Bill Hopkins is the Webmaster of PhotoSourceFolio* (www.photosourcefolio.com) and a regular contributor to PhotoStockNotes. Send comments via Email to wh@photosourcefolio.com. Fax: 1 818 831-0916. Or US Mail: PhotoStockNotes. (*Display 6 of your images on our Web site!) For on-line marketing questions, contact him on the Kracker Barrel at www.photosource.com/board

According to a recent survey, personal computer ownership is up, but usage is down. It's interesting that the survey excluded children, focusing on adult usage. Children make up a very large part of home computer users, of course. Another interesting aspect relates to the price of computer systems. Early adopters of the technology liked to tinker (had to tinker?) with their expensive computers and expensive software, and put up with a lot, partly due to the relatively high price of their hardware. Now that we're seeing many sub-$1,000 systems, and a few for a lot less, folks who purchase these "inexpensive" systems have, in general, a much lower tolerance for problems, and if they can't figure it out, they shelve it and just don't use it.

On the campaign trail, Vice President Al Gore promised he would oppose any international tariffs on the Internet "to keep the Internet a duty-free, global free-trading zone." No real surprises there. This is in keeping with the current administration's policies against new domestic taxes. Just as an aside, no new taxes does not mean no taxes at all. This "Internet tax" issue is vexing, as different states have opposing viewpoints on what are "new" taxes as they relate to the Internet. Ultimately, the people choose what is to be taxed and what is not, so whenever you have the opportunity through direct referendum or your elected officials, tell them what you want with your vote.

There are many sites on the Internet where you can sign up for free Email addresses. Most of these sites are either (1) search engines or (2) portals, eager to increase traffic to their site. That's OK, but often your Email contains a tag line you may not want and can't get rid of--it's called advertising (for the free Email, of course). Or your screen is cluttered all around with ads. And with so many current subscribers (millions and millions) it's harder to get that "just right" Email address.

Here is one whose core business IS Email products: www.mailandnews.com. It's run by Infinite Technologies. You can access your Emailbox via the Web, or any POP3 or IMAP4 client, such as Netscape, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, etc. What that means is that you don't have to use a Web interface, your current Email software will likely work as well. And you can also access your Emailbox from any touch tone phone and many wireless devices! So, go get your yourphotocompanyname@mailandnews.com.