Popular Uses of the Internet

Usage of the Internet is becoming more common due to rapid advancement of technology and the power of globalization. You can use it to communicate with people, gather infromation, even set up shop to sell stuff.

Usage of the Internet is becoming more common due to rapid advancement of technology and the power of globalization. Societies are becoming more inter-connected. Thoughts from different cultures are shared through the use of Internet chat rooms and web postings. Study results also track the most popular uses of the Internet: “this year's study shows that e-mail is the top task conducted online, followed by general surfing, reading News, shopping, and seeking entertainment News.” (Chang Joshua (2005)) It can be summarized that the Internet is now being used for common, everyday tasks that would have normally taken more time to complete.

Internet shopping is becoming popular amongst users in developed nations, as it is more efficient to ‘shop on the Internet’ than to go physically into the stores. The Internet provides a virtual environment where consumers’ demands are met with supplies. For example, research has shown that shopping on the Internet can result in lower search costs and better product selections. This is because the shopper has the ability to analyze prices from various stores without having to travel distances. The shopper can now shop online for goods that are for sale in a foreign nation, and rather than having to travel to the country to receive the goods, the consumer can order online and get it delivered efficiently. According to the Ernst and Young Survey ('Internet Shopping' 1998), prospective shoppers viewed price savings and selection as more important benefits than convenience, which was ranked third. However, using the Internet we have the capacity to achieve both, having the ability to offer shoppers convenience as well as better prices.

Not only has the Internet achieved a more equitable trading environment for consumers, it also gives us the potential to communicate more effectively and efficiently. For example, the cost of sending an email is generally cheaper than posting a letter in the mail, especially for people wishing to communicate internationally. Furthermore, an email can be sent immediately after it is written, and does not need to go through official procedures such as the Post Office and a mail box. The recipient of the email is able to access it from anywhere, as it is a virtual communication tool, as opposed to having a physical mail box where the letters are delivered. Thus, clearly, an Internet communication tool such as the Internet is extremely valuable, especially for travelers who need to be able to be interconnected with their ‘old’ lifestyle whilst journeying to experience foreign cultures.

The power of the Internet not only extends to people who need the convenience of shopping, and to be able to easily communicate with associates and friends, but the Internet also provides an environment for News sharing and encourages people to be updated with the News. Unfortunately, as there currently isn’t any appropriate ‘virtual filtering system’ software out there, although there are many News articles available, they are from the perspective of international media institutions. However, the Internet is constantly changing and is becoming more accommodating to the individual as opposed to just catering to international corporations. Many academics believe that the Internet is a form of communication for people who want to express their own opinions and who don’t want to be repressed by the wealthy, whom are often seen as domineering as they hold too much power in a capitalist society.

Furthermore, many teenagers would also confirm that they have had many positive experiences with the Internet as they believe it is a place for them to ‘escape’ from the pressures of reality and enjoy the entertainment that this system has the ability to provide. Computer games, although some would argue that they actually distract people from reality, provide the opportunity for individuals to express creativity and challenge themselves. Interactive computer games provide an environment where individuals are allowed to explore foreign surroundings and take risks that will result in no harm to the game player. The Internet appeals to the younger generation not only because of entertainment purposes, but young academics have also agreed that the Internet creates convenience to research and university students. This is because many different articles can be found on a specific topic, and not only is the opinions of academics read, but people with unique experiences and in different professions are also heard and critically analyzed. Being an academic myself, I strongly believe that the Internet provides a great environment where people are allowed to share their thoughts and beliefs whilst remaining anonymous.

In conclusion, popular uses of the Internet have largely contributed to the advancement of society. More people are now turning to this phenomenon in order to have an efficient lifestyle where the maximum number of tasks can be achieved everyday. Although some would argue that people are becoming too reliant on the Internet, others would argue that it is a freedom of choice and it is the individuals’ choice to be able to choose how much they should be using the Internet per day, and on how dependent they want to be. Ultimately, the Internet is a tool that is effective when used appropriately and effectively and it is at the discretion of the individual. As quoted by Schipper, “the Internet is a tool that has both good and bad sides; let’s weed out the bad ones.”


Bibliography:

Ernst and Young (2000) 'Global Online Retailing' survey, Stores, Section 2, January

Chang Joshua (2005) ‘Online Shopping: Advantages over the offline alternative.’ [Online] http://www.arraydev.com/commerce/JIBC/0311-07.htm

Schipper George (2005) ‘WI on Globalization’ [Online]
http://www.wupperinst.org/globalisation/html/lit_global.html

Gmail is Still Beta for a Reason

I think it was the threat of a Gmail revolution that prompted Yahoo to increase the storage space parceled to its free email accounts last year. Who remembers rummaging through our Yahoo email accounts deleting emails only weeks, if not days, old?

I think it was the threat of a Gmail revolution that prompted Yahoo to increase the storage space parceled to its free email accounts last year.  (Yahoo’s paid email at the time, of course, gave storage to spare.  It’s an example of how the whiff of corporate competition can benefit end users or consumers.)  Who remembers rummaging through our Yahoo email accounts deleting emails only weeks, if not days, old?  I think Yahoo copied their color coded warning system of diminishing storage space from the easy-to-comprehend terror levels issued by the federal government.  Gmail’s arrival, though, changed this – we were ready for something better.  Its search-based organization, something we like to see at ConductSearch.com, figured to be a natural step for email world to take.

I believe that something better came, too.  But, something that I’m unlikely to avail myself to because I, like most, am not ready to forego the free, web-based email I am comfortable with for Gmail’s blessings. 

