When I first met Buzz Bruggeman, a couple years back, he implored me to use his ActiveWords software utility with the zeal of an evangelist in a revival tent. To be honest, such exuberance sometimes makes me uncomfortable. I felt no better when Buzz turned out also to be a lawyer. Buzz can deliver more words than the Oxford Dictionary on steroids. Still, like everyone else, I couldn’t help but like the guy. Reluctantly, I agreed to give ActiveWords a try.
I hated it. ActiveWords kept suggesting I do things when I didn’t want to. In an awkward conversation, Buzz explained to me the problem could be fixed by just unchecking a particular setting. But, I had to tell Buzz that I wanted no part of his baby, and I know I hurt his feelings and felt badly about it.
Over time, I started getting the feeling that I was the only one on Earth, not in love with this inexpensive utility. People whose knowledge and influence make a difference:Dan Gillmor , Amy Wohl; James Fallows in the New York Times, Bill Machrone in PC Magazine even Ernie the Attorney activewords.html and Robert Scoble all weighed in with enthusiasm and passion, extolling Activewords many virtues, making you more productive and efficient by letting you create your own shorthand.
Simultaneously I got to know and understand Buzz. He’s one of the most trustworthy people I've ever know, has a heart bigger than a watermelon and I’ve never known him to mislead anyone ever. Buzz is a friend and one I value greatly.
So, a couple of weeks ago, I decided to give ActiveWords another try, this time with the check box appropriately unmarked. It’s only been 10 days, but already, ActiveWords has become one of those slap-yourself-on-the-forehead experiences. I can’t believe how I’ve cheated myself of time, energy and money by not using ActiveWords over the last two years. The more I use it, the more shortcuts I find and the more productive I become. Navigating on my PC had been like riding a bicycle. With ActiveWords it suddenly feels like a Harley.
ActiveWords makes it a snap to go from anywhere to anywhere. By typing a single word or a few letters you can launch a program, open a document, go to a Web site or send email. To get here, I typed “blog.” To open Word I type “wrd, and so on. No one, not even Buzz, told me how much fun it is to use. I love the a little summary report that tells you how much time, money and even keystrokes ActiveWords has save you.
My advice: get the free trial for ActiveWords Pro. Use it for 30 days. If you have questions email Buzz buzz@activewords.com and tell him I sent you. If you If end up loving Activewords as I do, let us both know. If you don’t end up loving it, just let me know. I’ve caused Buzz enough heartburn.
what was the checkbox option?
Posted by: Rob Bushway | Jun 20, 2005 at 09:25 PM