Will the Apple iPad Be a Dream Machine For Writers?

As I write this, Apple has announced that they are taking orders for the iPad. It’s a wonderful device that allows people to surf the net, listen to music, read books and a variety of other things with maximum portability. The iPad is smaller than a laptop — even smaller than a net book — and yet is a powerful and flexible device. It will likely sell in the millions.

The iPad has a lot of potential for writers because it is small enough to carry a purse or a big coat pocket, so they can do research, read books, and even use the device as a word processor in almost any setting. There are several models that come with built-in Internet connections, so it is a truly flexible device. Writers will love that kind of versatility the iPad offers — not only as they create books and articles, but as they see a wider market consuming them.

The iPad is set to make a product like Amazon’s Kindle e-book reader obsolete. The iPad has a bigger screen, and color, so the merits of the relatively high priced Kindle will fade rather rapidly.
But there are those who say that the iPad itself will be obsolete even before it is released. Sadly, it’s true. People may rush to buy the iPad, but they will be buying a machine that is severely crippled in several important ways. Writers will want to think twice before they buy one.
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Review: How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business

How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business

By Janice Byer and Elayne Whitfied- Parr

Virtual Assistants are new to the business world. One of the professions made possible by the web, they are a growing segment of resources for the small and solo business owner. This book gives anyone who thinks they want to be a virtual assistant, the opportunity to get the basics down. The section on ?How to Know if you are Cut out to be a VA? is one of the most important sections for anyone to read. This book gives you the good and the bad to think about. One thing they left out is do you like people? Having personally gone through the process of hiring a VA (I have a great one now, if you want her number, contact me) I learned that many of the VA?s did not appear to like people, much less want to serve them. I think they should have added that in. They cover what you need, business plans and how specialty industries require specialty services. This is a great section; it really helps a new VA get on track with their different clients.

I am a little surprised that they list a typewriter and a rolodex as things you need. I wonder if anyone under 30 even knows what a rolodex is. There are some tips about working from home and working the VA business part time. It?s important to learn balance and how to get it all done. They list organizations you can join and where to get ongoing education. While they do not specifically note a successful business revenue model to use, if you take a cue from this book, there is a lot of money in the education of VA?s. After all, you can only work so many hours a day.

This book is a California 8!

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