I love Internet, not just because it entertains. But mainly because it enables. You can express yourself in many different ways. But I think this is not the best thing about Internet. Yes, the there are tools that are cheap and available to (almost) anyone. But the best thing is that there is a huge audience hunting for your content. Big audiences is nothing new (see T.V.). It is at the intersection of the diversity of the audience and interactivity of web you find the usefulness; no matter how far you fall from the mainstream, there is almost always someone interested.
I found out about Shelley The Republican about 3 years ago. I was fascinated to find out how different, ok how radical and illogical, her ideas were. I had read an article where the writer explained the evils of linux and advised us to call Business Software Alliance in case we found out a company using it. I had a lot of fun reading STR. And I also learned a lot from STR, in a negative way of course.
It is not all about learning about different point of views, or debating, or marketing our own ideas. It is also about sharing. And what is better to share than your experiences? Take a look at Schneier on Security, Joel on Software or The Database Column. How many of us would have the chance to listen what they say?
You don’t even have to be an acknowledged expert in your field to share. I read everything at Scooby’s Home Bodybuilding Workouts the first time I have visited the site. It is a no-nonsense website, not another advertisement-disguised-as-sincere-article. I have read it with joy.
Internet made it possible for me, someone who is on the opposite side of the planet. Not everything need to be branded and barcoded and packaged. If you make smart choices, Internet has a lot to offer. We tend to overlook this because of our daily Internet usage habits.
Now, I will go find some more funny cat pictures.
