For the past several years, I have been frantically searching for a way to turn my love of technology and consumer electronics into a full-time career. I have tried everything from selling advertising on this site (which are still available for five dollars) to joining pay-per-post sites like SponsoredTweets and PayPerPost. I have also attempted to join numerous online programs, like those presented by Joel Conn in ads scattered around the Internet.

Unfortunately, none of them seemed to work, and the prospect of turning my hobby into a full-time career seemed to sink with each failure. That was, at least, until I applied to join the Electronics department of my local Wal-Mart Superstore.

I mean, it’s the perfect job for me! For eight hours a day, I am paid (by a corporate entity, nonetheless) to answer questions and give advice to consumers just like you and I. I also get a deep-felt satisfaction when I introduce users to new technologies, like Blu-Ray and the iPhone 3GS, that they never would’ve discovered otherwise. This is the same satisfaction that I get from helping consumers make wise decisions about their purchases and helping them make informed decisions about the numerous technologies that they introduce into their homes.

While this hasn’t been the job I originally envisioned for myself (I always thought that I would be the host of Call For Help, back when the TechTV television network still existed), I love working at my local Wal-Mart. My co-workers are a lively, energetic, and friendly group who are willing to help me out at even a moment’s notice. The pay is somewhat competitive, despite the recent recession that is occuring in the United States at this time (I am paid almost eight dollars an hour to be a geek – how cool is that?). And numerous benefits, like stock options and health insurance, simply sweeten the deal.

All in all, I believe I have found the perfect way to turn my hobby into a full-time career. So, my question to you is this: how have you managed to turn a hobby into something more? Leave your thoughts and insights in the comments below.

Business, Featured Articles Comments November 14th, 2009

Having a home theater can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. Having to keep all of those cables organized and having to use numerous remotes to control those devices can prove somewhat annoying and can also lessen the movie-viewing experience.

It doesn’t have to be that way, however; following these simple tips, you can simplify your home theater setup and get back to your enjoying your favorite films and television shows with crystal-clear sound and picture.

1. Instead of connecting your devices to numerous inputs on your home theater receiver, try using a RF modulator instead. These handy devices, which can be purchased at any electronics store, can be placed on shelves, removing unnecessary clutter from your living room (or wherever your home theater is located) floor. Not only that, but it will allow you to more directly connect the receiver to your television, eliminating the need for numerous remotes.
2. After you connect each device, whether it’s a video game console or DVD player, be sure to label each input on the RF modulator, so as to avoid confusion. The last thing you need while preparing to view a movie is having to remember what you plugged everything into.
3. Be sure to connect the output of your RF modulator into a single input on the back of your home theater receiver. This will further reduce the number of remote controls you will need, since each input device will be directly connected to your television through a single input source on your television. By this time, you should only require the remotes to your television and home theater receiver.
4. Be willing to sacrifice high-tech for simplicity. Most DVD players (namely Blu-Ray players) come with HDMI compatibility, for connection on high-definition televisions. More often than not, however, people own standard definition televisions that, unfortunately, do not have HDMI connections. Don’t worry, though; the difference is so minimal that you won’t even notice the presence of a difference.

Do you have any tips or tricks on how to make the home theater experience more enjoyable? Feel free to share your tips, thoughts, and insights in the comments below!

Art/Entertainment, Featured Articles, Hardware, Television Comments October 22nd, 2009