Why Writers Need Broadband

To read this blog, of course, you need Internet access. But from feedback I have received, I know that quite a few of you are still using dial-up, or even going to the local library or Internet cafe.

If that's you, I think it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Dial-up is now old technology. If you want to get the most from the Internet, you MUST have a broadband connection. Excuses like "I only use it occasionally" simply don't wash any more.

Here are just a few reasons why I think broadband is the way forward for writers...

1. With broadband, your connection is "always on". You get your e-mails any time your computer is switched on. That can make all the difference between getting a lucrative commission and losing it because you didn't reply in time.

2. A broadband connection won't tie up your phone line. Again, this could help you avoid missed opportunities because your phone is always engaged when a potential client rings.

3. Broadband is also much faster. Researching things on the net is far quicker and easier. Your productivity will be greater, and your earnings will rise accordingly.

4. Similarly, files download much, much quicker on broadband. If you ever buy e-books and courses (e.g. my own Quick Cash Writing) you will have much less time to wait before you can access your purchase.

5. Some Internet services simply don't work on dial-up. WCCL's new Internet radio station for writers called WritersFM is a case in point. As technology advances, more and more such services are likely to appear.

6. Without broadband, you are never likely to become fully confident and competent in using the Internet, and will only ever enjoy a fraction of the benefits that it has to offer.

At one time, I accept, cost might have been a factor preventing people signing up for broadband. Competition has brought prices tumbling down, however, and nowadays for all except the very lightest users, broadband is likely to be as cheap, or cheaper, than dial-up.

UK residents, for example, can take advantage of the latest offer of FREE broadband internet access from Talk Talk Telecom. All you have to do is sign up to their Talk 3 International landline service, which costs £9.99 a month and gives you unlimited anytime calls to UK landlines and inclusive international calls. You then get high-speed broadband Internet access thrown in free of charge. For more info on this, click on http://tinyurl.com/noeh4.

There are similar great deals on broadband in many other countries. And, as mentioned above, even if you do end up paying slightly more, this will be more than offset by the many additional benefits you will enjoy.

So there you are. No excuses. If you're a writer, you need broadband Internet access. See you on the high-speed information super-highway!