What’s All This, Then?
Good question. I’m Nathan and I live in Chapel Hill where I do design stuff. Some years ago, I registered this domain with the intent of developing a personal web site. It languished unused. Later, when I spent several months abroad in 2003, it found purpose as a travel (b)log and I had a grand old time with it. But after I returned to the US and day followed day, the spirit left my belly and the image you see above took its place for well-nigh 5 years.
But writing and publishing for the web is important to me. And while on vacation in New Orleans over New Year, I spent a little time to kick-start the thing again. (Thanks, Tumblr.) I want an outlet where I can relay what I learn and experience since, frankly, I find everything fascinating. So, think of this log as the tracks I leave behind as I explore the Web. It’s mainly an exercise for me but I expect what interests me will interest others.
Much of the magic of the digital media revolution, what we call the “Web”, is that it has removed the barriers to entry for publishing in many traditional arenas — there are not gatekeepers to journalism, music or film the way there used to be and the distinction between “professional” and “amateur” continues to blur. Whereas before 1995 most Westerners existed principally as passive consumers of information and content created by large media companies, now we can become our own producers of the same … which change is so profound, so revolutionary and dramatic (especially considering the previous trend of the 20th century), Wired magazine described it as akin to a social rising from the dead. They called the phenomenon a “complete Lazarus move,” a term I find endlessly endearing. These are exciting times.
Before moving to North Carolina, I spent 6 years in college in Austin, TX. I learned a lot. But what I took from the experience more than any other lesson is that I have to produce as well as consume in order to be balanced and happy. Creative output is essential for mental well-being. It’s not much, but at least these few words are mine.
Elsewhere
Photos: flickr.com/souldoubt
Tweets: twitter.com/souldoubt
C.V.: linkedin.com/souldoubt
Links: delicious.com/souldoubt
