Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Environmentalism in Office


In keeping with the theme of this week's BK Communique, I've set my sights on a truly accomplished environmental activist: EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. Let's get to know this potential BK author, shall we?

Born in Philadelphia in 1962, Lisa Jackson graduated summa cum laude from Tulane University with a B.S. in chemical engineering. Jackson then earned an M.S. from Princeton University, also in chemical engineering, before beginning her career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at its Washington, D.C. headquarters in 1986. During her time at the EPA, Lisa Jackson contributed greatly to the federal Superfund (otherwise known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) site remediation program, developing numerous hazardous waste cleanup regulations, overseeing hazardous waste cleanup operations in the state of New Jersey (shout-out to my Garden State heritage), and eventually directing multimillion-dollar cleanup projects throughout the country when she served as Deputy Director and Acting Director of agency's enforcement division.

After 16 years with the EPA, Jackson joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as assistant commissioner of compliance and enforcement, heading numerous programs involving land use regulation, geological survey, and water supply, standards and monitoring, and water use management. Under Jackson's leadership, the state Department of Environmental Protection developed and implemented the landmark Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.

In December of 2008, Barack Obama officially designated Lisa Jackson as the nominee for Administrator of the EPA. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in January of 2009, and started right away on a U.S. campaign to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. She's certainly got my support.

How could you not want to read the work of this amazingly accomplished woman? Sure, there are countless books on environmental protection and related policy, but this one would be different, drawing upon a truly experienced perspective rooted in scientific understanding and years of bureaucratic government experience.

It has long been believed (and with good reason) that the EPA's authority is drawn primarily from its regulatory power, giving the agency a public image as being ineffectual and untrustworthy. Since her earliest days at the agency, Lisa Jackson has worked diligently towards an essential task: restoring public trust in the EPA. Well, this book is her opportunity to put it all into writing! In a time when government mistrust continues to grow, a compelling work by Lisa Jackson could combine history, science, and vision to give the American public (and our industries, businesses, and even other sectors of government) confidence that she and her team are serving all of our best interests.

Amazingly, Ms. Jackson has yet to write a book, and you know I would just love to sign the first-ever African American woman to serve in her position as my first-ever author.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Good Will Writing


Here's a fun fact: Despite the enthusiasm with which I perform my role as Digital Community Builder, my ultimate goal in the world of book publishing is to one day be a big-shot acquiring editor. Or even just a regular-shot acquiring editor, but if you're going to dream you might as well dream big, right? As part of the editorial team here at Berrett-Koehler, I'm already on a solid path towards my intended profession, with a passenger-seat view of the acquisitions and editorial processes. However, there's a considerable difference between watching and doing, and I'm ready to start thinking like an acquiring editor, even if I'm not yet acting as one. As such, the Bonnie Blog is taking on a new form. From here on out, this space will be dedicated to my ideal Berrett-Koehler book projects, signings made even sweeter because they aren't hindered by the constricts of reality. In that vein, I present you with the first of many imagined manuscripts: A memoir by my dream celebrity author, Mr. Matt Damon. (Remember what I said about dreaming big?)


As many of you already know, I have an unabashed and unending interest in celebrity and popular culture. However, my enthusiasm for Mr. Damon goes beyond the normal excitement garnered by popular performers. On top of being a very good actor (and why not just say it -- a very good looking guy), I have come to the solid conclusion that Matt Damon is also a very good person. BK's mission to create a world that works for all seems to be something the actor also supports -- he just doesn't know it yet.

Born in Massachusetts in 1970, Matt Damon is an actor and screenwriter, whose career really took off following the success of the film Good Will Hunting, from a screenplay he co-wrote with longtime friend Ben Affleck (who will, of course, be contributing both foreword and endorsement).

Damon's Wikipedia page points out that he grew up near historian and author Howard Zinn, with whom he developed a close personal relationship. I can't help but believe that such early proximity to a noted progressive thinker had a major impact on the young Damon, who is also a political activist and a major philanthropist. These roles, more so than those he takes on in film and television, are really what draw me to Damon as an author.

