[Leica] Vanishing act and the activie participant (long)

["Khoffberg" <khoffberg@email.msn.com>]

Harrison wrote:

All  in  all  I  regret  the  loss  of  diversity  in  our traditional
information sources and fear that the populace will eventually become
reliant  on  too few sources for information. When this happens, as it
already  is to a great extent, the information providers can influence
the  entire  direction  of  events. Information is power and those who
distribute the information have the ultimate in control.

There may be a point buried in here that merits a moment's discussion by
this group.  I suspect that the pro-shooters in the group will slap their
cyber-foreheads at the obviousness of this, but here goes.  Since my
re-introduction to  photography a couple of years ago, I've noticed that my
interest in what I see around me has grown exponentially.  Even when I don't
have a camera with me (not very often lately), I find myself looking at my
world around me with much greater interest, particularly the details (anyone
can notice and be taken by a beautiful sunset).  But you become a much
keener observer as you take an active interest.

Arguably the same can be said for the topic at hand. The readers of the LUG
seem to read and regard every sentence, word, and participle with the utmost
seriousness.  Is it not in part because those same readers are active
participants in the media and the discussion.  If that is the case, then the
internet and its incredibly messy form of direct distribution and direct
participation may yet be the savior of an increasingly uninformed and
uninterested populace.  Worth saying again.  The very engine of information
pollution and proliferation might yet by the magnet that draws increasing
numbers of our fellows back into the information/analysis/discussion loop
that is the unequivocal bedrock of a free and open society.

In an odd sort of way, people like Francesco have done the general populace
a tremendous service (I can't wait to hear the yelps on this one - sorry F
If I'm accusing you of something that's not true).  Just like porno fueled
the rise of the VCR, so has it brought a few bazillion people to the
internet who otherwise wouldn't have gotten there.  By building acceptance
of the channel, there's at least a hope that they'll stay and look around
for something else.  Perhaps it's something about a hobby.  Perhaps it's to
shop.  Perhaps they might even stumble on some decent photography (either on
an art site or as part of their hobby site).  Lordy, they might even read
some real news (whatever that might be).

But in all cases, they'll be doing something they've not done in front of
their TV or for that matter their local newspaper.  They'll be PARTICIPATING
which as I pointed out above, might be the greatest part of all because by
participating we become conscious which is the first step down the
progression that takes us past informed to the holy land of giving a rip.

Kevin Hoffberg