The "Death" of paradigmsearch...

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   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   Well, folks. Looks like this is finally it. So, I figure I might as well have fun with it.
   
   I do not joke about things like death of a loved one or blindness or other medical problems. All of which I have dealt with or am dealing with.
   
   This is much simpler. Economics.
   
   This is fun.
   
   (It should be noted that I have a wide perspective.)
   
   My internet connection is gone as of Friday (8/3); unless some major windfall comes from my trying to sell (selling?) all my stuff actually happens.
   
   So...
   
   What do you do when your back is against the wall and...

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   Xenonlitposted 11 years ago

   You go to the library and sign up for a computer!

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      paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      YES!

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   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   What else?

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      Jenn-Anneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No specific advice other than stay encouraged and be sure to write a hub about the experience!  Also, I agree about using the computers at the library - would hate for you to disappear on us altogether!

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   tamronposted 11 years ago

   Have you called your Internet service and asked for an extend the time for you to pay or down graded your service or called around to get cheaper service?
   
   This is what I would do I would call around first and find out how much other Internet service is Example:  Lets say Your paying $89 a mnth. now and another service is only charging $39.59.  Call your service and tell them how sorry you are that you will be dropping there service because you can't afford them anymore.
   
   Then slip in and say that you called another service that is only$39.59 for the same features they have.  They will either match that or for a little more they will add a feature.

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   LeanManposted 11 years ago

   Buy a VERY cheap laptop on ebay, look carefully and you may be able to pick one up for literally a couple of bucks.. Then you can go sit in a coffee shop or similar and surf and of course write without the distraction of the internet at home.

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   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   I refuse to delete "sparkle".

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   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   I'm just happy the toilet flushed...

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   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   Do I explain cleaning up,,,

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   Hollie Thomasposted 11 years ago

   Shelve the hubs for today and write letters to all of these places where you fit the criteria for assistance.(link below)
   
   http://help-paying-bills-rent-medical-u … dpage.com/
   
   Go to you local library and ask for a copy of the employment grants directory (or the US equivalent)
   Write a detailed letter, explaining why you need some financial assistance to keep your internet business afloat. Write to as many as possible.
   
   Good luck.

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    Hollie Thomasposted 11 years ago

    Oh. Do another search for financial assistance for single men, single men over whatever age, single men with health problems, single men living in the ....area, retired programmers? (worth a shot) X-forces?, relations of X-forces, etc, etc,

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       Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Single men in the creative professions.

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    CASE1WORKERposted 11 years ago

    If you read PD's profie it tells why he is in so much trouble- apparently his social security does not kick in til september. There is a link to donate by Pay pal- maybe we need to examine our hearts as well as as our bank balances-  It is easy to do the process

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       Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I know and I already have. Just trying to offer PD some other ways to generate a bit more money-even if it's only a short term loan to get him through to September.

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, CASE1WORKER.

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    CMHypnoposted 11 years ago

    paradigmsearch, so sorry to hear of your troubles, but try and hang in there and check out all the suggestions made.  I don't know how it works in the States, but can't the Social Security give you some kind of emergency payment?
    
    It's such a short time to September, that I hope that you can generate enough to keep you going, as you would be sorely missed here at HP if you went offline.

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    Thank you, guys...
    
    You know who you are...

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    Reality Bytesposted 11 years ago

    I am in similar circumstances, I get by through offering Internet services to local business' in return for access to the Internet for personal use.  I maintain websites, blogs, FB pages, etc..
    
    Just a thought    Many small business owners are completely computer illiterate.  By performing these small responsibilities, my self education takes grand leaps as well!  Before I started this, I had no idea how to upload a photo to a site!

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I've actually got a lead in that regard.

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    Reality Bytesposted 11 years ago

    
    
    
    You are in my thoughts paradigmsearch, I wish you the best of luck, may good fortune shine on you, you deserve it!

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks.
       
       Ya know....
       
       If just 300 people donated $5 each, paradigmsearch would get to live...
       
       

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          Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          299. I'm glad you've got a lead, but try other things, too. I once, such a long time ago- Yawn, worked with people in really bad situations. If you do the research, specific research, you'd be amazed at the help you might receive. Every little helps, at the moment all I have is a little. But you're welcome to it.

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             paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Somehow, somewhere, some way, there is a hug in your future.

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                Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                PDS, I just want you to get through this....and you will. Felt the hug and giving one back.

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                   paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   I'm starting to perk up here...
                   
                   5 donations received. You know who you are. A deep, heartfelt thank you.

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                      Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Now keep that bloody donate button on. You wont receive anything if people can't donate.

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                         paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                         Removal of the Paypal donate button will be one of my last official acts.

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    Barbara Kayposted 11 years ago

    Well, I sent some money but the donation doesn't show up in my account. I hope you got it.

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       Barbara Kayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Ok. It went through now. It shows my daughter-in-law's name and address (Ashley), but it is me.

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          paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you, Barbara. It arrived safely. I am beginning to find all this amazing...

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    These forums sure do slow down at night now. I miss the good old days...

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    And another day stumbles to a close...

