Friday, December 14, 2007

google alerts

In the previous entry, I mourned the passing of Floyd Westerman.  He's been ill for a long time, and I hadn't been able to find much information about his condition on the Internet.  So how did I find out in such a timely manner that he had passed away?  After all, he wasn't famous enough to make headlines with his illness and death.

There's a program called google alerts that will help you keep track of anyone you're interested in who might make the news, but not in a big way.  If they're appearing anywhere in the country, or if there's an article mentioning them, and it's published in a paper... you'll get an email with a link to the article.

If you follow big-name acts, you have no problem keeping up with them online.  But I have an interest in several little-known folk artists (Iris Dement for example), and I like seeing what they're up to, all over the country.  It doesn't have to be singers, just anyone who, once in a while, makes the news.

I learned about this through an Iris Dement Yahoo group I'm a part of, and thought I'd pass it on.

Google alerts.  Just go there and type in your email address and the name of the person in whom you're interested.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had used that once a long time ago - I had forgotten about it! Thanks for reminding me :-)

oxox

Anonymous said...

Very interesting...I learn so much by reading journals! :)

Anonymous said...

This is neat!  I didn't know about it.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Oh, that's neat!  Thanks for sharing.

Hollie

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I love Google Alerts! The greatest thing. Of course I'm a little prejudice because I love just about anything Google comes out with....lol.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Floyd Westerman.

Take care,
Gayla

Anonymous said...

Alerts- We love Iris Dement and are glad to find out a way to help keep track of her doings. Really like the journal