Interviews with Damon reveal that he has taken part in philanthropy since the ripe old age of 12, when he started putting his allowance to work. "I got $5 a week when I was a kid, but I never spent much money on anything. My mother was involved in all sorts of causes, and when I was about 12, I started sending a little bit every month to one of them. I learned then that you find one thing that matters to you, and it changes your whole mind set," he told Parade magazine in 2009. To this day, it's clear that Damon still ascribes to that philosophy. The actor founded H20 Africa Foundation, which has since merged with WaterPartners to create Water.org, a nonprofit committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Together with other well-known actors, Damon founded Not On Our Watch, an organization that focuses global attention and accumulates resources to stop and prevent mass atrocities such as in Darfur. The list of Damon's philanthropic contributions goes on and on, from his support of the ONE Campaign to fight AIDS and poverty in Third World Countries, his ambassadorship on behalf of OneXOne, a non-profit foundation committed to improving the lives of children around the world, and his position as spokesperson for Feeding America, the largest USA-focused hunger-relief organization.

While working to better the lives of those around the world is admirable enough, I'm also impressed by Damon's commitment to the well-being of his family, especially his attitude towards raising responsible women. "I think what's important for kids to know is that your decisions here on earth matter, your behavior matters, and how you treat other people matters. If I had a bucket list, I'd say raising my four girls to be strong, good women would be number one," he said recently.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a man actively working to create a world that works for all. Even though he's only 40 years old, he's lived a life full enough to fill more than a single book, so why not give one to Berrett-Koehler? The content will be great, he's got a wicked sense of humor, and we already know he can write!

You heard it here first: I'm signing Matt Damon!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Creating a World That Works For Me!

Dictionary.com (the new authority in word-explanations, at least as far as I'm concerned) defines the term 'affiliate' (n.) thusly: "A person who is affiliated; associate; auxiliary." Hmm. Helpful.

Many years ago I was told by a professor of English that one's thesis statement should never begin with a dictionary definition. However, I'm about to break more than one rule of blog-writing, so I may as well embrace error and start out on the wrong foot. Ah, rebellion. Take that, Professor Lewis!

Now, wouldn't you like to be a "person who is affiliated" with Berrett-Koehler Publishers? Wouldn't you like to say, casually, -- perhaps over cocktails? -- "Why yes, I am a Berrett-Koehler associate. An auxiliary, if you will"? It's no "Bond, James Bond" but it's pretty darn close.

Well, now is your chance! Here is where I break another writing rule (this one from Jeevan): Tell, don't sell. Because, my friends, I am about to sell.

Have you heard of The BK Affiliate Network? If you're on one of our mailing lists, chances are that you have. However, if you're reading this, chances are that you haven't signed up. (Because not many have -- get it?) Normally, I'd agree with Jeevan -- this is not the forum for marketing -- but I'm framing this differently. I'm not pushing this for Berrett-Koehler, I'm pushing it for myself. The BK Affiliate Network is my program to grow, so you can chalk this song and dance up to awe-inspiring and motivational go-getting initiative! Right? Or, sure, selfishness. Whatever.

The good thing about this selfishness is that, in the end, it will benefit you too! If you have a website (or if your organization, friend, or family member has a website), you can use the BK name and catalog to make yourself (or your organization, friend, or family member) some money, and it will save those website visitors money too! When you join the BK Affiliate Network (have I repeated myself enough? are you getting very very sleepy yet?), visitors to bkconnection.com from your website receive an automatic 20% discount on any and all of the 700+ Berrett-Koehler Products. On top of that, you (or your organization, friend, or family member) receive 10% in thanks for the referral. You get money, we get money, and new customers get the greatest gift of all -- their own invitation to the program! No, I'm just kidding. What new customers really get is a wonderful introduction to a world of information and entertainment that they never knew existed. Win, win, and win!

Don't believe me? Follow the BK links on one (or all) of these sites:

Notice anything? These happy BK Affiliates are providing their web visitors with discounts on all of our products, not just their own books. On top of the 10% referral bonus they receive, they're also getting a high-profile shout-out from yours truly. Thanks guys! Want to be part of this elite group? I thought so.

