It’s year’s end. Frankly, I’m running out of ideas for new columns, so maybe it’s a good thing this year is almost used up. Probably starting in 2005, I will concentrate more on giving specific anecdotes of problems and successes in helping seniors achieve their optimum level of confidence on computers and the Internet. Since my experience is obviously limited to my own encounters and also biased by my own prejudices, I welcome contributions from readers who want to share their frustrations with funding, facilities, clients, etc., or brag about their successes and big wins. I hope to be able to present different viewpoints and philosophies. What about the special problems of seniors from various minority groups? Are there special things to be careful about?

While hearing from instructors is always welcome, the letters I get from seniors who got into the game late in life and now enjoy it are especially welcome. What was it that finally turned you on? What were the obstacles that made you wait? Would you have made the effort without the Internet? That is, would word processing and spreadsheets have been enough to get your interest?

During the next couple of weeks, I plan to put together with my partner a new website devoted to the types of issues presented in this column. The site will be interactive and cater primarily to the concerns of tutoring seniors. However, the students will also be welcomed to share their experiences.

In response to many requests, I will post all my articles on the new site in a searchable manner.

This new site will not replace Sherm’s Senior Service column in Lockergnome! Not by a long sight. As long as Chris and the rest think we have something to offer, we will be part of the scene. All I’m responding to is the obvious need to expand beyond the confines of a short column. Besides, my e-mail folders are overflowing and anyone who has read a couple of these pieces knows, I hate disorder on my machine.

On the other hand, Julian Eade recognizes the utility of hierarchical organization of files but also is feels that a “flat” filing system, by which he means not organizing files at all, is practical now with tools such as Copernic’s Desktop Search. I have already written about my experiences with Google Desktop Search. So one person’s disorder is another person’s technical advance. That is the spirit of my approach to tutoring seniors.