I am sure some will say the best way to learn new things and replenish our reserves of creativity is to surf around online, learning to things and expanding our horizons.

While I do not disagree with that, I believe a lot can be accomplished by simply shutting the computer off and living a bit in the offline world. Connecting with people in person is a far more invigorating feeling than over fiber optics (even if the excitement of "hey, they're half-way around the world!" doesn't apply).

Now, of course I am not recommending people leave this fine website. It's the next best thing. Sure, yeah, that's what I mean!

Live your life. Your real life! In real time!

Attached File(s): table.jpg (32.24 kb)

I totally agree! I was actually just saying this the other day to my boyfriend.

At the same time that the internet allows for more cross-cultural communication, it also increases the desire to SOLELY communicate in this medium. Why go out & meet someone new, when you can just sit in your room & be witty over email?

An internet relationship is so much more desirable. You can edit & re-edit yourself until you sound like Marcel Proust. You can look up brilliant quotes and include them in your correspondence. And best of all, you never actually NEED to think on your feet or truly show emotion. All of this can be carefully controlled.

The best networks I have ever forged are those I made face to face. My friends, my family, my boyfriend. And while we may use electronic communication with each other, it never supplants the feeling of being in the same state, the same room, the same space.

looks like a post from 2002? hmph.
i will hold out for a more recent post to comment on.