Web wonders: Internet author stresses technology simplicity
By contrast, the wife of the author of several Internet books just moved into the online world a few weeks ago and, in that short amount of time, has experienced both the joys and frustrations of being caught in the Net.
"I called my wife this morning and she said, 'I'm so mad,' " said Leebow, who was in Salt Lake City recently to promote his partnership with Qwest Communications International Inc. to push the company's high-speed digital subscriber line Internet service. "I thought something was wrong with our kids or something. And then she goes, 'I can't get on the Internet right now. I can't send my e-mail.'
"But I'll tell you something, she's only been on the Internet for about a month or so now. The Internet wasn't her thing necessarily, but we got her on, and literally in a month's time frame she's become so dependent on the Internet for communications.
"And I heard her the other day go, 'Wow! This is incredible!' What was it? A friend of ours just had a grandchild and within that day they had e-mailed photos to her. That's amazing, whether you're brand new to the Internet or experienced."
An extensive "surfer" since 1994, Leebow is on a mission to make the Web more wonderful by simplifying the stupefying breadth of information it offers, helping folks cut through the clutter of clicks.
"There's almost nothing I can think of that wouldn't be more appropriate to do online, primarily to save time," he said. "But the amount of information out there is incredible. There are 3 billion Web pages, but as I tell people, there aren't 3 billion credible Web pages. A little bit of restraint and a little bit of filtering is needed, and the Internet is an incredible tool."
That simplification will make "a more meaningful experience, as people get to better stuff quicker," he said.
It's been meaningful for him. His book line has sold more than 3 million copies, and "300 Incredible Things To Do on the Internet" won an Amazon.com award in 1999 as the best-selling computer kids book. Leebow stays busy as a Certified Public Accountant who spends tons of time writing and speaking about the Net. His own site is www.300incredible.com.
"If I have a claim to fame, it's simplifying technology, because technology can be difficult. It was difficult 10 years ago and is equally if not more difficult today. That's why I try to simplify it, because if I find it a little difficult, well, what about the person on the Internet for only a few minutes?"
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