The Reading Habits of Today's Internet User

Being an E-Zine Editor, and Internet Business Owner, I've become what I affectionately call, 'Mouse Dependant'! I'm not entirely certain that this is something we can avoid, but just like many other conditions related to dependency, the first step to recovery is always recognizing that you have a problem.

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Signs that you've become 'Mouse Dependent' ______________________________________

(*) You find yourself running your fingers down the right hand side of the page, fully expecting the text to scroll down, when you suddently realize that you'll need to actually TURN THE PAGE in order to continue.

(*) You catch yourself skimming the page and becoming frustrated at the lack of highlighted, italicized, or bolded text... you remember that you're actually expected to *read* all the words!

(*) You become dissappointed at the lack of *free* additional information. (This condition is a further sign of a serious addiction to digital downloads, and may require professional help.)

(*) Upon becoming inturrupted, you realize that a bookmark is actually a very handy, and *tangible* item. You also find that just about anything will serve the purpose, without the need to catagorize your reading into a particular subject's folder. How convienient!

(*) When a new character, or topic is introduced, you find yourself wanting to 'click' the name for more detailed information.

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Reader's Anonymous: Re-discovering the lost art of reading ______________________________________

Once you've identified your dependency, it's pretty easy to break yourself of the Internet related reading habits, but it will take time and devotion on your part. You've got to be willing to work at it!

You don't want to shock your system all at once, so remember to take it slow at first. You may want to consider alternating between online reading and the physical printed word, just until you've once again become comfortable, and your eyes have adjusted to the absence of the glow from your computer monitor.

Start out slow with short stories, perhaps familiar bed time stories. The extra time with the children in your life may actually improve those relationships. You're also likely to learn that you don't remember them being able to read these stories for themselves!

Consider buying the printed version of your next resource guide or best seller. Remember, if you lose power, you can still read a book by candle- light!

As Online Professionals, it's easy to forget the power, and comfort of reading a book offline. Although this article is a light-hearted attempt to laugh at ourselves for the habits we form by spending so much time online, it's also a reminder for authors. Remember, there is a certain percentage of your target market that will either refuse to read strictly online material, or they simply may not be able to.

When authoring articles, e-books or How-To manuals, don't limit yourself to online delivery and reading. If you do, you are also limiting your exposure. Call your local printing service professionals. They will glady work with you to make your informational product available for offline reading. Stop turning away the customers that would glady pay the higher price for a physical product.

Printing and Publishing resources: http://www.kinkos.com/ http://www.printingforless.com/ http://www.marketing-seek.com/dcd/Self_Publishing/index.shtml

------------------------------------------------------------ About The Author: Ginger Geracitano offers her experience as a Web Designer and Business & Marketing Coach through her weekly E-Zine, The Portal To Success. Subscribers receive tips, strategies, and her product reviews every Friday. http://theportaltosuccess.com

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