Several people I know subscribe to multiple email newsletters, but would prefer RSS because it’s more convenient and doesn’t clutter their inbox. Unfortunately, despite the Web 2.0 craze, a lot of good content still isn’t available via RSS. Such content providers should contact me right away to get started with RSS, but in case they don’t…

There’s no reason you should be prevented you from getting your favorite email newsletters via RSS, thanks to this clever-yet-simple GMail hack I’ve discovered. Here it is, step by step:

1. Create a new GMail account. For example: thefavoritenewslettersofjames@gmail.com.
2. Unsubscribe from all of your newsletters.
3. Re-subscribe using your new GMail account. Feel free to take this time to eliminate the ones you no longer read.
4. Subscribe to your new GMail account’s RSS feed.

Taadaa!

When I first tried this trick, I had some issues with security – my RSS reader doesn’t prompt me for my password. To get around that, point your newsreader to https://USERNAME:PASSWORD@gmail.google.com/gmail/feed/atom.

That should help unclutter your inbox, save time, yadda yadda. If you end up using this trick, I’d love for you to post a comment with your experience.

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I get about eight hits per day on this site from people Googling for James Tharpe, Jim Tharpe, Tharpe, or Jamie Tharpe. They spend an average of 2 seconds on my site, so I am obviously not the James Tharpe they are looking for.

If you found this page by searching for any part of my name, I have a question for you: Who are you actually looking for?

I’d like to provide a link to the correct website(s) if possible.

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Recently I began reading the Steve Pavlina blog after a friend recommended it.

Today I came across an article on how to create a personal productivity scaffold. What a great idea! After reading the article, I have implemented one myself as a way of keeping up with my accounting books which are always lagging behind. First, of course, I have to get caught up!

I’ve also gone ahead and created a monthly self-appointment to evaluate any potential scaffolds for the month to come.

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Over the weekend, my laptop was stolen. Though I had security measures in place to prevent data theft, it’s best to assume that these safeguards have been compromised. Being a computer guy, I know how easy it can be to crack a password and defeat most forms of encryption.

Step 1: Freeze your Accounts

As I was waiting for the police to arrive, I was on the phone with my bank, credit card, and investment companies alerting them that my data had been stolen. They verified that there had not been any suspicious activity and closed/froze the accounts for me. The next day I opened all new accounts with different account numbers, different pins, and different passwords.

Step 2: Change your Passwords

While on the phone, I was also on a friend’s laptop logging into GMail, MySpace, and other online accounts and changing my passwords. I took the opportunity to pick stronger passwords as well.

Step 3: Notify your Friends

Once I was confident that the thief could not access any of my accounts, I posted a blog entry, a MySpace bulletin, and sent emails to warn people that my data had been stolen and could be used for fraud; not only against me, but them as well.

Step 4: Purchase Identity Theft Insurance

Though all my existing accounts are now protected, it may be possible for the thief to open new accounts in my name. So I purchased identity theft insurance for about $13.00 per month.

I hope I haven’t forgotten anything. If I have, please post a comment with your suggestions. My hope is that this post will enable others in similar situations to protect their assets and their identities.

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A short while ago I thought I'd try out Helium, a website that encourages people to write for their site by sharing ad revenues with writers. I wrote an article on exercising at home to see what kind of money the site would actually bring in. After nearly three months, I've earned a whopping $1.37 with my top-ranked article.

Today I was notified that my article is featured on the Helium homepage. With any luck, this promotion will earn enough for me to purchase a venti latte at Starbucks in the next day or so. Too bad I can't cash in until I reach $25. I have high hopes for a latte in 2008.

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