I have an older respected male friend (neurotypical), assciated with my Univeristy. First, for context: This is Alaska (Interior) and some, including my friend, choose to not have electricity, phone, running water. I respect this personal lifestyle choice, very much, and I mostly have lived in this way too. He has a contact phone # for business purposes to leave a voice message and he checks/responds back almost daily - that's it.
About this man; he's very smart/well-eduated and astoundingly well-read. He's well-regarded in this community (lived here a LONG time) and participates in many philanthropic/academic pursuits. Next, he is very interested in autism and autistic culture - and he genuinely loves those with autism with the unusual trait of understanding and listening, without judgment.
Ok - that's enough background. Now the question: He's often at the library (or elsewhere) researching. And on the Internet - he loves to read various blogs, etc. BUT, the dilemma; since he doesn't have an email address or account (given lifestyle) he isn't allowed to respond or correspond. As we know, most sites require a cursory registration, which equates to name, and email! He's even mentioned he would very much like to write to us - here at Wrong Planet. (Sadly, I seriously doubt a heartfelt but hand-written letter would be thrown in the wastebasket). But he cannot. If a mod is reading this (ie: computer guru) - feel free to offer advice. (Even, 'Would a letter, sent via USPS, be acknowledged and read?')
Without too much detail - he's interested in sociology with respect to mirror neurons; hence his interest in Aspies/Auties. He's writing, and may one day publish - like a book. He does his homework too. There's certain WP members he reads, and likes very much. He has a high regard for those of 'our kind.' Guess I should mention, he's a 'people person' and has a gift for understanding people (Jungian psych background) and is considered, by all, very kind. He loves kids (like his family).
Anyway, I suggested just getting a hotmail account and I think this is the only resolution for him. He does have adult sons and he's very close to them; both are sons are professionals and are working at University not in Alaska. Besides, he agrees his writing is his own and doesn't want to use anyone's email address in lieu of his own contact. He *could* use his wife's work email, but this isn't doable. Understandably.
He might have to settle and get a hotmail account. But he's asked me how else can he do this, sans email?
If anyone would know it would a WP techie......advice? Is hotmail it?
Whilst my friend is functional and navigates ok on the computer, being an older man (eeek, not to offend anyone!) he's not a 'computer whiz.' Just the basics.
Advice? How would you do this? Is hotmail the only way? Alaska is somewhat like a 3rd world country in that, my apartment, for instance, has an electrical fuse box! And no cable (for computer/TV)! I don't watch TV anyway. I use broadband. At University we can have WiFi.
Pre-thank you. And he would appreciate the help from you all. I'll convey suggestions.
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The ones who say “You can’t” and “You won’t” are probably the ones scared that you will. - Unknown
20 Dec 2008, 4:59 pm