Gmail, like Google, was marketed beautifully from the outset.  How did they manufacture buzz?  By attaching a sense of exclusivity to a Gmail address, that’s how.  That’s no small feat considering that Gmail doesn’t cost anything.  But, they used the invite system and people, exercising the herd mentality as we’re wont to do, were all over it.  Web geeks were all over Gmail and invites for an address even made it to eBay.  I have no doubt Google’s marketing department loved that; they might have even put them up for auction themselves. 

When the hubbub died down a bit I got mine from a friend who works at Google.  I admit to all (and to Mike) that I felt sheer gratitude for the address.  The marketing worked.  That’s about when the magic ended for me.  For starters, it seemed as if Google couldn’t let some standard features be, like…freakin’ folders!

I had a chat with ConductSearch.com’s IT director who, like me, had and disregarded his Gmail account, as did others around the office.  The latest numbers show that Gmail accounts handle less than 4% of email volume and I believe this number is generous.  The number one reason for discontinuance was forgetting passwords.  In other words, there was nothing compelling enough to get a Gmail account and keep it. 

I also learned that others, too, didn’t like the way Gmail “revolutionized” email.  Perhaps this progress was a little forced.  Granted, you can go on any techie board and read how people love Gmail, how effective its spam filters are (might have more to do with that Gmail < 4% penetration), how the flow works, etc.  Ah, rubbish. 

For starters, email is, to me, about communication.  And it’s a slower form of communication than IM, so I don’t need it to be cutting edge, just convenient.  I want my email ordered.  Before computers, when we were waist high in paperwork (I still am, amazingly) we needed folders and labels.  Naturally, as email evolved an organizational system of folders and labels by subject or sender was produced.  And, hey, look what else developed – trash cans, just like in real life.  Love throwing away that clutter.

Well, Gmail trashed the perfectly good email format where trash cans and folders ease the burdens of Inboxes.  Gmail even makes it tough to delete useless email, too.  Google intimates that deletion of email is a non-priority because users are given so much storage space.  Baloney.  It’s an irksome element and on some level I think it has something to do with the fact that I’m served text ads in my own inbox.  People shouldn’t wonder why Gmail is still ‘Beta’, though some joke that Google forgot to take down that label. 

It’s not a coincidence; Google took a shot at revamping email as we know it and it didn’t work – yet.  Unfortunately for Gmail, Instant Messaging has stolen much of their potential thunder and as convergence continues between voice, text, and video – revolutions within a confined space, like email, will not be forthcoming.  I do believe, though, that Google has a longer-term plan for Gmail.  All the applications that Google develops (admittedly, almost none of it is original or innovative – Google calendar, picture sharing, the free word processing download, to name a few) leads me to believe that Google is trying to integrate an all-involved interactive experience for the web user.  I’m pretty sure that Gmail will someday be seamlessly integrated with instant messaging and document sharing within a Google-server based operating system that will free users from any web-borne virus or malicious hacking.  Would be an impressive corporate application, would it not?  It explains, to me at least, Google’s giant server complex being built on the Columbia River that’s been the source of so much speculation.


Jeff Conduct
Director of Marketing
ConductSearch.com
http://www.conductsearch.com
t: 1.888.99CS.NYC
e: marketing@conductsearch.com

Got Voice Mail?

Use voice mail appropriately and it can be an incredible asset for your business.  Use it the wrong way and it will drive your customers away.
"There's not anybody who really cares about using voice messaging the way I envisioned it."  According to Gordon Matthews, the inventor of voice mail, he never anticipated that his automated message system would be used to confuse and frustrate business callers.  He didn't foresee how many ways businesses could devise to misuse his system.

When asked what aggravates them most about modern phone communication the majority of people will say that it is voice mail.  Pressed for details, they explain that it is the automated answering process that companies use to screen and direct calls that bugs them, not the basic messaging-taking function. 

Companies are spending large sums of money to antagonize their customers and it only seems to get worse.  When a person needs help with a problem and can't reach another human, the situation deteriorates rapidly.  Using the numbers on your touch tone pad is fine when you want to verify your bank balance, pay a bill or have a dry newspaper delivered; but when your pipes are backing up, your new computer just crashed, or a tree just fell on your brand new SUV, call processing may not be the answer.

There are advantages to an automated system.  It saves money in salaries and benefits.  It prevents old-fashioned phone tag by allowing people to leave detailed messages in their own voice with clear and correct information.  Voice mail crosses all time zones so people can leave and retrieve messages at their convenience.

The disadvantages are that people can hide behind voice mail, often the prompts are confusing, working through the menu can be more time-consuming than speaking to a "live" person, and some people just don't like talking to machines.

If your company uses an automated system to process calls make sure it provides the best customer service by following these suggestions:

1. Keep your greeting short and sweet. (No one cares that your menu options have changed.  They only want to know what options they have now.)

2. List your menu options according to popular usage. 

3. Tell callers how to reach another human early in the process.

4. Think twice before using voice mail  for customer service issues.

5. Survey your customers from time to time to see how they feel about your voice mail system.

6. Try calling your own system occasionally and find out first hand what your customers are experiencing.

Voice mail can be either an incredible asset to your business or an incredible pain for your customers.  Don't force innocent people to spend their valuable time in your voice mail jail.

(c) 2006, Lydia Ramsey.  All rights reserved.  Reprint rights granted so long as article and by-line are published intact and with all links made live.