An internet musing...

Over the past few days, the internet has been much in my mind. We are getting a new website and I am very excited by the first peek that I had this week.

The internet has, since I started using it almost two decades ago, been growing fast. Now we chat to each other on Skype (we can see our nieces and nephews across the world), and we email constantly. We use the web for reference (Google Scholar and Books) and we catch up on the news in the world (BBC for me!) The internet has made us better connected, and, if we use it wisely, it can help us to build relationships with people across the world who are interested in what we do.

Nothing beats face to face though. On one of the ferry trips I made across the water from Yell to Shetland's Mainland, a friend sat with me and we chatted. I mentioned that I was having some difficulty with getting something done and my friend made a suggestion. Suddenly, a problem that I had been grappling with for months was solved.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the internet is useful for building our communities but it is in actually meeting people and talking that we can really get things done. As social creatures, we are amazing, and we can do amazing things. I shall try not to lose that personal touch in the excitement of the new website!