Beyond all of us, the BK Affiliate Network really does serve our mission of 'Creating a World That Works for All' by spreading the new ideas presented in our books to a wide-reaching audience, stimulating thought processes far and wide!

Alright, I've had enough crass commercialism for one day. If that debonair image of your cocktail-party confession really resonated, check out this page for more information on the program. You can also use the comments section of this blog posting to pose any and all questions, but also feel free to email me at bkaufman@bkpub.com. After word hits a few offices down that I've been breaking rank, I may have a lot more free time on my hands.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming. More Twitter treats and Facebook findings to come next time.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

VOTE! Seriously, do it.

Whoa you guys - look at your calendars! Mid-October already? I've got some serious thinking to do, as a very important day is coming up. What's that? No, I am NOT talking about Halloween, I'm talking about the upcoming November 2nd Midterm Elections! Have you heard about these? Because, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't. As someone who very well remembers the fervor surrounding the 2008 Presidential race, I'm nothing short of shocked by the relative silence surrounding the upcoming general elections. What to make of all this?

As I've said previously, I generally get all of my information via the internet (with a little bit of TV-watching and magazine-reading in my spare time) and, while I rely on these mediums for news updates and -- almost more importantly -- the related commentary, I also rely on the media (both social and traditional) to remind me when action is necessary. I'm not kidding: If it hadn't been for the collective online groan last tax season, I'd currently be on the wrong side of the law. So where are the people telling me to get out and vote? I see nothing!*

Well, that's not entirely true. I see plenty. The internet is ablaze with political stories, most notably those that aim to entertain. I know all about Carl Paladino's homophobic remarks, Christine O'Donnell's studies in witchcraft and wizardry, and even the shocking Sexy Santa pics of Virginia congressional candidate Krystal Ball. "Scandals" such as these reach my eyeballs each and every day, but what's missing is the imperative towards action. Yes, please point out and detail the perversions of our potential representatives (cough cough Meg Whitman cough cough), but then urge us to do something about it. I know, I know -- we should be able to propel ourselves in these matters, but why risk it and take that chance? All of us -- but young people, especially -- increasingly rely on the imperatives mass media present to us. So, come on, and tell us to vote! In this regard, I really have to hand it to my friends fighting for the legalization of marijuana; not only to they consistently couple their message with a specific measure (cough cough Prop 19 cough cough), but their campaign also targets youth voters. Even if you disagree with their aspirations, you can't argue with their execution.

So, Tweet this, post this, forward to friends and family with this in the subject line: VOTE! No mixed messages, no hidden agendas, just an honest and proper plea to go out and do your civic duty!

In the words of my man, @BarackObama, "I need everybody here to commit to vote. I need you to talk to friends, neighbors, co-workers, aunts, uncles, and tell them -- November 2nd matters."

There, BO -- I did it!

*This is actually not true, since I am blessed with a mother who is both political-minded and exceptionally helpful. This blog post is dedicated to her!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

For Twitter or Worse

Oh, hello everyone reading this blog. How are things going with you? Pretty good? Well that's nice to hear. And with me? Well, to be honest, I've got a lot on my plate right now. The days are just packed, and I've had scarcely a moment to stop and smell the blog fodder, if you will. Yesterday, in an attempt to nail down some fascinating topic, I went to the ever-handy TweetDeck, my go-to source for all that is of the moment and happening. As I browsed my various feeds, clicking links and trying to mentally mold multiple articles into one coherent subject, I realized that I was looking a gift horse straight in the mouth. Right? I've never been great at decoding proverbs, but I'm going to assume that's close enough. What I'm trying to say is this: I use Twitter all of the time to inspire blog content but, this time, Twitter is the content. That's right, I'm going to break the mold right here and declare this posting In Defense Of Twitter.

Like many people, I used to hate on Twitter, frowning upon the assumed self-centeredness of each and every ridiculous-sounding tweet. Ever the innovator, I made completely unique wisecracks about egomaniacs posting pictures of their breakfast cereal and the play-by-play of daily minutia that followed. But, I have since had to eat (and also to tweet!) my own words.

