Digital Living guru and York House Press author Shelly Palmer was the boy who kicked the hornet’s nest recently after he accused those of a certain age (and younger) of being “pridefully ignorant” for not recognizing the web, social media and digital tools as professional life preservers.  The blow back was instant and harsh, as certain life-long professionals, who say they get along just fine with flip phones and fax machines, started calling names and talking smack about Mr. Palmer, telling him in no uncertain terms what little respect they have for him and all the Johnny come latelies with loose lips and little discretion who run around squawking on social media.  The Shelly Palmer blog obviously did what it intended: hit a nerve by drawing the battle lines between those who can’t live without digital tools and those who can’t stand them.  But the truth no doubt lies somewhere, as usual, in the middle.  Shelly’s latest book, “Overcoming the Digital Divide”, separates noise from signal by giving digital newbies a simple, swift and expert lesson in how to make the new tools work for you so you don’t get left behind on the wrong side of the digital divide, where you are in danger of being uncool and unemployable.  “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!”  That’s what I say to all those of you who chirp about how inane tweeting is.  Here’s an excerpt from “Overcoming the Digital Divide” by Shelly Palmer.  Give it to the digitally challenged folks you know.  Free Excerpt: Overcoming the Digital Divide   or Buy the book