I have been home with you all for four weeks out of the last five. Circumstances meant I did not take a vacation, work in my yard or take some photography trips. I set up my computer and submitted a few photos, and wrote a few stories. What I did do and will remember most is meet a very large and diverse group of people here at the bubble, some of these have been casual and others an intense meeting of the minds. I think I would have to travel alone abroad to experience the same level of personal exchanges that I have had here recently. My artwork makes these conversations possible, but my personality seems to play a part too. I am gregarious and as honest as I can be but mostly I’m genuinely interested in the many ways people live their lives.
I have talked about relationships, sex and mortality. Admitted and heard confessions, consoled broken hearts, and argued like enemies. I have learned about poetry from the writers point of view, and humility from a husbands rage. I have behaved poorly and acted heroically with people I did not know just weeks ago. Patience has been tried and I have been moved till I cried. The bubble is full of people with generosity, talent and libidos that know no bounds. I do not know if this is good for me, but I think without them I would miss these people badly. Would they miss me?
Is this new way of relating with people healthy? Is it good for society? The family? Is enabling this addiction to attention a miracle or the last straw in a civilization’s decline? I do not judge myself, nor the others I talk to here. Perhaps our families at home do enough of that for us. I do know that without this new digital venue I would not try as hard to continue making art. I would read more, be in the world more and get by in the way I used too, but I would miss playing in this game. A game that did not even exist when I graduated from college.
What is going on on sites like this, and others like it throughout the net is revolutionary. It is changing our preconceptions of what we need and want. In a world that is using energy at an ever increasing rate, one realizes more and more people will be living vicariously on their computers. The behavior of people who soon will run the world has been altered by this new medium. Nobody knows if this is a safety net, or a spiders web? Do you?
Gary L. Suddath, 2 months ago
I know what ya mean its like havin the whole world at your desk…I enjoy viewing other places that I probably will never see and bringing back memories from places I’ve been.
I don’t know if is a safety net, or a spiders web either but enjoy it a lot…..I think it is a great tool for those maybe not on here,but on line in general, that can’t leave thier home for what ever reason to have a type of social life
deliriousgirl, 2 months ago
Heyyyyyy, there, from my point of view this is really exciting for all of us because we’re just now experiencing a new form of communicating with others and I know it’s the wave of the future. You are correct on all counts, I too have had the selfsame experiences here on RB. And yes, we would all miss you, hon. Really.
carolinewood, 2 months ago
they say when you talk to people on the net they are never quite the same in real life? i have been sucked into this site hook, line and sinker. all the peeps i have spoken on here are cool, i wonder what you all sound like in real life? all your accents and your ways about you…hmmm…something to ponder…
i was wondering mtn man, we are close to having a full moon out there, does that mean the whole world has the same moon? or is your moon half? or full? we have a three quarter full moon. it’s beautiful! why does the sky in the uk only clear up in the night time? you watch, those bastard clouds will be back tomorrow! we have had shit weather for over three weeks now. it takes the piss!
GINGER BARRITT, 2 months ago
Very interesting read….I know it speaks to me regarding my experience as well. I have never had an experience like this either…I have formed incredible bonds and I too have argued heatedly…I have flirted outrageously and enjoy every second. I think like all addictions….equal odds as whether it will prove savior or demon.
HOOK STUDIO, 2 months ago
G’Day Mnt Man. Bravo all well put. Think of the day the wright brothers took off. and the Day edison made a call and recorded music and played it back. Alaxader Grahm Bell made a call and spoke across wires. Damiler made a cart that didnt need a horse. All brave new world stuff. Sputnick zooming around above us. Neil taken a few steps. ( In California or on the Moon? )
Imagine for a moment if they simply turned it all off this net thing? Kaos would ensue. The Max Smart kind.
However this thingy called Net was devised originally by the US Military? So Im always aware of that. You pose some questions that are all worthy of consideration. The new economy of Human I think is THOUGHT and its transferrance. I posted this one
It sought of covers a few things that might one day occur.
Hey we are all in this together, as I see it. Kinda fun, a bit spooky but so was flying on Day one..Now its all a matter of fact. Cheers and great thoughts for pondering. Cheers Steve ( ; – ))
MtnMan in reply to carolinewood’s comment, 2 months ago
We all have the same moon sweet Caroline… : )
Eyeleen, 2 months ago
I don’t know if it is a safety net or a spiders web either, but I still like meeting people face to face on a more personal level and if it can’t be done…..this is the next best thing…..I think?
MtnMan in reply to Eyeleen’s comment, 2 months ago
Skype is cool, tried that yet? Talk to people… : )
Doris B. Lambling, 2 months ago
internet sessions are probably more safe for our physical health, than many other ways to meet people in ‘real life’. no risk to be infected by illness of the body. it’s a matter of definition, what makes a life ‘real’. it’s a matter of our indivdual needs, what enriches our life.
connecting to people from around the world can open horizons, if you are open minded. it can be a source of unknown wisdom and inspiration to go further on your path of life. everything is possible also the opposite of it.
the dose makes the difference. everything can become a dangerous drug. being aware of the risks and judge them by the personal advantages is helpful to find you own way.
Lois Romer, 2 months ago
I tried skype a few years ago. was ok but a few nutters around which put me off. As far as being yourself via the net. It depends on the situation but generaly I am me.
MtnMan in reply to Doris B. Lambling’s comment, 2 months ago
Mentioning the DOSE helps me…
suzee, 2 months ago
Since becoming a member of RedBubble, I too have met with wonderful people, an opportunity I would never have had. I view people I meet on the net same as I do in “real” life. I enjoy hearing stories, some of which I can relate and others, a learning curb. I find pure inspiration within the Art and writings of many artists here. Is this healthy? I guess that is up to the individual. For me, as long as I view my relations with common sense then I cannot see the harm. I remind myself those I am interacting with are “real” people, with very “real” feelings and emotions. A safety net or a spider’s web, once again up to the individual, the net has the potential to be either. What I have learned is the emotions one can develop over the net are just as strong, if not at times stronger than in the “real” world. Put in context said emotions can be liberating. In conclusion, I have met some awesome people such as yourself Mark and I look forward to continuing to develop my friendships and travelling the world with my own personal tour guides.
MtnMan in reply to suzee’s comment, 2 months ago
I was more than interested in your reply… The “real” feelings matter don’t they? It is a matter of dose and we all have different levels of that…
suzee, 2 months ago
The “real” feelings do matter Mark. For they are our very essence.