When I was hired by Berrett-Koehler as Digital Community Builder, I made a promise to spread the word about BK's books, authors, and mission through the use of social media. Getting us up and running on Facebook was no biggie, as I'd already been using "the social network" (as Aaron Sorkin would say) for years. But Twitter? This, I knew, was going to be a significant undertaking. Not only would I have to learn to simply use the platform, but I'd have to embrace it, as well. As such, I did my reading, tackling any and all Twitter guides I could find, then downloaded and immediately implemented TweetDeck, the personal real-time browser that was crucial in organizing my feeds.

As I learned more and more about Twitter, its add-on applications and -- most importantly -- its users, I had to come to grips with the reality of the situation: I liked this. I liked this a lot. Because, while there will always be those people posting TwitPics of their morning meal, I don't have to follow them. Instead, I can follow those users who choose to share meaningful information in order to create conversation, controversy, or just old-fashioned entertainment. I follow BK authors, staff members, and other publishing professionals to keep track of what's going on in my field. I follow tech specialists and communication gurus, so that I can learn from and eventually become one of them. I follow my favorite bloggers and major news media outlets, so that I know as soon as any story breaks. I follow celebrities -- actors, musicians, and mostly comedians -- to feed my love of all things pop culture. On top of all that, I follow my friends, especially those who are far away, because the snippets they share make it feel like they're sitting at work right next to me.

As you can imagine, this constant influx of information really does keep me in the know. Just today, I learned of the tragic passings of comedian Greg Giraldo, Texas teen Asher Brown, and Rutgers student Tyler Clementi (true, Twitter really has a knack for breaking obits); I engaged in conversations surrounding both America's current and next Great American Novel; wished Miguel de Cervantes a happy 473rd birthday; and first heard what might be my new favorite song - all via Twitter. And the best part is, I was able to instantly share this with millions (okay, maybe hundreds) of people!

So, that's my spiel. The fine folks at Twitter HQ aren't paying me to say this. It is my genuine belief that I am a more intelligent, more informed, and more involved person because of the direct influence of this particular micro-blogging platform. So, quick, get out there are tweet what it's all about!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Hating on HuffPo

Listen up: I am a HUGE user of the internet. At this point, it is most certainly my main source for three things in particular: News, Information, and Entertainment. In these particular arenas, I am never hesitant to take advantage of the web's inherent shareability and, as they say, follow the crowd. Early on, I learned to trust (or at least try) these single-click recommendations. As soon as Facebook was available to students at Boston College, I signed right up. When all of my friends began sharing funny posts from BuzzFeed and LameBook, I added those sites to my bookmarks toolbar. Cool kids I know here in San Francisco follow local blogs like Mission Mission and SF Citizen and, as a direct result, I do too. I trust these people and, as such, I follow their leads. But there's one popular site where I draw the line, and that is what we're here to discuss.

Stated matter-of-factly: I HATE The Huffington Post. Yes, we all know that "hate" is a strong word, but that's the kind of ire this ridiculous hodgepodge of fact, fiction, and general farcicality provokes in me. What is it about this site that has everyone going once and then, horror of all horrors, going back for more? If they love it so much, why do I feel such the opposite? What is it about this site that gets me so riled up? Well, that's actually a question that I can answer.

Let's start with the homepage, if you can focus your eyes long enough to even see what's going on. I am a product of the so-called 'ADD Generation' -- you know, those of us who text, type, listen to music and read all at the same time --, and even I'm overwhelmed by the mixing and matching of widely divergent subject matter, distracted by the blown-up, unnecessary, and viciously unflattering photographs. While the areas of interest are clearly listed at the top of the site, they are muddled and inexplicably interspersed in the body of the page. And let's take a minute to look at those areas of interest, shall we? It seems The Huffington Post wants to cover everything, eschewing the simplicity of sticking to easily related topics like politics, business, and the media, and scrounging to cover style, living, college, and even arts and religion. Yes, I understand that, in the grand scheme of things, it's all related. But, this isn't the grand scheme of things; this is one website, and I simply don't trust the same outlet that promotes Kate Gosselin's Bikini Workout to adequately address America's broken housing market.

