am suggesting that you write instead of clicking? Yes, a scratch pad makes a great computer accessory. When you're staring at that message "Page Not Found", comparing what you have written on the scratch pad, with the URL in the window, can at least assure you that it isn't your mistake.

Writing down the steps you need to take to get somewhere or do something will also give you a reference when you wonder if you missed a step. At the very least, use a word pad to collect your favorite URLs and to copy instructions.

Check your email to see if someone sent you a notice about a change. Planned site changes are usually announced both by email and on the site. Server changes may or may not be announced far enough ahead to allow notification.

When you find something you like, check to see if you can get to it in more than one way. Sometimes one route will be affected by a change, but another one will still get you there. You can then update your bookmarks/favorites.

Some changes are major improvements. Remember those when the Internet Gremlins have you wishing for the good old days.