Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...)

Category: Personal

I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...


Would You Do Me a Quick Favor

I quit my day job as a computer programmer at IBM back in 1997, and I've never regretted that decision. Not getting a paycheck can be scary, but the Internet has been good to me. It's always been my "business model" to provide free, high-quality content and attract sponsors with products and services that are relevant and useful to my readers. Somehow the bills get paid, and it works out to be a win-win situation.

If you are a long-time reader, perhaps you've noticed some underlying themes in my advice. If there's a free solution, I'll always mention that first. If there's a way to save money, avoid problems, or protect your privacy, I'll bring it to your attention. Awareness is key -- that's why I often write about backups, internet security, and free online services.

Tell a Friend!

The AskBob website and newsletter started in 2005, and for several years it grew quickly, as people found it by searching for help on Google. But in April 2011, a seismic event occurred in online publishing. Google changed the way they rank pages and present search results, and the result was that 80% of my incoming traffic disappeared overnight.

Since then it has sometimes been a struggle, but I've made some changes and looked for other ways to adapt to the new normal. But without a steady stream of visitors from Google and other search engines, word of mouth has proven to be the best way to reach new people.

About Those Electrons...

See Who is Bob Rankin? to learn about my background, how I got started with computers and the Internet, and the computer crime I committed when I was a teenager.

So that brings me to YOU, and my favor... I would so appreciate your help to continue the AskBob newsletter and website. If you like what you read here, and find it helpful, would you please tell a few friends about it?

Here's what I suggest: Email a couple of friends, tell them why you like AskBobRankin.com and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter. If you have a favorite AskBob article, send them the link. There's a newsletter signup form at the end of each article. It'll only cost you a minute and a few electrons. :-)

Thanks, and I hope you have a wonderful, healthy 2024! As always, your comments are welcome below.

 
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This article was posted by on 26 Jan 2024


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Most recent comments on "Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...)"

(See all 23 comments for this article.)

Posted by:

Debbie P
26 Jan 2024

I have often forwarded your info to family and friends. I have been searching your advice since the early days when I worked as a small network administrator. Happy to keep doing so!


Posted by:

Alice
26 Jan 2024

I always read your articles and find so much good information. I pass on your advice to family and friends.


Posted by:

Skittles
26 Jan 2024

I have kept every article and every newsletter you've sent since you and Patrick were driving the Tourbus. Thinking that someday I will need to go back and find and article, it only recently dawned on me that I can search your page anytime. I am a really slow learner sometimes.
Do you still eat Snickers or have you moved on to healthier options? ;-)


Posted by:

David Widman
26 Jan 2024

Have you contacted Duck Duck Go search engine? I know more people are using Duck Duck Go just so they are not tracked. Just an Idea - Blessings


Posted by:

Bil;
26 Jan 2024

Greetings Bob. There is a problem with this post as most of the links do not seem to work or my pcmatic is working overtime ?? Something is wrong.


Posted by:

Ryan James
26 Jan 2024

I posted a plea on Facebook. Sadly, I have very few friends interested in anything tech.


Posted by:

Perry
26 Jan 2024

I send a link of every column to at least 4 people.


Posted by:

Jim
26 Jan 2024

Like Skittles has mentioned, I too have kept many of your emails over the years including your series beginning in July 2018 of your "Top 7 series emails". So much of what was covered then, still applies today.
Many thanks Bob and yes, I do pass on your information to those who I think will use and appreciate it.


Posted by:

Elaine Ness
26 Jan 2024

I also encourage friends to access and subscribe to your site. I have older friends who can do the most basic things but describe themselves as ‘too stupid’ (or equivalent) to learn more about their computers. They discredit themselves because the whole concept seems too complicated. I assure them you speak clearly and concisely, and you give the steps to follow.

I will add another reminder to them in my next newsletter. You have helped me so much.


Posted by:

Bill Sampson
26 Jan 2024

Hi Bob:

I've been a subscriber since the very early (pre-Patrick) tourbus - probably on a 300 baud modem back then. I do forward some of your material to people whom I think might have an interest. Thanks for the years of helpful advice.


Posted by:

RockInFL
26 Jan 2024

I would be more than happy to help. I will try to place some type of reference in a future Facebook post, as well as communications with some of my more computer savvy friends.


Posted by:

Geoff
26 Jan 2024

Hi Bob, As others have mentioned I too have kept every email, article and link you have sent out since I subscribed to your newsletter many years ago. I have used your articles many times to help out family and friends here in Australia and hope to so for a long time to come. Keep up the good work Bob and I will help as much as I can.


Posted by:

Sean
26 Jan 2024

Bob,
I have been a long, long-time subscriber. Thanks for your advice and integrity.
I have, and will, tell others.


Posted by:

James M Orpin
27 Jan 2024

Added to Facebook page and another group. Thank you BOB ...


Posted by:

Holly Blue
27 Jan 2024

Your articles have been very helpful to me. I’ve kept many of your emails for later reference. I started receiving your emails when it was Tourbus. So long ago. lol Thank you for all the computer and internet info you’ve shared. I too have shared your emails with friends.
Take Care & Be Safe.


Posted by:

Bob Jaskolka
27 Jan 2024

Hi, Bob! I've been passing your info since the day we "met" and will continue. I'm not a technical guy but was sad when the 1st time I searched for an answer, there was no auto-fill, so I went through all the lines only to discover there was nothing that addressed my issue. Darned if I can remember what it was!


Posted by:

Wolf
27 Jan 2024

Thank you, Bob, for your newsletters! I appreciate receiving them and referencing them. Meanwhile I am and will continue to pass along information, especially as it pertains to the latest scams, privacy issues, and technology out there. Thank you!


Posted by:

KarenD
27 Jan 2024

I got hooked on your newsletters years ago via my good friend. He has been gone for over 12 years now and I've continued to enjoy your articles on my own. They are not too technical for us to understand and are interesting in general. Please keep up the good work, Bob!


Posted by:

Karen O
28 Jan 2024

Happy to help in this small way. Thank you for all of the good information over the years!


Posted by:

Holly Blue
30 Jan 2024

Your articles have been very helpful to me. I’ve kept many of your emails for later reference. I started receiving your emails when it was Tourbus. So long ago. lol Thank you for all the computer and internet info you’ve shared. I too have shared your emails with friends.
Take Care & Be Safe.


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Article information: AskBobRankin -- Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...) (Posted: 26 Jan 2024)
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