Notes for ACTIVE Networkers
by Art Bechhoefer

Do you have something to say online? Do you want readers to understand and RESPOND to your ideas? Here are three suggestions for getting your ideas across:

But first, think of communicating online exactly as if you had just met a senator at a cocktail party. You realize this is a rare opportunity to explain some of your ideas, and you know you have less than three minutes to make your pitch. What will you say, and how will you say it?

1. Be brief. Don't try to make more than two or three
points. In hard copy or face-to-face conversation,
seven is the MAXIMUM number of ideas the average
person can recall. Online it's even less.

2. Structure your ideas and format them accordingly.
Don't just write paragraphs. Indent them on the LEFT
as well as the right side. Leave plenty of BLANK
SPACES around your thoughts (paragraphs)--top, bottom,
and sides (it's easier on the eyes). A little care in
formatting your ideas makes them easier to understand
and gives the impression that you've really got it all
together.

3. Be a little humble. Assume there's a lot more to say
on the subject -- and that your readers are smart
enough to say it, or ask questions about it. You can
do quite a few things to get YOUR ideas and feelings
across, not the least of which is to leave someone an
opportunity to chime in. Right... ?

Note for Conference *Organizers*:

Finally, for those who are reluctant to participate actively, don't overlook the effect of a personal message. Outline some of the articles or notes you think might be of particular interest. Ask what they would like to see, or what they think would improve the service. If you know someone with similar interests, arrange an online introduction using the messaging facility. If all this sounds like a cocktail party, well... it is, online!

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Art Bechhoefer is director of Independent Investors Forum, an online
investment advisory service that uses computer conferencing for research
and discussion of long term growth stocks. IIF uses the Confer II
conferencing system. Bechhoefer notes that IIF, which has been online
since 1982, is the only investment service proud (or humble) enough to
admit its advice (like advice in general) is questionable. For more
information, send him a message.