In an attempt to help HuffPo justify such incomprehensible coverage, I searched the site for some sort of statement of purpose, a mission that could make their motives clear. It wasn't in 'About Us', nor did it play into the FAQ or anywhere else -- I found nothing. What I did find, quite easily, were enlightening and photo-rich articles like Most Challenging Traffic Signs Ever, Meals That Don't Live Up to Their Ads and The Most Homoerotic Photos of Politicians Ever Taken. Great!

Now, before you dismiss me as a square or a spoil-sport: I'm really not. I'm all for the trashy and the tasteless. I read Texts From Last Night and The Superficial on a regular basis. But these sites make no pretense of being anything other than what they are: scandalous and sensational forms of meaningless entertainment. HuffPo, on the other hand, commits the unpardonable sin of mixing what is actually important with what is truly insignificant. On top of that, the site both panders to and publishes people I really admire and respect, including a number of Berrett-Koehler authors. By mixing the thoughts of real visionaries with flowcharts like 'Where Should You Pee?', The Huffington Post is completely diluting the power and importance of both.

I simply don't have the time or space to get into the hypocrisy of former conservative pundit Arianna Huffington hosting this "digital dinner party for her new liberal friends", but I will lament the success that she's had doing so, and the negative light that now shines on the 'liberal media' and progressive politics and reporting.

So, tell me what you think. Do you read The Huffington Post? If so, why? What am I not getting? And, if you don't, please use this blog posting as a forum to voice your reasons why.

Bonnie

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

In Polite Park51 Conversation

Hello friends. I'm sure you're all familiar with the old adage that warms against discussing two things: Religion and Politics. Well, that's pretty hard to do when discussing the proposed Park 51 Mosque. True, that warning traditionally applies to dinner parties and not blog writing, but it's a personal goal of mine to keep things 'festive' at all times. As such, we're going to stay neutral - or, at the very least, try. Lucky for me, there's plenty to discuss without getting (too) personal. Shall we?

So, at this point, I'm going to assume that you're all familiar with the whole mosque situation. If you aren't: Wow. Congratulations on missing the most talked-about news story since they moved the cast of The Jersey Shore to Miami.* I, for one, haven't been able to avoid discussion of the proposed mosque, and that's what I'm here to talk about.

Sure, it's old news that social media has changed the face of journalism, and the most recent presidential race made clear its role and impact in the world of politics, but it's been a long time since I've seen the internet ablaze with differing opinions on one subject the way I have in recent weeks. I consume information online from a number of sources each day, and all are teeming with positions on the proposed Park 51 mosque. Facebook friends write rants and link to fresh articles; Twitter users are packing amazing amounts of attitude into 140 character bursts; commenters on my favorite blogs are going to war over precariously worded posts. Our own Executive Managing Editor -- and the mastermind behind the BK Communique --, Jeevan Sivasubramaniam, shared his surprising stance on BK Community. Hell, my own parents are sending contradictory (and borderline inflammatory)** emails to their communal friends and family. This thing is everywhere!

Now, before you get the notion that this is a complaint: It is not. Honestly, I think this is amazing. Have you read Share This? A recent book from media technologist Deanna Zandt, Share This? shows how (and why) people can leverage social media in order to create social change. And look, that is clearly what's happening! When have we seen citizen involvement like this? Sure, some of it could be said to be founded in ignorance and prejudice, but still, I'll take that over apathy any day. It's important for people to get involved in this - and any - conversation, and nothing spurs involvement like outright disappointment and anger.

While I'm not going to speculate as to the outcome of the Park 51 Mosque proposal, I will say that, in these discussions, I can see Zandt's concept in action. Social change is not necessarily revolution -- it happens on a small scale. Right now, social change is the slight re-shaping of opinion; it is the moment when he first realize how much we care about something. Social change is the shock of the unexpected standpoint, the realization that a 'friend' sees something differently than you thought they might. Social change is the intergenerational sharing of Daily Show clips. And it is beautiful!

