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09/15/2001 Archived Entry: "15-September-2001 -- The Internet is now a dominant tool for regular people"

The Internet is now a dominant tool for regular people (Dan Bricklin via Tomalak) -- "So, I feel that the Internet has passed that magic point for most users (which is over half of the US population who can read) where it is one of those tools that they already know how to use, and will depend upon to do all sorts of things, often instead of using other "better" ways of getting things done." (Comments: Dan brings up some interesting points. However, the internet still seems more like an infrastructure than a set of tools to me. That is, it seems more like an effective way to connect people than a collection of things that let people get work done. Of course, the distinction is minor, but I think it is still important. If computers could be turned on instantly, if everyone had broadband, and if computers and networks were more stable, I would probably change my mind.)

Replies: 1 comment

I agree with your comment. Dan also says, "The Internet has succeeded in becoming a tool that many regular people turn to in lieu of alternatives for communicating and for finding information. It has become a new, often-used tool in their personal toolbox." I think his term, "regular" people is a highly ambiguous. As a Web professional, I work with "regular" people (mostly small business owners and employees) every day. Most can barely manage to find an email from three days prior. And if you count "regular-ordinary" people like my wife, parents and immediate family, about 15% use email at all. As far as the Web goes, the numbers are obviously way less. I would agree with his statements in this article if he'd replace "regular" with "professional". It's the people in corporations and SOHOs that fit his article. I wonder if his perspective is distorted by his commercial software, "Trellix" that is marketed to "regular" people?

Posted by Eric @ 09/17/2001 12:17 AM EST

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