Detroit Future Media getting us into the blogsophere.....

I never thought Id be so connected - thru the computer that is. If anyone had asked 5 years ago where do you see yourself I certainly wouldnt have answered behind a computer doing kick ass cool stuff that allows me to engage more dynamically with my community. Back then I thought connecting and getting involved meant I had to be out there in the physical - I would have said you were crazy to think that people can meet and become close via this glowing screen, and that really getting to know yourself and what you want needed to happen in by experiencing moments and meditating (or something like that) or by going out and taking action. And if you truely want to build and sustian community well then you'd need to get out and meet your neighbors!

Well, all this is still true but a few things have changed. I can and am building, organizing and connecting from my computer all the time now. I meet people for the first time on facebook that I wouldnt have met otherwise and become friends in the flesh too. I find an article or write about something I think is important or post about events in Detroit and people respond and deepen my understandings thru their knowledge or experience about the topics too. We establish meetings, bike rides, learning circles and chat via blogs to find solutions more quickly than the next time I could see you. In addition to all the real stuff that needs to happen beyond the digital dimension - the computer and digital media tools provide a space and methods to enrich my life as a friend, family, neighbor, community memeber (even if in community with people Ive never met in Peru blogging about fermentation) brewer, bike mechanic, dancer (thanks utube for the tap instruction cuz I have no time or money for a class right now). Ive been able to build bike blenders and find all kinds of interactive strategies of 'How To Build' almost anything. Not to mention all the amazing learning tools to help people with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to read and record and gather info - easily!

SO! on the contrary - digital media hasnt brought me further from whats real or my community - its only enhanced and expanded my opportunity to delve in deeper and build more concretely

I feel more grounded in the Detroit community than ever and by no fault of being in front the computer screen more often - infact part of my closeness and growing relationships deserve credit becuz of just that. I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to AMP - DJC - Remedia - DFY - EMEAC and all of Detroit's digital media networks for offering spaces and strategies via digital media to deepen our experience and understanding of our lives and the world/ways we want to live. If it werent for you all I wouldnt have this blog (and if it werent for Diana J Nucera I would most likely still not have an email, ha!) <3<3<3