I'd like to make a departure from my usual ramblings ("Usual, Joseph?") to share an anecdote which, to me, demonstrates the true power of the internet. I'll start by writing that I believe the true power of the internet is as a social connection tool, a social information engine. It is, to me, the ultimate demonstration of "Six Degrees of Separation", of the Village writ large. A gentleman I'll call "L" contacted me via my IMedia writings in order to reach a mutual friend, SW (and also one of Evolution TechnologyTM's early adopters). I've referenced SW in my writings a few times and, evidently, L had done a search for SW, found me and figured I'd know how to contact him.
Evidently L and SW were best buds in high school and had lost touch. In my case, SW and I have become good friends although we've only met in person once, when my work and his vacation had us near DC at the same time.
Now L wanted to get in touch with SW because someone they both knew, a woman I'll call "RT", was going through some serious challenges (and, I doubt, shopping their way out of it). What follows gives part of the story from SW's perspective:
"Thanks for the forward. How bizarre that he should have lost my e-mail. And I know for a fact he's gotten several e-mails this week in which both he and I were in the recipient list. Probably too disturbed to reply back to the person who sent them and ask about it.
"I went to grammar school with a girl named RT, and was infatuated with her in grammar school. Also in high school, as were most of my buds. Post high school, I roomed with her boyfriend for a time, and after I got married, we rented a house and sublet the top floor to her. After college we lost touch for a good while, but probably about the time I met you, she was here for a book signing, and we reconnected via e-mails a bit.
"Word came out this week she's got inoperable pancreatic cancer advanced to the liver. I imagine that's why L's trying to get in touch."
SW kept me up to date on RT and L. Most recently, RT passed over. The internet was used to find and contact several people she knew and her life was well represented during her last days as friends long lost found their way to her side.
Bringing solace and comfort, an intrinsic spiritual need, via connecting people first virtually then physically, is a true power of the internet and a demonstration of what I will call The Village.
We all want to be part of this Village and the power of the internet is that it allows this Village to take any shape or form necessary for the Village's optimal efficiency and survival. We, as members of this Village, change its shape and form moment by moment with each request we make. It takes one form and becomes rigid in that shape but only for an instant. Once the need for that shape and form no longer exists the Village dissolves into the ether until the next request is made. We keep the Village alive by reaching out to and for others and the information they keep.
This very powerful tool is, therefore, shaped by the requests we make of it. Truly an example of "Be careful what you wish for..."
Joseph, what a refreshing post to help us understand the resource that can be ours in the web. Thanks! Seems to me that the new tool that will allow even better communication across the web - would be tone, as a tool for effective communication. It's a keen skill that is often needed by not much taught. What do you think?
Posted by: Ellen Weber | December 10, 2006 7:28 AM | Permalink to Comment