ConverStations: Singing Into a Can, Communicating to the Masses

Amy Gahran begins a large project with the initial question, "What's different about how conversations begin online?"

I've long said that while content is king, community is the kingdom it serves. If content strikes a chord, be it humor or hope, sorrow or celebration, or even the pride of having inside knowledge - content drives conversation.

These days, we're all content creators and conversation conductors, equipped with the tools available to us. But there is one emotion that kills both conversation and community - Apathy.

As our nation celebrates its 230th birthday, I'm glad our founding predecessors didn't have apathy. In fact, I would believe they were pissed off at their situation. (Is it okay to say pissed off on a blog?). I'd further believe they knew that future generations would benefit more then their own. Good forethought from our forefathers.

But what of us? Have we become apathetic? Sure, we don't have the fight before us that the colonists had. Our fight is tougher. It's with an almost unseen enemy. It's called Global Warming.

Asi Sharabi is creating content and conducting conversation with his voice, asking some creative folks to spread the word and compel some action. Among those involved in the conversation are the likes of Seth Godin, Fred Wilson, David Armano, Karl Long and others.

This situation is not a political one, but one about changing public behavior with regard to our shared environment. If we can gather around each other about Net Neutrality (as we should), we should gather together about our planet as well. Not just with talk, but with action. And before you chalk this talk up as southpaw-speak (not that there's anything wrong with that), know I'm as starboard as they come.

This is about our global neighborhood. Today AND Tomorrow.

So the conversation has begun. Don't let apathy kill it. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were part of a forward-looking community. Our turn. Take one step at a time, but take the step. By singing in a tin can, we can communicate to the masses.

Thanks, Asi. Thanks for speaking up and stepping out. Stay contagious.

Note: The title of this post was inspired by a scene from the film, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" Now, I'm askin' the question to you.