The more I learn about my “online” friends (due to the use of web 2.0 blog/community sites), the less I like them. Still I hit refresh on LJ, still I am disgusted by the quality and nature and tone and noise.
Interesting insights become painful pretentions when seen through my eyes. I look at the screen mirror-like: Am I in fact judging myself? I really have to quit LJ cold-turkey, but still I hit the refresh. Digg, Fark, Boingboing, LJ. As I read, my disgust grows. It’s like a scab that I keep picking and picking enjoying the pain. Do I enjoy the feelings of superiority that flush over at me as I read the sad ramblings of the unwashed masses? Or, am I still seeking that random spark of insight like a gambler waiting for his next payout?
I so badly want the Internet to be the saviour of the world, much as the retro future of the 50’s technological promises would save the world. In my heart of hearts I know it is not to be. The Internet at large is just another LCD zeitgeist nightmare where opinions rule ipso facto over content. Garbage in, Garbage out.
So, I’ll just add my dischord to the cacophony to ease my own soul, the Internet and world be damned. Even though I too will be perceived as insipid ephemera at large, perhaps some other sad soul would find comfort and insight in my mad ramblings.
I pity their poor souls.