In all of my past efforts with blogging, I've only attempted community oriented blogs...ones where I am writing with a group of other writers. This will be my first attempt at a solo blog - please wish me luck.
Maybe, someday, I will resurrect Six Perspectives. But for now, I expect that social media has taken the place of online communal discourse. Sadly, I personally believe social media allows us to share our ideas without consequence or discussion. And without real online community, people can spew vitriol without being held responsible for the inappropriateness of their words.
Writing thoughts within a cohesive, responsible framework forces a person to think. And with this thoughtfulness, we are forced to consider if the words make sense. And if the words make sense, do they inspire action? Further we should ask our selves, "Is the action worth taking?" "Will I change something about myself today?" "Or will you change something about yourself today?"
I believe that words - in the context of engaging discussion - have the power to change us all. But social media is the equivalent of a protestor's painted sign or a street corner preacher screaming loudly for all to hear - and with no one to discuss. John Mayer wrote a song called "Belief", with lyrics that I believe now apply to how we use social media:
Is there anyone who ever remembers changing their mind from the paint on a sign? Is there anyone who really recalls ever breaking record off for something someone yelled real loud one time? Oh, everyone believes...in how they think it ought to be. Oh, everyone believes...and they're not going easily.