So, share away! Take advantage of our new found access to information and opinion - just be nice to one another, okay? We're all in this together - let's keep it festive.

*Note: This was written prior to both Obama's Oval Office Address and the Emmy Awards.

** Just kidding! I know you read this...

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

One iPad, Please!

Okay you guys, I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I want an iPad. No, scratch that. I really want a freaking iPad, and I'm ready for it now.

Yesterday, I went to the dentist. I absolutely loathe going to the dentist and, this time, for good reason: Looks like someone has to get their wisdom teeth pulled. However, this is not a blog of medical updates, so I won't get into that right now. What I will get into is my waiting-room companion, a young girl of no more than 9 or 10 years. As I sat there staring at the wall and nervously chewing my bottom lip (note to self: talk to Dr. Gamboa about livening up the magazine selection), that little lady (presumably left waiting while some sort of guardian was under the dreaded tooth-polisher) was happily reading stories and playing games...on her iPad. Excuse me? Could I borrow that please?

Later, having survived my own ill-fated appointment, I arrived at BK HQ, only to find this article being widely circulated. Congratulations, Stanford Medical Students, you really have a lot going for you. On top of being poised to take the medical world by storm after receiving the highest-possible caliber education, you'll each be getting your own iPad! What? Will you also be lucky in love and spend the rest of your lives unintentionally happening upon amazing designer jeans sales?

I'm kidding, really. I promise that I'm not actually that bitter, and I very much support the school's initiative to enhance learning experience and curtail the wasteful use of paper. I simply want in on the action! Just picture it: Me and my iPad. I've already started calling it MyPad. Clever, I know. But really, it just makes sense. As an integral member of the Berrett-Koehler digital team, should I not have firsthand access to our rapidly growing library on the iBookstore? How will I follow the changing face of online journalism in a way that will eventually lead me to success as an acquiring editor? On a more immediate note, how can I help to develop brilliant book-related iPad apps without regularly taking a visual stroll through the App Store?

As if this were not reason enough to set me wanting, I was recently introduced to Flipboard. Have you guys seen this? Take a few moments to watch that video and allow it to really blow your mind. This personalized magazine of personal social network updates was clearly created for someone I know personally: Me. I spend hours upon hours scrolling through Tweets, Facebook posts, and the like. With Flipboard on my iPad, I could take them all with me and read them as I would a newspaper. I don't know, say, in the waiting room at my dentist's office? Full circle.

So, I don't care what the scientists say: I'm ready for my iPad now. And wouldn't it make a nice oral surgery recovery gift?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

E-Article Overload: One Woman's Story

Let me start this off with a bit of a disclaimer: Yes, I am a Digital Community Builder. And yes, I do work in book publishing. As such, one can rightly assume that I am genuinely excited and intrigued by the steady stream of developments being made in my chosen field. The various new forms and means of procuring, possessing, and consuming content blow the lid off of constraints that readers have faced for years, giving a much larger number of people access to all kinds of information and in a mind-blowing number of ways. Amazing!

That being said: ENOUGH! Seriously. Enough with the e-book, e-reader, and e-pricing articles. I just can’t take it anymore!

Let me paint you a picture, if I may: When I arrive at work each morning, my inbox is e-bulging with a heaping dose of new emails (in addition to those left over from the day, week, or month before). On average, each day, at least half of these are e-book-related articles forwarded my way. And, as much as I appreciate the genuine emotion behind their arrival (don’t want to burn any e-bridges here), there are – always- more urgent missives to attend to. So, in an attempt at organization (honestly, this has never been my strong suit), I began filing these forwards in an ‘Articles to Read’ e-mail folder. Based on my records, I’ve been doing this since February of 2010. I’ll spare you the total count, and just say this: In the last 3 months alone, I've amassed articles in the triple digits. TRIPLE DIGITS. 

