17 March, 2010

Search for the Wow

Seth Godin has written a very interesting blog post about how the Internet has created two new ways of creating and consuming culture. The first is a way for people (amatuers) to create and publish content on the net.

The second is,

"... distracting and ultimately a waste. We're creating a culture of clickers, stumblers and jaded spectators who decide in the space of a moment whether to watch and participate (or not).

Imagine if people went to the theatre or the movies and stood up and walked out after the first six seconds. Imagine if people went to the senior prom and bailed on their date three seconds after the car pulled away from the curb."

He challenges us to think about how this quick fix behaviour does not remotely allow for thoughtful inquiry and deep experiences. It is really a dilemma we all face. When it comes time to consuming online culture, I must say that I am guilty of a quick fix read through my google reader list. This leaves me terribly unsatisfied, and after reading Mr. Godin's post, I will endeavour to change this. I will read the posts to the end or not at all.

And, as far as this behaviour when creating content.. I know that after four and a half years of blogging, I am struggling to figure out a way to write relevant and meaningful content. In an attempt to overcome this lethargy, two blogging friends and I have decided to create a work group where we,

  • reflect upon what blogging has meant to us
  • explore what, if any, motivation exists to continue
  • redefine a mission or vision the blog should take
  • make suggestions about how to change the direction
  • offer support to each other through the next year
 I'll let you know how this group progresses.

7 comments:

  1. Blogging is just like writing a term paper, I have found. You have to have a thesis statement, and you have to keep that in mind through the daily variations. Sure, for instance, talk about old cars, but leave room in the format for variation. Yes, also, make friends here, but give the friends a fair reading. I always read all the way to the end....tho I don't' always note.

    I liked your original thesis....joining you for a cup of coffee.

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  2. Maggie, you have been one of my best blogging friends and commenter. Thank you, dear heart. Like you, now that you have written your story about Duck, I have to find some way to write again creatively. I'm actually looking forward to the process of reexamination and reflection. Who knows, maybe my café talk will become more lively.

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  3. I am wondering what the digital age is doing to us. We become raisin pickers and shut out everything we don't like that much. When you listened to a record, you couldn't skip tracks. Now, on your *pod there are only songs you absolutely like, if you don't, you skip to the next. I think it is the same with blogposts or other online articles. The inputs are shorter but come in large quantities, think of twitter. Don't we become more and more impatient, searching for the next news and creating a kind of digital schlaraffenland where we are just consuming the things we like?

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  4. Liz, I really like your idea of all of us becoming raisin pickers. How astute. I also behave in such a manner though I cam trying to become more conscious of its adverse affect on the way I read online information.

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  5. A very thought-provoking post. I think it's time for us to fight back against the quick-fix, disposable society we live in.

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  6. This sounds like a very interesting work group. I can't wait to hear more of it.

    I have to say, though, that right now I'm always happy if I blog at all, no matter how trite the content.

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  7. Susanne, will let you know how things develop with the work group. So far, it is very lively. Now we just have to see if we manage things concretely. You never write anything trite and always interesting.

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