LETTERS

Entrepreneur, Feb, 2000

BETTER THAN EVER?

In response to "Tax Talk" (November 1999), I believe that the new-and-improved tax system awaiting taxpayers sounds like a definite success. The changes taking place at the IRS are designed to make it easier for you to pay the taxes you owe.

The tax system has not changed; you still have to pay your taxes every year, and the IRS still charges interest and penalties if you fail to do so. However, I think the new payment options will lead to happier taxpayers and greater acknowledgment of the IRS.

I believe pressure from lawmakers has also contributed to the success of these changes. Many tax collectors say that, because of these new restrictions, they've become less aggressive in collecting unpaid taxes now that they fear losing their jobs. For example, taxpayers now have the right to collection due process if they face enforced collection by the IRS. If the taxpayer requests a hearing, the proposed levy can't take place until the appeals officer has received the case. As a 19-year-old attending Moorpark College, I find these ideas very reasonable. But until the day I pay my own taxes, I won't know for sure if these ideas are going to be successful.

Rana Yavari

student, Moorpark College

West Hills, California

LESSONS LEARNED

I enjoyed "Young Millionaires" (November 1999)--and, no, I don't hate them; I respect them. I also believe your readers can learn lessons from entrepreneurs who've made the conscious decision to stay small, independent and flexible-like I did.

I realized I was an entrepreneur when I stopped trying to force myself into a corporate marketing communications position. Instead, I started viewing the freelance business writing and public relations assignments I'd been accepting as the first stage in my development as an entrepreneur.

It was a powerful realization because it liberated me from thinking of myself as simply a job-filler. Along the way, and heading into my third year of liberation, I've learned significant lessons about maintaining quality service, generating the media results my clients demand, and collecting money from forgetful accounting departments.

I appreciate your attention to the entrepreneur in all of us.

Jack Rubinger

Jack Rubinger Public Relations & Business Writing

Beaverton, Oregon

soli@teleport.com

GENERATION GAP

In your December 1999 issue, you criticize boomers for ignoring us Gen Xers, but you devote less space to discussing this generation than all the others. And the brief discussion did not really say much. There are several pages discussing teens, seniors and, of course, the sacred boomers. Why is there such discrimination against my generation?

I'm so tired of reading that we are not up to the boomer standards and not "new enough" for the Generation Y standards. My generation has inherited a far worse world than our parents, and I think we are doing some amazing things that go beyond just surfing the Internet. Why won't you give us the recognition and credit that we deserve?

Name withheld

Editor's note: We do and we did. Considering the overlap between Twenty-somethings and GenXers, almost two pages of our "Hot Stuff" feature were aimed in that direction (hint: pages 82 and 85). And check out our Business Start-Ups magazine. Its purpose is to inform and inspire what we call Generation Entrepreneur (Gen E), entrepreneurs aged 35 or younger.