What's A Webcam?

lacraiger

15 years ago

most old people wouldnt know what a webcam is

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JayXtreme

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

potential silver surfers who ....{snip}

lol.. I can't believe you just referred to your dear Ma as a silver surfer..

I heard a guy say once.. When you're right, you're right! No question..

Martin.. You're right!

Peace

Jay

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Peter Bestel

15 years ago

Martin,

I live in a rural community. We moved here just three years ago and we were pioneers of broadband, no-one had it even though it was available. I've lost count of the number of silver and not-so-silver surfers that I've helped get online and upgrade/update their computers etc.

It is very easy to forget at what level some folk are at. One guy, just the other day, was swearing blind that he had his own website. I found this really difficult to believe as he has no need for one and struggles with the most basic of Windows applications and is afraid of the internet. It turns out he has his own email address - same thing, isn't it?

The biggest challenge I've had is persuading folk to dump AOL - that's a real stumbling block for some.

A ripe market indeed if you care to exploit it.

Peter

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Richard Tunnah

15 years ago

Martin,
Silver surfers is a large and growing area in the UK apparently. There was an interview recently with a local business that provides month long paid classes for the retirees on how to get online and everything to do with it. Apparently they're doing really well!

Rich

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Martin Luxton

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Richard Tunnah

Martin,
Silver surfers is a large and growing area in the UK apparently. There was an interview recently with a local business that provides month long paid classes for the retirees on how to get online and everything to do with it. Apparently they're doing really well!

Rich

Exactly. And one of the biggest problems with old age is isolation and lack of mobility. With the internet older people can now overcome a lot of the problems caused by this.

I had a discussion with Bonnie Boots a while back about this and she was pointing out the many growing niches for people over 50. Just to mention one. People with arthritis need everyday objects that are bigger and easier to use.

You can get ideas for arthritic computer users at places like abilitynet.org

Help with Using Your Keyboard and Mouse - Alternative Mice

Martin

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Saul 15 years ago

Originally Posted by lacraiger

most old people wouldnt know what a webcam is

It's never to late to learn... and to teach them

Originally Posted by Richard Tunnah

Martin,
Silver surfers is a large and growing area in the UK apparently.

I live in Italy but my grandparents are from Yorkshire, both 80+ years old.
Two or three years ago with my father we visited them, bought a computer,
a webcam, set up an aol account and now instead of paying expensive
international phone calls we do video conferences through skype.

They also started shopping online and having the groceries delivered home
so they don't have to walk to the bus stop, and they love google to help
them with the newspaper crossword's definitions

I think it's an interesting niche to explore to see how profitable it can be...
if anything it's a good thing to help old folks anyway

ciao,
Saul
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Steven Wagenheim

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Peter Bestel

The biggest challenge I've had is persuading folk to dump AOL - that's a real stumbling block for some.

Peter

I know this is a bit OT but let me tell you something about AOL software.

Their Email handling is the best of any program (including Outlook) out there.
The interface is absolutely a breeze and easier than anything I've ever used
to navigate through.

Plus...it has no trouble decoding emails whether they're text or HTML.
Some editors do a terrible job with HTML emails or don't display them at
all.

I do use Comcast Cable, but I still keep my AOL account. With 20
different domains and emails, the last thing I want to do is have to check
them all in different places. So what I do is have each email forward a
copy to my AOL account. I am notified immediately and can respond
from there.

I'm not saying this system if for everybody, but me...I'd be lost without
my AOL software.

And I haven't even gotten into some of the other cool stuff it gives you
access to.

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jficarro

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

I know this is a bit OT but let me tell you something about AOL software.

Their Email handling is the best of any program (including Outlook) out there.
The interface is absolutely a breeze and easier than anything I've ever used
to navigate through.

Plus...it has no trouble decoding emails whether they're text or HTML.
Some editors do a terrible job with HTML emails or don't display them at
all.

I do use Comcast Cable, but I still keep my AOL account. With 20
different domains and emails, the last thing I want to do is have to check
them all in different places. So what I do is have each email forward a
copy to my AOL account. I am notified immediately and can respond
from there.

I'm not saying this system if for everybody, but me...I'd be lost without
my AOL software.

And I haven't even gotten into some of the other cool stuff it gives you
access to.

Oh Steve - AOL???? and you used to be my hero

Just kidding. To each his own.
But our customers must have a least a minimal comfort level with computers and internet or they either won't buy or they'll send those stupid customer support requests because they don't know how to click on a button that says "click here to download the product" or how to save the product on their hard drive e.g. "where did the product I bought go?"

