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Lost on the Information Superhighway?

© Roxianne Moore

Writers as Information Junkies

They call it the "Information Superhighway," and as information junkies par excellence, writers are drawn to the online world. But as a writer, what will you really find online? You might find nothing but dead ends or traffic jams. Or you might be caught up in an Autobahn of information whizzing by you too fast to comprehend.

I began using online resources way back in 1985, back when you had to know all kinds of archaic commands to navigate. When I got my Compuserve subscription, I was so excited by the amount of information I could access that I spent day after day glued to the computer screen. That is, until I used up my free online time and had to start paying an hourly fee. After that, I planned my searches carefully, trying desperately not to get bogged down in sites that were interesting but not necessary. Yes, it was nice to communicate with other writers and people who shared my interests -- but I had to limit myself if I wanted my paycheck to keep up with my Compuserve fees.

Nowadays, I don't have to worry about hourly rates or surcharges for "extra" services. But my days of budget limits have trained me to plan my searches in advance and skip over sites that don't offer what I need at the moment. I will admit that I enjoy surfing the Web, though -- once an information junkie...

If you're new to online information services, the Internet and Web can be overwhelming. And it's all too easy to get caught up in pursuing all the 1,927 links your online search turned up. So how do you cope with information overload, and still have time for what you came for: writing?

You can find hundreds of services directed at writers, from bookstores to online discussion groups to reference works. Some sites are excellent clearinghouses of information. They are well-organized and offer something for everyone. Whether you need to brush up on basics, or you are an experienced writer looking for new assignments, you can find what you need online. You can also find writers' communities to help you overcome the isolation inherent in the writing profession -- especially in these days of online research and electronic submissions.

In some ways, I miss the days I used to spend at the library and in the offices of the newspapers and magazines I worked for. But I'm sure I'm not alone in enjoying the freedom and opportunities of the online world.