Some of you may recognize the self referential nature of this blog's title. It sort of assumes you know something and updates the thought related to that something. Whether you get it or not is unimportant. I selected this title because, frankly, ink is better. Allow me to explain.
I used to write letters to friends. This was an involved process. I had to get a pen, some paper, an envelope, and a stamp. I had to lick stuff then hire a courier to transport it all in the hope that my friend would get it, read it then respond in kind. What a pain. Email seems so much easier. I go the computer, click a few icons, type stuff, spell check it then send. That mystical internet then makes sure they get it in a matter of nano-seconds. Brilliant! How could email not be better than the ink based system? I'm glad I asked that.
What i learned is that there is something about writing a letter. You have to put forth extra effort. I got into that. I actually went out and bought special pens and ink for writing letters. It was fun and I felt a little more connected to these friends than I did when I emailed them. There was also the excitement of getting a letter back. Mail usually sucks. Getting a handwritten letter always brightened my day. In short, letter writing is more personal, it means more.
I haven't written a letter in years. This caused a change in the verb in this blog title. Had I started it years ago it would read "Ink is better". My willingness to join the email herd has moved the reality of that superiority to the the past tense. Now I simply lament the superiority of ink. It would be better, if I used it.
Ink would also be a better medium for this exercise. I like having a place to write and store my thoughts. I also like having a passive way to share them and receive comments. There is nothing inherently wrong with that but at the same time, the more heavily i rely on digital forms of communication the less connected i feel to those with whom i communicate. I think the best option would be for me to write these thoughts privately and then, should it seem relevant, share them with you by letter, or better, over a pint.
The question I have to answer is: Do I email and blog because i'm compromising with technology or because I'm selling out.
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2 comments:
Wow, it knew who I was... Wonder when I've logged into this system before?
I would have to say that you're not so much compromising as you are moving with the times. Though, the fact that you feel more connected through written correspondence is interesting to me.
Having been part of an online community, I have no feeling of disconnect to my audience/recipient. In fact, I might feel less connected through ink.
Why?
I never wrote letters, but have always used email and the other electronic forms of communication. It is my "first", if you will. It would feel very strange to me to write a letter to someone that I could email.
/shrug
ah, yes...
the ultimate paradox. very orwellian in nature.
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