Oh well, it's what makes IM interesting and fun. Else wise we woudn't be special.

James

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Peter Bestel

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

I know this is a bit OT but let me tell you something about AOL software...

I'm not saying this system if for everybody, but me...I'd be lost without
my AOL software.

Steven,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you've been brainwashed!!

Now, I don't expect you to listen to me, not without hours upon hours of de-briefing and counselling, but AOL is nothing more than a cult, cunningly disguised as an ISP, web interface and email client. It has infected your computer and your mind and I fear you may indeed be lost to it.

Yes, you can function whilst under its influence, but what kind of life will it truly be? Will it ever allow you to spread your wings and look at any other different email client? Will you ever be able fully appreciate the pure simplicity of other programs and efficiency of rival applications?

I think not.

You are obviously AOL to the core. Cut you open and your veins will spill AOL blood. We have lost you. You have succumbed to AOL's propaganda and seducing ways.

If you ever want to come back to the real world, Steven, you'd be welcome, but it'll be a long, hard struggle. AOL make it far from easy to leave their clutches. They will fight tooth and nail to keep you; offering one crap deal after the other and if you do eventually manage to break free, they play their trump card... try removing it from you PC!!

I believe this is why the Internet is often referred to as the web. Their parasitic software will have attached itself to so many things on your hard drive you may as well just chuck the whole thing away and buy a Mac.

You're an intelligent bloke Steven, but I suspect these words of warning will have fallen on deaf ears, but for those of you who are safe, you will appreciate why getting older folk off AOL is such a struggle.

Peter

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SlickSki

15 years ago

I've actually been surprised by how quickly my Mum has cottoned on to the whole computer/internet thing. My Dad however is a different story and has the greatest puzzled look when I talk about things like traffic etc. Trying to explain Skype was met with a similar response. After about 10 minutes of explaining he said, "Oh so it's a telephone conference." Never mind!

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dpelliott

15 years ago

Mums shouldnt be allowed near computers, they might hurt themselves!

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~DesmondOwens

15 years ago

Yep sometimes you gotta remmeber what it was like b4 "you" knew alot about whatever it may be. I gotta help my mom understand email...Im like come on mom...you gotta get with the times lol

Desmond

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Consof

15 years ago

My mum is doing pretty well now, she can use email, surf the net and can switch on her webcam without too much assistance. She still has no idea what an iPod is though!

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jficarro 15 years ago

Heck, I just spent 20 minutes trying to talk my ex through "how to turn up the volume on the computer" to use skype. (about an hour ago)

I used to be an adjunct professor that taught computer skills to adults and probably 1/2 the class didn't even know how to turn the computer on.

You're right, there probably is a great market here. But... the challenge would be delivering the content in a way that people who don't know how to use a computer could even use, let alone understand.

I'll bet there would be a lot of customer service issues to deal with!

Still - a good niche idea.
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Diana Lane

15 years ago

Tell your mother that a webcam is a special device that stacks five pounds on you and turns your face a bit green. In my experience, that's as accurate description as any

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CurtisN

15 years ago

Haha, great story Martin. I have one too:

Recently I was speaking with someone about the weather (seriously, it was bad that day). I mentioned that I had a Firefox addon that told me the weather (ForecastFox). She said: "What...what?" I didn't know what else to say except that it was an addon to firefox..something you add on to the firefox browser.

She then kept the questions coming: Where is this browser? Is it something on your phone? I patiently explained it was on my computer. The surprising thing is that she's only in her mid-20's.

Potential niche idea: What is the Internet and how do you navigate it?

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ashley27

Banned 15 years ago

[DELETED]

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molsted

15 years ago

Originally Posted by ashley27

Its good that we also update our parents (especially if their too old) to our new technology. BUT most of them think its too complicated to know how to use those things.

Yes, that's true. However, it does all come down to if they are interested or not. I know people at the age on 30 having problems understanding how simple computer things like webcam, external hard drives... and even webmail like GMail works...

On the other side, you have my (soon to be-)wife's old granfather (80+ something) that has all the latest gadgets, PC with webcam, Skype, HD TV with full hometheatre surround systems etc.... because he thinks its cool and it keeps him "young"...

Martin Mölsted

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Kate Davies 15 years ago

I gave my Mum my old laptop a few years ago (when she was about 67) and she enrolled on some free beginners courses. She did an introduction to computers, introduction to MS Word AND THEN ... she did a course on how to build computers!
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Peter Bashforth

15 years ago

I got a call from my sister the other day telling me she had got a web cam and set it up and started using it to talk to her son in Australia, she did not know how to e-mail the last time I saw her, But having her son in a distant land really focus her mind I could do with some of that sort of focus.
She is 63 years young
Peter

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Michael Oksa

15 years ago

I am currently teaching someone how to cut and paste, open new tabs, use the back button and refresh.

