CompuServe Messages

Andrew, There's no question that the early adopters were tech freaks and that most of today's user base is not. Most of the people who've gotten into using computers in the last few years want them to be only marginally more difficult than using a TV and (preferably) easier than programming a VCR. It's no surprise that people who _can't_ program a VCR (or operate an ATM) don't want to know all the tech info – or any of it! BUT they MAY have an interest in computers; i.e., what can I do with them, how can I make my work easier. _That_ is what I meant by "lifestyle". Not "human interest"; there'll be precious little of that. As an analogy, you'd have the tech specs of microwaves vs. a cookbook. Big difference. So where an item _might have_ read: "The BellRinger 2000 supports Group I, II and III, v.32bis and Identicall…" It will now read: "Did you know that you can attach your computer to your telephone line and have it recognize a fax, voice or data call? Well, now you can through the advances of computerized telecommunications. The BellRinger 2000…." The first informs me but the second just puts me to sleep. But it's the coming thing. I foresee a magazine called "Getting Started" which, after 10 years of publication, will be more facile than at its inception. I foresee a English textbook that – when you open it – says, "You've probably heard of letters and numbers. It's the way people used to communicate." Malcolm