Hi: Did you know that there are almost a billion people online today? Or, more precisely, there's almost one billion Internet connections around the globe. So, if you and your spouse share an internet connection, you're counted as "one" Internet user. What surprised me was seeing how the countries break down in a "head count" of Internet connections per country. A few things that struck me looking at the chart; --> I was surprised to see where Canada and Australia fit in. --> I was also surprised to see that the USA only makes up 20% of Internet users globally. --> It also struck me that if anyone who is struggling to make income online thinks "the web doesn't work" - it's not the WEB that's not working. It's more a case of learning how to work the web. Have a peek; http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm Thoughts? : ) Linda

First thought: wow, that's a heck of a lot of people! I was interested to see the Internet Penetration column. That puts in perspective the percentage of internet users globally. For example, Internet penetration in Australia is very close to the same percentage as the US, yet Australia makes up less than 2% of the global users. Guess that's a reflection of relative populations. Another one that surprised me for some reason was Mexico. I wish I knew more about my fields of interest as they relate to other countries...I think I'm missing a lot of customers! Cheri

Hi Cheri; I agree on the penetration as related to percentage and number of users. China and Japan are right under the USA for number of people online, but the percentage of the population is way below. When they hit 68% like the USA, they'll blow us North Americans out of the proverbial water. =========================================== I wish I knew more about my fields of interest as they relate to other countries...I think I'm missing a lot of customers! =========================================== Makes me think of the huge potential of joint venturing. Let's say you find a professional woman in Japan that has your skillset, but knows finance issues in Japan. With a little help to create a Japanese version of the book - it's a win win. Oh -- I'm talking about some of the ideas in your email about strategy. (lol) I'm horridly behind on email (been writing html, not emailing) but I loved the ideas. I'll reply with more thoughts by email. Looking at the numbers in the chart though did make me think of the potential of cross culture partnerships. : ) Linda

Very interesting stats for sure. I'm surprised that they are quite as high as they are.

Linda, I sure would be interested in setting up a line of communication with someone in any one of the high users of the internet to work out a working relationship. I'd like thoughts on that. Zelma http://www.yorgoo.com/cgi-bin/ref.cgi/bluebear