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    Jean Bakulaposted 11 years ago

    paradigmsearch,
    I am also experiencing financial issues, and I've been surprised that if you call the provider, they are willing to work with you rather than lose you as a customer. My husband got a big cut in pay, and I do not work because of chronic health issues, but sometimes when I feel good I can work P/T, so don't collect disability. One credit card company worked with me to the point where I only have to pay $15.00 US a month, and this will make it so I won't get a late fee. This is important, because late fees can go as high as $35.00 or so. Also, credit cards raise the rate of interest they charge if you aren't paying, and by paying this $15.00, it keeps the rate low. That never made sense to me, if you already can't pay, how do they expect you to pay a higher fee or interest rate? So it really is a good deal for now, it makes it so I won't owe more and keep getting hit with fees. Many companies will work with you. I hope you find a way. Just talk it out and you may find people are nicer than you think.

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I've been getting the very basic cable and the very basic internet for $65.07 total a month from the beloved entity known as Time Warner Cable.
       
       I just got my latest bill from them.  They raised my rates. They now want $121.60 a month for the same very basic crappy service. I kid you not. They are now attempting to charge me approx $25 for broadcast, $43 for basic cable, $53 for standard internet, and around $4 in monthly fees.
       
       In as much as I was disconnecting from them anyway, I actually find the whole thing humorous.
       
       I will take your advice and see what they have to say for themselves when I make the disconnect call this Friday before the new rates kick in. I'm not too hopeful though...
       
       The most like scenario is that my TV days are gone for the foreseeable future. However, in the event that I don't actually end up homeless, I'm busily scrounging around for a new internet provider.

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          Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Don't know how it works in the US, but many internet and cable providers offer specific deals if you sign up through comparison sites like moneysupermarket.com or go compare. I was paying a fortune with my three for internet service and out of interest I went to a gocompare website. I signed up with talk talk, and for just under 18 pounds a month I get unlimited downloads, free Uk evening and weekend calls, and several mobile phone numbers which I don't have to pay for. Also, I didn't have a BT line I had a virgin one, so had to have BT landline installed. It should have cost £50 but as part of the deal I received free installation. It's worth trying to find the deals for cheaper provision, even if it's only for 12 months.

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             paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             I got your email. I will be poking those websites you mentioned with a stick.

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                Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Good, and I've got more if you don't get any joy.

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          Aficionadaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          We have been without TV for the past eight years or so, and I hardly miss it. I get news from radio and from the Internet, often much more quickly than from TV. Any shows that are worth watching are available through Hulu or other similar sources (later, I'll admit) or on a DVD.
          
          I'm not trying to claim any superiority for the TV-free life, but just letting you know that it doesn't have to be a great big deal.  But I do hope the other issues get worked out for you.

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             paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             I strongly suspect that my productivity in life is about to undergo a significant increase.

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    knolyourselfposted 11 years ago

    My provider was going to raise my rates similarly. I reduced my Mbps
    (megabits per second) from twelve to three to maintain the same monthly charge.

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       
       I built it from a kit.

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    Dame Scribeposted 11 years ago

    Oh no, PDS we can't lose another. You must stay or least return. Can you ask friends for same micro loans amount? offer pay them back or do something in return.

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I pretty much exhausted all avenues prior to my doing my begging-fest here.
       
       Whatever happens, happens.

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    I just discovered another donation. You know who you are. Thank you.

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    Well, folks. Still plodding along...
    
    Spent the day getting one problem fixed.
    
    Busily working on the others.

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    Feeling optimistic.
    
    Hoping to get 2 or possibly 3 major things done/solved today.
    
    Donations have stopped, so whether or not I retain internet access, my pathetic beggar button will be coming down from my profile within around 24 hours.
    
    Again, a sincere thank you to all who have helped.

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       CMHypnoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Why are you going to take the donation button down?  Leave it up as you may still get donations rolling in?  You can still access the internet in the library/friend's computers/internet cafe if the worst comes to the worst, and all the people who visit your profile will still get to see it and donate?
       
       Come on hubbers, get behind paradigmsearch and keep him online!!!

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          paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you, CMHypno. But any longer, and I might as well become a panhandler in front of your local supermarket. We all know how popular supermarket panhandlers are... Spunky comes down early tomorrow morning, HP time.
          
          One way or another, I will survive.
          
          And I will be back.

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             CMHypnoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             You are doing more than surviving and you are not going anywhere! 

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                paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Today will be an interesting day...

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                   Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   Lots and lots of people have donate buttons on their blog. This is completely different from those who stand outside supermarkets asking for money. Your blog is a great resource for those who wish to obtain free information. They can donate if they want or not. Put the button up, PDS!!

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                      paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      You and CMHypno are right. I'll leave the button on my blog and the link to the button on my profile. But I'm going to change that lame, pathetic plea I've currently got there sometime today before extermination.

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                         Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                         Good and it wasn't a pathetic plea. Lots of people encounter financial problems through no fault of their own.

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                            paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                            I just got online confirmation from Social Security that they are NOT going to give me my money until AFTER it is too late to stop the eviction. I need to somehow come up with a month's rent ASAP.

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                               Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                               Have you tried that place I suggested in the e-mail? Well, there were a couple of them, and from what I understand their focus is to prevent eviction by awarding funds for rent.

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                                  paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                  I am all over that site.

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                                     Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                     Good.

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                                        paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                        I also decided to make you famous.
                                        
                                        http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/101526

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    Hollie Thomasposted 11 years ago

    Ah, PDS, that's a really nice thought and thank you.

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