Yesterday I heard someone say “I was having internet connection issues,” is the new “I got stuck in traffic.” It’s the kind of line that gets a chuckle, unless it’s true. All the time.
Living on a small, ferry-dependent island has its advantages, but fast, dependable internet isn’t one of them.
Like everyone else out there, I’m doing a lot of Zooming these days. Board meetings and writers’ groups, webinars and on-line master classes. Even family gatherings. But unlike most of my fellow Zoomers, I’m rarely able to turn on the video and still hear the audio. Voices echo in a weird boomerang effect and faces freeze on the screen.
“Your internet connection is unstable” flashes on and off, reminding me that MY INTERNET CONNECTION IS UNSTABLE. As if the flickering feed wasn’t clue enough that we have internet connection issues. The final slap in the face is losing the connection altogether. The abrupt drop is like having the welcome mat yanked out from underfoot.
Urggg. The CRTC’s target for Internet speed is 50 Mbps download. On a good day, we’re lucky to get 20 Mbps.
Want to watch Netflix?
Occasionally we get through a Netflix program without the little wheel of frustration spinning in the centre of the screen.
I know companies are working on solutions for rural customers, I just hope one of them finds a solution soon because I’m pretty sure this “online” thing isn’t going away.
All right. Rant over. I think I got that out of my system. And now I have a thrilling offer!
Dark Addictive Summer Thrillers
A few times a year I rake through the author offerings on Bookfunnel and pick one I think you’ll enjoy. This time around it’s dark, addictive summer thrillers.
Take advantage of the deals and load your ereader for summer. But you’ll have to act fast because the offer ends tomorrow, June 30. Read about the books on offer with a click on the promo image, or click this link: https://books.bookfunnel.com/darkthrillers/6sg5ef4u8k.
I’ve downloaded a couple of the books already and may go back for another. If you find one you enjoy, please tell me about it. I’m always looking for a new book. Just drop it in the comments below.
And if nothing in the bundle interests you, why not give Secret Sky a try? Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).
Blurred Light Banner Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
That’s horrible.
I haven’t used Zoom but probably should. I think Maybe Google is better since everybody is on Zoom and their security doesn’t work.
So, there are advantages living in Ajax, Ontario. We have good internet, cannot complain. We have internet everything, also TV.
I just don’t watch anything because I’m outdoors or painting.
Maybe connection improves as internet won’t be that overloaded in your area.
Yes, city living certainly has advantages. Fingers crossed our connections issues improve. Thanks for stopping by.
The internet connection must be immensely frustrating, especially given the amount of time you spend on Zoom. I’m doing little online work these days, just one meeting a month so far, but I’m thinking of doing more this fall. Looking for an online writers’ group for experienced authors, plus online courses in the fantasy genre, or a good resource t go to. If you can recommend anything, that would be great, but I’m planning to start searching in earnest a little bit later.
For an online writers’ group, check out The Creative Academy (https://creative-academy-for-writers.mn.co). Wish I had a current recommendation for fantasy courses, but I don’t. Let me know if you find something interesting. Cheers!
Thank you, I will definitely check them out.
I think you would also enjoy “Flight Into The Unknown – Dreaming of Life and Love in Canada.” Starting July 1st it’s on 50% off special offer on all ebooks on Smashwords.com –
Just my immigrant story – probably interesting to many immigrants who marry an unknown man, become stepmothers, deal with language problems and always lack of money, bankruptcy and new beginnings, emotional abuse and divorce. Loss of everything and never giving up. “Whatever doesn’t kill you just makes you stronger.” Is it true?
Oh, bummer. Sorry about your internet troubles. The demand for online communication has never been greater. I also just read in Maclean’s that hackers are getting a good workout. Hope that’s resolved soon, because you are good to look at. 🙂 With a personality to boot.
Aren’t you sweet! Thank you.
Flight Into The Unknown is on my Kindle, Giselle. SO interesting. It’s definitely made you stronger. Cheers.