Was it the “Ides of March,” or just another bad day?

In light of yesterday’s blog, I didn’t sleep well last night.

A dog’s barking woke me up on the early side; so, I

waddled downstairs and turned on the computer as usual.

What’s this? The online headline reads, Why the Web Is Hitting a Wall.

The sub-heading continues with U.S. Internet growth is stalling.

And it’s not just the old or poor who are living offline.

As my bleary eyes skims the article, these lines jump out and catch my attention:

The Princeton University grad thinks the Net is largely a waste of time.

I listen and read; e-mail is a huge distraction.

This is exactly how one of my best friends feels about computers and technology.

Today isn’t starting out well, at all.

The article goes on to report that according to a recent survey of one thousand people, only 64% of households are connected. (Parks Associates, Dallas) It is estimated that 39 million American households still do not have access to the Internet. The question is, Why are some people saying “no” to the use of this 21st Century information and communication tool. (As a Cybernaut, this is mind-boggling.)

Some of the comments made by “Non-Netizens,” include statements like –

E-mail and instant-message chats break down social interaction

The Internet is still too expensive and complicated

It’s a hassle and expensive. I prefer to spend my money on fun things.

A few years ago, it was predicted that use of the Internet would reach a penetration rate of 75%. Obviously, that hasn’t happed. A senior research fellow for the Pew Institute & American Life Project stated, We’ve had so much time to come up with a computer and Internet that are easier to use and work better, but we haven’t done it yet.

OK, I’ll accept that. It is evidence that the mission of PetalumaNet and the Petaluma CyberCity Roundtable to promote greater use of telecommunication and computer technology in all community sectors isn’t over.

But, how do you persuade people who believe that the Internet is an example of the surrender of culture to technology or say, I don’t need to sit and read every idle thought you rattle off. (Was he talking about bloggers.) That’s enough for today. I’m taking the rest of the day off to think about these quotes and statements. In fact, I believe I’ll attend the annual luncheon for the Sonoma County Historical Society. At least their conversations will be about pre-Information Age events. (Stay tuned. Now, where’s the “Off” button?)