My colleague Robin Dickinson arrested my attention recently with the statement ‘no one reads online anymore', to which I replied, ‘actually I read a great deal online.’
The context of the conversation was the de-evolution of blogging. We agreed we no longer write to be read, but post mini blogs knowing it will only be scanned, and shared briefly on twitter or Facebook.
The conversation was a couple of months ago, but it evoked great personal reflection about my changed reading habits. From The New York Times, PR wires, ninemsn, to humble blogs and research sites, I squirrel away content for a rainy day.
Be that as it may, my point is not the de-evolution of blogging, or the homogonised culture of sharing, but the down side of so much online reading. Since I’m such a clever little multi tasker, I mini blog on twitter, comment on blogs and tweet while reading. (Which can be as dangerous as tweeting and driving)
I confess to feeling fatigued by social networking, which is not surprising since I was blogging on myspace from 2004, and first used email in 1987. For me social media, and social networking is not just a part of my life, but a creative outlet, a means of expression.
Even so, in the same way we take off for a holiday to refresh our minds and bodies, online sabbaticals do open the door for new energy, fresh ideas, and revive our perspective.
Free of distraction, I’ll have to buy the papers, complete unfinished books on the bed stand, work on my photographic technique, and plan my immenent trip to New York. Ha listen to me, I’m almost as excited about returning from my little trip offline; as I am about opening my inner rooms to a spiritual and mental revival.
I'll be offline from Monday 22 August until Monday 29 August, but I’ll be checking emails for 15 mins max in the evenings, and remain contactable on the mobile. Hope to see you around the traps again after the 29th,
Warm regards, Catherine
PHOTO: Winter sunrise on Manly Ocean Beach
Copyright Catherine White Photography
Catherine White is an urban candid, Photographer that captures life at it's rawest edges throughout her travels either side of Sydney or New York
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an urban, candid photographer that captures life at the rawest edges throughout my travels either side of sydney or new york