5 Things to do when you’re online

One of the ironies of the Internet is that it teaches you everything but doesn’t teach what exactly is that everything. Here’s an attempt at this – 5 things you can do.

5. Read news from a variety of sources

Spice up your daily news – read a variety of subjects from a number of sources. Variety in news opens your mind while variety in sources gives you different perspective. These help open your mind to interpretation and encourages you to have your own opinion.

Find out about cocoa production in Ivory Coast, learn about medical trends in Panama and figure out what exactly is going on with the new Bangalore airport.

Try Google News – it gives you a great overview of what is hot and provides numerous sources. (Also, Alltop) Do not stick with Rediff alone – no matter how interesting you think it is that Shah Rukh Khan’s barber’s dog’s left ear’s Rs.80,000 ear ring.

4. Read somethings in details

Become an expert on a few topics. In addition to knowing a little about a lot, its always good to know a lot about a few. Pick a few news stories and find out as much as you can about them. Develop strong opinions on them. Try following a news story until you’re satisfied you know a lot – use Google News Alerts to help.

3. Stay in touch

Internet is THE most economical way to stay in touch. Take advantage of it in a meaningful way. Forwarding jokes and sending out emails to everyone in your address book about a job offer do not count as meaningful communication.

On a related note, maintain a regular email address. Its a fact of life that your business email changes often – that doesn’t have to be the same with your personal email. Switching email often is a great way to lose contacts, so don’t.

2. Check out a random article on Wikipedia

A good friend recently made an interesting comment – education isn’t about learning, its about giving you the tools to learn on your own. Well, Wikipedia is one such tool. Use Wikipedia to get ideas for your regular work.

1. Give back to the web

Web 2.0, user generated content whatever the jargon, the key is to share your insights and interests on the Internet. Give programming tips on a forum, write a blog on why you don’t like to blog or even comment on a blog (perhaps even on this one!)