How Yinspire, Inc. Was Founded
I have been in the technology industry my whole career -- but I am still intimidated by computers. I sold millions of dollars of software programs but heaven forbid if I had to actually use the software myself! At the office, engineers were always around to bail me out of trouble, and at home, I never got past word processing on my computer. It wasn't that computers were so hard to use. I just prefer to only think about pushing a button, turning a knob or reading instructions in English. Being forced to use tildes and H T T P colon, slash slash makes me want to run to the nearest Technically Challenged Anonymous meeting!
When I first saw some of the point and click multimedia a few years back, I thought maybe, just maybe, computers were finally becoming a practical tool for the rest of us, and not just for those who can figure out how to program them. This gave me the idea for reaching out to people to show in ways that are both fun and inspiring, how we can use our computers now to enrich our lives. That's why I call my company Yinspire.
I originally though the web was only for technically inclined, social misfits who had nothing better to do than hang out with their computers. In 1996, I finally took my head out of the sand after much kicking and screaming, to look at a web site for the first time. Like millions of other folks, I discovered an incredible new world, open to everyone who knows just a few basics about using a computer. And now we can even get on the net through our TV's and cellular phones!
We put together a test web site in early 1996 about "people helping each other to use new technology to reach for our dreams", whatever each of our dreams might be. I wanted to create a comfortable and friendly place for folks to come and learn from each other about the practical benefits of using computers and going on the net.
I was thrilled when people communicated to us and told us what they liked and didn't like. And there were folks who even offered to participate in some way. As a result of your responses, every section of the this site is being offered because of some need expressed by you. FolksOnline was born as an online home "For us folks, By us folks". It is a place for us to share in the spirit of openness, learning and support.
The interactive and virtual nature of the net really excites me and I welcome everyone to join us in this new discovery. There are several ways you can participate. Folks can drop in just to enjoy experiencing what we have on the site, or to ask for help or offer advice. You can also influence the future direction of FolksOnline by telling us what you want in the guestbook comments section. People who want to participate mare can become an "unofficial virtual writer" by contributing material to FolksOnline. We typically offer a $100 thank you for published content.
How has technology helped me to reach for my own dream even though I'm constantly griping about how computers work? It's made it possible for me to create the kind of virtual business that I want to work for, with the emphasis on creativity and freedom, with no hierarchy.
My team is here because we share in the FolksOnline vision and are having a lot of fun doing what we love to do. My wish and our goal is for FolksOnline to inspire and help others take on the challenge and benefits of the Internet to reach their own dreams and do what they love to do.