On these pages, I hope to share my thoughts with you about some of our real-life social and economic issues and why I think Web technologies can play a significant role in solving most of them. I would also like to discuss with you why I think this is not happening just yet, and why it may never happen if you and I do not play our role during this very important time frame.
I would like to share my ideas with you and start a conversation that leads us to a new collaborative space. Ideas that have consumed and inspired me for more than a decade; all of which have arisen out of necessity as a small business owner, as a Mom, as a Baby Boomer, as an ordinary citizen and as a simple human being.
But more importantly, I want to hear your ideas and your thoughts.
There is a widening gap, an unintentional gap, between those who drive these technologies and the population at large. It is possible to bridge this gap and create more connected, sustainable communities, where more and more people can participate and prosper. The time for this is now and this is your show as much as anybody else’s.
#1 by patrick Graney at July 9th, 2008
i have been following your blog/posts and theoretically agree. the issue always is how to implement. It feels to me at issue is this divide you speak of between the techies and the general population. the techies can drive innovation quickly in their networking (on the web) and the general population can only direct that energy if they are willing to participate in the input side. Those of us not on the tech side can benefit with the dialogues that need to happen to bridge the gap.
a small example- we set up a neighborhood yahoo/group for our 120 house area. so far we have 28 subscribers. its purpose was to get to know our neighbors thru sharing of referrals, wants ( i need a use ten speed bike), selling or give- aways ( i have a ten speed bike for sale), ride sharing, once a month movie and boook trade, neighborhood watch info., etc. how many times every day do we have needs and questions, and we can go first to our neighbors for a local solution. and there are those in our area who are more computer savy who can share info with those who aren’t. and the members can tell us what they want on/in or from this group. thru this process we learn that a neighbor down the street sews quilts for newborns at the community hospital – she now gets all the cloth she needs from neighbors. another offers free plants and seeds that have been taken from his garden. another offers to help members set up composting in their back yards. i would love to find an electrician who is local instead of hiring someone who has to dirive 1/2 hour to get here.
keep up the dialogue Vida.
I do believe this gas/energy/global warming crisies will push us toward ever more creative solutions toard connectiveness.
patrick
#2 by Vida at July 12th, 2008
Hi Patrick:
Thank you for bringing it home in such a simple practical way and with real-life examples. Energy crisis will inevitably make us look within close proximities; our local neighborhoods for food, talent, services, etc. However, despite availability of some incredible technologies out there, we still can’t connect to our neighbor and the next door business. I do agree that implementation has been an obstacle. Change is coming though. You will see!
I also think besides technological advances and effective implementation, we always need people like yourself to help strengthen the much needed sense of community and belonging. I hope you continue to stay committed to your vision. I am hopeful.
Meanwhile the project is shaping up! I will be sharing more details with you soon:)
Kindest;
Vida