Sunday, November 01, 2009
Let’s Not Take This For Granted
Age. It grants wisdom, makes us reflect more, and creates an appreciation for life’s finer details. It also makes us forgetful, shortsighted, and blind.
As a parent, I’ve found I can take my children’s youth for granted from time-to-time. It’s easy to think of them as “babies”, however they grow up and remind me that I need to adapt to their changes. It’s a great “ride” to be on, watching them grow and learn and come into their own, but it’s also an possibility where memories can get lost, at least the fear of them being lost and replaced. You might be asking yourself, “where is he going with this?”.
The same applies to technology.
When I was first introduced to the Internet (at least AOL’s walled-garden version) back in 1995 I was in awe of a chat about Star Trek that I was having with someone in California. The topic wasn’t what had me so amazed, it was the reality of what was taking place. From my parents house in Wisconsin, I was exchanging thoughts and views with someone thousands of miles away. That was one of my first realizations of how powerful this new network of people and ideas could be.
Now here we sit, almost 15 years later, and this network of people and ideas has grown and intensified. Earlier this week I was having a great conversation on Twitter with Stuart Manning, a Web developer from Ireland. It wasn’t until after the conversation ended that I became amazed at what just took place. From my home in Wisconsin, I was exchanging opinions, and with someone in a country. This was combined with the other experiences I’ve had with people from my own state and throughout the nation. The awe from 14 years ago set in again.
The more things change…
With new ways to connect with one another emerging, seemingly each day, let’s not forget that original spark of “wow”. It is that moment that made me interested in the Internet and what could be done with it. As information flies at us and past us at break-neck speeds, take a little time off to step back from it all and remember where it all started. Let that moment of awe seep back into your mind and inspire more innovation.
