SOURCES FOR EDUCATION
The Internet is loaded with information. It literally is
reason for its existence. Therefore, it is completely possible for anyone to find education they are looking for on any topic.
However, sometimes Internet can seem so big that it's hard to locate what you want. Below are a few direct methods for finding what you are looking for.
SEARCH ENGINES
Not my favorite, but often obvious place to start. However, they are best used to locate topics in general, get to a related web site, and then work forward from there.
EZINES
There's an ezine on everything. Plus, unlike web sites that often stay same for months, ezines contain new information in each issue as well as refer you to relevant sites and other related ezines. If you subscribe to several ezines covering same topic, you'll get a range of opinions and views that can help you develop your own ideas over time.
It's ok to subscribe to quite a few ezines and let them compete. Determine ones that continually bring you what you want and stay with them. Root out a few of best on your chosen topic and let rest go.
After you read an ezine, and you like information presented, visit ezine's web site and look at their archived issues as well. This can be a quick way to surmise what kind of information and interests ezine will cover.
A great place to start your search for ezines is an ezine directory. You can search by category and read brief descriptions of what ezines contain. My favorite directory is Ezine Locator run by Jeff Wilson. http://www.ezinelocater.com To me it's more easily navigable and makes better sense than many others.
WRITER'S SITES
Another worthwhile endeavor is visiting sites of people who actually author articles that you enjoy. Some ezines run original articles, but many just pick up articles from freelance writers. Determine actual author of good articles and see what their site has to offer or watch for more of their works. Most articles contain a resource box at end identifying author and providing a link to his or her site.
ESTABLISH CONTACT
You can read articles and sites all you want, and you can learn a great deal. However, sometimes you just plain need personal contact from someone who can answer your specific questions.
Not everyone on Internet is easily approachable, but those in business of selling information usually are happy to make personal contact. When you do write to someone with questions there are certain steps you can take that will increase your odds of getting a response.
1. Call them by name. 2. Name article or site where you read their words. 3. Be courteous. 4. Be specific.
Addressing people by name tells them you know who they are and that you are not just sending out bulk emails to anyone who would respond. Letting them know where you heard of them gives you more credibility as well. Being polite is, of course, expected by anyone, and being specific will get you better answers. Asking general questions that require volumes to answer will not get results. This is Internet where working marketers can literally get hundreds of emails every day. If you show specific interest, you'll be more likely to get a legitimate response.
