Blogging like it's 1999

Last December on our Christmas tour we had internet on our bus and it was awesome. This tour, we've theoretically "had internet" on our bus but it has been S-L-O-W. Since my dayjob involves being the band historian/ documentarian (except I'm photo/video illiterate - I leave that stuff to David and Tai!), I've spent many frustrating hours trying to upload posts, losing posts, reposting posts, etc. As you can probably imagine, this guy has had little energy left for falling down! Thank you for continuing to stop by. I hope to get some regular posts going on around here.

I want to party like it's 1999, not have internet access like it's 1999...

On a sort of related note, now that I've got a new computer and some hard drive space, maybe I can get one of those cool programs like ecto where I can blog offline and then upload it later. Any suggestions?

Comments

[Larry Boatright]

Please tell me you use a Mac... :)

I second what Cory said- should up your speed and consistency...

[Corey]

You should look into EVDO and a mobile router for your Internet needs while you're on the road. Both Sprint and Verizon offer EVDO service through a variety of devices (USB, PCMCIA, and ExpressCard) which you can use in conjunction with a mobile router like the Kyocera KR2.

Basically, it's like having a router set up at home with your cable connection except you're using the cell phone network for Internet access. If you're on a tour bus, it would provide access to everyone on the bus via WiFi, thus negating the need for you to find special software to hold your posts in limbo. For surfing the Internet, checking e-mail, and stuff like that, EVDO Rev. A is plenty fast and can handle three or four users without issue.

[Melanie]

I had to laugh about the hard drive. Mine is nearly full. I need to get my photos onto my external drive and some dvd's so I can free up space. It's running like a snail, so I definitely understand!

I don't really have any recommendations on programs to blog offline. If I want to compose off line, I just use notepad and cut and paste. LOL I try to remember to "copy" a blog before I hit send, but every now and again I forget, and it is frustrating to have to start back at square one.

I hope you find what works best for you. I always enjoy your blogs.

[Mark]

I used ecto for a year or so, but have just switched to MarsEdit.

Both are excellently useful bits of software - I just prefer MarsEdit.

[Karen]

ECTO!

http://ecto.kung-foo.tv/archives/000990.php

It's great stuff. Been using it a few years. The guy who keeps it up is so awesome too. Seems like every time there's an upgrade I can't find my serial/registration number so I email him and he always replies back super fast and is very nice. He helped me with a glitch in an old version too. Great guy. Awesome product.

[anne jackson]

what are you using for internet?

[Rick]

You're a Mac guy, right? If you used Windows, I would heartily recommend Windows Live Writer, which is a free download.

[Tony]

Hey Mark. I don't have a tech suggestion, but wanted to thank you for blogging. I read both this and the tour blog pretty regularly. I appreciate the inside look into my favorite band.

I'll be seeing you guys on Sunday in Cedarville. Can't wait. Keep on Rockin'

[WTD]

Check out the new R.E.M. record yet? I love it. That first track is BOSS!

[Izzy]

Definitely go with ecto. I've been using it since the early days of my blog (around 5 years now) and absolutely love it. There are so many time saving things it does that it pays for itself the first couple of times you use it.

MarsEdit is also another strong choice you may want to check out, I know lots of people rave about it.

[The Secret Life of Kat]

I use Ecto and I highly recommend it. It does take a little getting used to, but it makes writing posts so easy.

It really shines when you're posting to multiple blogs and when you need to post and upload photos (from iPhoto). It also can automatically update Twitter each time you post.

I've just scratched the surface of what it can do, but I really like it so far.