If they want to learn, then teach them. If not, then don't try to convince them.

All the best,
Michael

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antmen 15 years ago

This is a great thread and a valuable reminder, Martin... thanks!

In order to help non-tech people (old and young alike), we have to think from the end and work backwards. Many times we want to explain about the computer, browsers, add-ons, etc. BUT none of that matters! The most important thing to "sell," if you will, are the benefits FIRST. And only the benefits.

Once we have them nodding or agreeing or interested. Then we give them even MORE benefits.

LASTLY, we show them the tools to attaining those benefits (i.e., PC, web, browsers, etc.).

That pretty much applies to any business. Thanks again, Martin!

-Anthony
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jkmg

15 years ago

you see it more and more today...everybody wants in!

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vneely

15 years ago

For years my grandfather would have nothing to do with computers. He thought they were awful, terrible things. Practically toys of the devil.

Then he mysteriously turned into a computer geek. He pimped his computer with all kinds of software and gizmos. He knows all about webcams, digital cameras, Photoshop, and of course all those concepts like cut'n'paste and using a browser.

I guess he decided computers weren't evil after all.

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Mike Hill

15 years ago

This is such a great thread... I was up late last night because finally, after 5 years, 11 days and 11.5 hours I finally reached the end of the Internet..!

Whew... let me tell you, there's a lot of websites out there.

Mike Hill

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David Rundle

15 years ago

True! And a lot of people still don't grasp the concept of "hard drive"

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Steven Wagenheim 15 years ago

Originally Posted by peewoa

True! And a lot of people still don't grasp the concept of "hard drive"

Please, my father thinks a "hard drive" is traveling on the Belt Parkway
during 5 O'clock rush hour.
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phardy20

15 years ago

A great thread. I think with this thread we will fight the aging process together

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Sheila

15 years ago

Old-timers aren't dumb, they can learn anything they want to. What might seem old-hat to IM'ers is totally new to them, though, so you have to start at the beginning. Which makes sense because they didn't even have calculators when they were young, let alone the computers and gadgets we use today. And they might have been too busy working, caring for their children, their families, etc. to have taken the time to learn until now.

Is there a market there? - probably. Is it a long-term, sustainable market? - maybe as a limited niche market, for a limited period of time. I only say that because I don't think most 70-80 yr. olds are interested enough in learning new technology - and, if they are, it's usually because they have a son/daughter/grandson/grand-daughter who's into it, and will teach them . . . just my opinion.

The Baby Boomers are the ones to watch as they've always driven trends, just because there are so many of them. The oldest Baby boomers are about 61 now. If you want to make a ton of money, it might be a good idea to find out what they want and sell it to them. I found a social networking site that caters to the baby boomer market and is showing some impressive numbers of views, and growing. Good research material. It's boomj.com if anyone's interested in taking a look-see.

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baichi

15 years ago

Good thread
I think that Sheila has it right and the Baby boomers are the ones that are a good target.
Actually we have a whole convention in Australia dedicated to this age group.
I dread it when i get the phone call from mum regarding the pc especially at night as generally my dinner will go cold explaining the umpteenth time where the "any key" is ........

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GB2008

15 years ago

Have you noticed just how hard it is to put in a support request on some websites? Do these designers really think that the person having trouble with the difference between "username" and "password" will be able to log into a completely new system, register, set up a trouble ticket and then retrieve the answer? Sure it must cut down on the amount they have to deal with though...

Having said that - I've no time for the "I'm too old" brigade - my parents are both in their 70's - Dad plays the horses daily online and both of them run email, websites and video conferencing with no problem. You can do whatever you decide to!

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ss61288

15 years ago

haha reminds me of my mum, she now calls video's, youtube's

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Connie Everson

15 years ago

I love this thread!!! I am a boomer and said I would NEVER learn to use a computer...then along came day trading and I was hooked..bought the computer, got it set up and have enjoyed the most fantastic roller coaster ride of my life. I was not cut out to day trade but it ultimately led me here to IM and I am excited to start making money and sharing my good fortune.

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sgsmorgan

15 years ago

The Silver Surfer market has to be the fastest growing (and one of the most affluent incidentally as far as a lot of companies are concerned) markets on the net.

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What's A Webcam?

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