Sir Terry Wogan, Internet guru
What is the Internet for? For some, the answer can only be - Sir Terry Wogan. He's the reason some people bought a computer and taught themselves how to use email, so they could play their part in his celebrated Radio 2 programme by sending in their comments, exhortations, rebukes and occasional items of filth and innuendo.
Long before we started using peculiar phrases like "user generated content", listeners would join in by post. Goodness it was slow. He'd say something "witty" on air. Several days and a significant quantity of tumbleweed would pass. Then a letter would flutter in (probably starting "Dear Jimmy Young ...")
Now it's so much faster, and he's seen all the big changes in modern communication technology. He brought the fax machine into his studio. He was coaxed into email. Now he's twiddling with Twitter, has faced down his fear of Facebook and is one of the most popular ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ podcasts.
So there's no better person to turn to if we want to encourage people who aren't online already to sign up for broadband.
I couldn't imagine modern life without it; I use email rather than letters, pay bills and keep a check on my bank account online, and shop for everything from books to food to - er - food. And there's Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Skype for everything from guest booking to cooing at photos of the latest Curry cousins.
I think anyone who isn't online is missing out on an extraordinary range of fun, information, social contact and financial savings. But preaching by the converted isn't much use. Those who haven't discovered the joy of the Internet by now want a trusted guide who shares their own scepticism and wariness, but is enthusiastic once they discover its benefits.
Which is why Sir Terry popped into the Working Lunch offices this week to give me a quick Internet lesson. He showed me his favourite sites, told me how he uses the web in everyday life, and shared some tips he has for people who want to get started for the very first time. All done with the priceless, unmistakable Wogan wit we've all enjoyed for decades. Watch it
It's all part of Radio 2's "Get Connected"campaign and Working Lunch's "Get Online" week, starting Monday 15th March. Too many of our viewers - and his listeners - have yet to be tempted onto the web. We hope this will be the extra sweetener they need. If only technology was this much fun all the time ...
