Don't Fall Off the Grid by Andy Scheer

Last week I slipped off the grid. For two days, I lost access to my business email.

I didn't see it coming. Nor did I have a recovery plan. If it ever happens to you, I hope you're prepared.

Unfortunately, my email account was linked to the company that hosted my website. I should have realized that connection, but I was concentrating on my need to switch to a hosting company with better website options.

Making the switch was hard. My techie daughter-in-law needed a half-hour to navigate the obstacles.

Then the old hosting (and email) company dragged its feet. But after five business days, they threw the switch.

I discovered the change Tuesday morning as I checked my business email. No new messages—not even spam. After a half-hour on hold, my former hosting company told me they'd made the change—and that I'd have to take up the email issue with the new company.

After another half-hour on hold, the new firm said they'd activate my account in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. But no worry, they'd notify me via email. Unfortunately I forgot that the address to which they'd send notice was the one caught in limbo.

Fortunately, I had an alternate email address. I used it to alert my most important associates and clients that my main address was down. For everyone else, I hoped my posting on Facebook would help.

Two days dragged by. Time to work on other projects—and hope I wasn't missing anything vital.

Yesterday morning I decided to test if the new connection was available. It was. I improvised a way to check my emails and began assembling my new website.

A couple of lingering issues remain that may need my daughter-in-law's help. I can only hope that what I intend as the final round of technical changes don't bring even more unintended consequences.