The topics of these articles cover everything from e-book company launches to e-book pricing and e-rights models; e-readers compared to other e-readers; e-reader connectivity and networking capabilities; e-book and digital copyright conundrums; all things app: app-building, app-pricing, app-marketing, and much much much more. I’ve got search results in the thousands for words like Apple, iPad, Amazon, and the like. I’ve posted pieces about Facebook book forums on my Facebook feed, and Tweeted treatises on reading group hashtags out to all of my Tweeple. And that's the worst part: When I read these articles, I send them on, as well. So now…I'm just as much part of the problem as I am part of the solution. It's a horribly vicious and seemingly unavoidable cycle! 

The thing is this: I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. Nor do I mean to sound uninterested. I am neither of those things. What I am is over-stimulated. I spend all day – literally, all day – in front of a computer screen. When I’m not reading and/or writing on said device, I’m discussing the ways in which other people read and write on their own devices. When the time comes for me to head home, that’s exactly what I do – and I DON’T bring my computer or these emails with me. 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pack the actual newspaper clippings that my mom still sends me (shout-out to Barbara Kaufman, who’s been ‘forwarding’ articles since before the internet existed) , and head over to this cafĂ©.

 

Whoops.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

A Brief Love Letter to the Internet on One of Our Good Days

Dear Internet,

We have a tumultuous relationship, you and I. To the outside world, all seems well between us. We appear thick as thieves and happy with our loot, but often there is trouble in paradise. After careful consideration, I've concluded that all of our problems stem from a single sore spot: an imbalance in our relationship's power dynamic. You don't need me, Internet, but I feel that I need you. I needed you to find work, and now I need you to do it. I need you to keep in touch with family and friends, to monitor my finances, and to pay my bills. Increasingly, I rely on you to tell me of the day's events and to verify facts and figures. Without you, how would I have gone about planning and preparing Wednesday's dinner party or purchased tickets to last night's symphony performance? As you can see, I am completely reliant on you and your abilities, a situation that the strong and independent woman I was raised to be really resents! On top of everything else, I hold you solely responsible for the rapid decline in my eyesight. I clearly need a new prescription, but since I used all of my 2009 Health Savings Account money on 300 dollars worth of contact lenses, I have to make my way through two years of blurry vision all because of you!

But this is a love letter, is it not? It is. And, dear Internet, I do love you so. Never have my affections been more obvious to me than they are right now. I recently returned from a long-awaited two-week trip to New York and Italy. As planned, I used this time away to truly be "away" -- from you, Internet. While I admit to brief but necessary encounters (flight confirmation, weather reports, Google Alerts set up in my name), I spent the rest of my vacation doing things without you: talking to people in person, walking around in the world, and even reading books! I wasn't tied to my Facebook newsfeed, or the latest news on Gawker, or even the arrival of Jeevan's bi-weekly masterpiece, The BK Communique. And it felt good! I was really able to enjoy face time with my loved ones, and to see the beautiful buildings of Florence and the ancient ruins of Rome with my very own eyes.

However, as often happens at the end of a vacation, I found myself more than ready to be going back home. I missed my friends; I missed the comfort of my very own bed; I missed the cool breezes of San Francisco...and I missed you, my beloved Internet. After time apart, I was ready to give our relationship another try. And, my darling, I'm glad that I did.

Since returning, I have realized that our relationship is not founded on power and need but, rather, one of help and support. With you, I am able to share travel experiences, stories, and photos with everyone I know. Were it not for you, Internet, when I said goodbye to my friends in Europe, it really would have been 'goodbye.' Together, with you, we have continued the conversations we started in Tuscany -- from our living rooms! Thanks to you, I was able to participate in the BK Shareholder's Meeting -- from an airplane! More than that, I've happily spent the last few hours watching the presentations I missed, using a social networking site that I even helped to build! With your guidance, sweet Internet, I have grown as a person and - more importantly - as a publishing professional.

But seriously, all kidding aside, I will no longer take our relationship for granted. You keep me connected, informed, authoritative and - always! - entertained. I am delighted to be back in your embrace, posting pictures, watching adorable animal videos, working on the weekend and, yes, catching up on my celebrity gossip.

I wish nothing but the best for us and, of course, for Lindsay Lohan.

Yours truly,
Bonnie