I was fortunate enough to be studying in the US just as the Internet bug bit there, and I still remember how one of my mentor-professors and I struggled to figure out just how to indent text on a webpage. (When I clicked that the best way to do that would be to put the text in a table, I felt as if I had discovered the Holy Grail). From then it was a natural progress to design dynamic, data driven applications. I participated strongly in the Internet boom, even more strongly in the Internet crash, and am still an avid supporter of the power of the Internet to impact everyday life.

I watch with envy how the online world and the real world have merged in the US and elsewhere, and am always conscious of how different life would be in South Africa if we could also bridge the gap between those “who can” and those “who cannot”. I am also aware that (chorus, please) Telkom is hugely to blame, but I do not think the fault lies solely there.

I am always amazed when I meet people who ask me what I do, and are envious that I am “smart” enough  to use the Internet, because they “just do not know how” . And these are affluent, educated, successful people who are just too scared to dabble. And it is easy to forget, if you are a computer savvy, experienced blogger that there are plenty far too many- people like that in this country.

I want to play an active role in changing that.

And so I am now involved in a number of projects that aim to do just that, some commercial, and some not. You can find out about all of them on this website.

In my other life, I work very hard not to be chained to the computer or the desk. Mostly, I succeed, which is great. I am a staunch believer in three-day weekends and regular coffee breaks with friends. I read every magazine I can lay my hands on, and there are always three or four books that I am trying to get through before I allow myself to get new ones.

Quantum physics, parallel universes and energy fields are all topics that fascinate me. One day I am going to figure it all out, but not this week. Another thing I am going to do one day, (together with, apparently, half the world s population) is write a book. I also have a five-year-old brat, but a very adorable one, who reminds me every day that the reason I am here is actually for her.

Works for me.