I think the kool-aid has finally settled into my DNA

When do you realize an adoption of a new way to communicate? How do you know when it is pervasive in your life? I had such an Epiphany last night at the dinner table. We had planned a family dinner party by connecting with each other on Facebook. Yes, I did have to have one conversation with a family member that is not "LinkedIn" with "Facebook". However, this device and communication tool has allowed me to establish a faster and easier relationship with a new member of our family than I would have ever with the phone. Because of the following:

1) Our schedules are completely different.
2) There is about 14 years difference in age. (She is younger)
3) It makes sense to be able to put one thing out into the universe and keep everyone updated.

I just now have to get her to Twitter and I will be golden! The non kool family members at the table were a bit shocked at how we organized the get together without speaking and without email. I looked at their 3.5 year old boys and said... time to figure it out or you are going to be so far behind the times when they reach whatever is the future of the MySpace generation.

It also dawned on me how people are able to stay engaged more with remote friends and family with social networking. Have a sister in California or neighbors in Georgia? It is easy not to have to find the time for a conversation if you can update them on your life through a feed on Facebook, Twitter or an old fashion blog post.

Start counting the times people mention connecting with others via the social networking tools like a blog entry, FaceBook or MySpace page or tweat. I bet even you Barney Rubbler's will be amazed and prompted to look at joining the party!

Essay 2.0

I have a vivid memory of the first time I realized the short text language used in SMS or text messaging. I was taking Megan somewhere... it was probably to work. We were on US-41 in Kennesaw when I tried to read a text message that she received from a friend. It was not quite gibberish to me. I also noticed the speed that she sent a reply and received one. The teenagers had created a "new language". We had "Basic, Fortran, and COBAL". They have a new shortened script. I thought... "Was this the dawn of the end of modern English and many other languages?" (Let's be real... people text in other languages)

I was sad that about another beloved thing, the art of writing, was going to disappear with the rise of TTFA and BFF. However, I hadn't been introduced to the art of the "BLOG". This is essay writing 2.0. Remember when we used to dread the essay on, "What I did this Summer". Well, today's teenager only needs to look back on their MySpace or Facebook account for a blow by blow account along with rich media content to accompany it. Photos, Streaming video and comments from their friends. Generation Y will be better versed in the writing art than my Gen X or the Boomers. They email, blog and update wikis. Don't worry, just blog!