relationships | Words For Hire

As I write this I am listening to the rumble of thunder. It begins as a low rolling drumbeat then rises to a crescendo of clattering cymbals ending in a brilliant flash of light that casts a blue glow across the room. The light fades and the drops fall softly in a steady rhythm. The flash of light is the perfect way to end this day.

The white hot flash from so many miles away yet shining so brightly in my living room is much like you and me. Our light bursts forth as we share our passions, ideas and knowledge with others. Sometimes our encounters are like the lightning, brief but powerful casting a glow far and wide.

In what I consider a timeless hallmark, Robert Hruzek writes: “I stared out the windows, searching for something, anything, that would tell me there was a world out there. My eyes began to strain, searching for a reference point. Then – in the distance below, I saw the most beautiful sight.

A light. One single light.” (Excerpt from “A Light in the Darkness”)

Last year, Joanna Young shared that post with me when I needed to hear that someone, anyone was listening. The words have not lost their impact these many months later.

The links we share, the stories we tell, the posts we write and yes even our tweets may cast their glow upon those we may never hear or see.

Rosa Say shared these words in an email:

“Me ke aloha pumehana e lokomaika’i (Translation per Rosa: when a warm fire of aloha begins to burn, one seeking to feed the spirit, for another’s generosity of good heart has caused us to awaken, feel, and better absorb. “

The beautiful Hawaiian words are an encouragement to not only share your light but the light of others. When you are moved, inspired or tickled pink by another pass it on. Generously spread the light of those around you and you are certain to be warmed by the glow.

I hope today you are warmed by the fire of aloha.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the post, the weather or anything that’s on your mind. It’s Friday after all. 🙂

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Written by Karen D. Swim

I don’t know what it is but there is someting in the air. This week many of the issues which I have privately grappled with have found voice in the words of others. I am not sure if is the election season, the world economy or simply the cycle of human nature but many seem to be examining this online world where we spend so much time – our place in it, our relationships with others and our duties at citizens of the net world.

The discussions have been thoughtful and eye-opening. Some have answered questions, others have given rise to additional ones. All, I believe are worthy of sharing with all of you.

Amy Derby wrote a post about online friendships that clearly struck a chord. In her usual forthright, no holds barred style. In her Netiquette Rant she examines the question of online “friendship.” The post and the comments made me understand why I adore Amy and many of the “posse” that offered their thoughts.

I am not a regular reader of Dooce but read two of her posts this week. She wrote a post addressing politics which drew more than 700 responses and a follow-up where comments were understandably closed. The posts and comments remind me of not only our influence on the internet but the ability to be misinterpreted and misunderstood. It is very easy to incite “a mob mentality” whether you are the author or a commenter. Now more than ever, we must be certain that we are willing to stand by what we write even in the face of tremendous pressure.

A post on Daily Writing Tips honestly discussed the dangers of slacking on your writing standards in order to make money. It was a post that challenges us to be responsible with what we write, to adhere to our own standard of quality.

On the internet, everyone talks about numbers – subscriber counts, number of comments, number of followers or friends, number of awards, your rankings, etc. Seth Godin challenges the notion of this hype in his post.

When I first started blogging, I had zero comments. I thought it meant no one was reading. I treated my blog like a fun little experiment. I then started blogging “seriously”and began reading how to do it the right way. Every piece of advice I read emphasized comments. I love comments. I love getting to know readers and hearing their perspectives. Yet, I am also aware that everyone does not have time to read and comment everyday. I have personally felt the guilt when I cannot read and comment as though I’m letting my friends down. I know how it feels to have no one talk to you and I don’t want that for any of the blogs I support. Yet, I am learning to let go of that guilt for myself and for my own readers. Because of my own angst, Vered’s wonderful post about Blog Comments really rang my buzzer.

I had planned this post for the morning and got delayed with last minute client requests. I am very glad that I did because Joanna Young wrote one of her finest pieces that sums up this issue of influence and responsbility quite nicely. Save it for last, it is truly worthy of printing and reading again.

My own conclusion is that we have a responsibility on the web. Whether we are posting a status update or writing for the New York Times. Our influence and responsibility are not determined by the numbers but by that one person who may read our words. To focus on anything else, to chase after a false celebrity is the height of irresponsibility.

What are your thoughts? You can share them here if you like or mull it over on your own. If you want to talk, I’m listening. If you’re reading and don’t have time or a desire to comment, I don’t appreciate you any less.