We’ve had a lot of activity in our forums and now we want to focus on bringing more activity here to the Qwest Internet Online Community blog. We’ve got a lot to cover, but we also want to talk about what YOU want to talk about. What interests you in the world of high-speed Internet? The speed trends? Home networking? Cloud computing? Let us know!

Let’s kick it off with something we’re pretty sure is important to you: protecting your digital life.

When you think valuables, you might think of cash, jewelry, electronics or other items. Trust me on this one – when you see the blue screen of death for the first time, the word “valuables” quickly evolves to include music files, photos of once-in-a-lifetime trips and documents you (mistakenly) thought you’d never miss.

These days, we’re storing more value on our computers than we may realize. Well, we might realize it…when it’s too late.

After the computer crashes, the CD-ROM breaks or the coffee has already spilled on the external hard-drive, then we realize. After a likely emotional response (or, in my case, a near-meltdown), we ask ourselves “why didn’t I just back up my stuff?”

Well, we’re trying to help you avoid this kind of situation in a couple ways:

1.) By offering free 2GB of automatic online backup space to Qwest High-Speed Internet® customers (more space is available for purchase, too – pricing and other information can be found at www.qwest.com/digitalvault)

2.) By raising awareness about the importance of backing up with our new social media contest “Crash Happens,” which you can check out at www.winwithqwest.com

The contest encourages people to share their stories of data loss so others will take the time to back up…think: ghosts of “computer crash” future. It’s not too late to back up, but if you wait, you might end up singing the same sad song.

There are also some very cool prizes that will go to the most compelling stories – so if you’ve had the misfortune of losing data, you can upload your own video, photo or blog that tells the story. You might gain from your data loss.

Or, you can help select the winners by reviewing, voting and sharing your favorite entries.

Whatever you do, just make sure you back up.

~TechnoMonica