BajaNomad

Viva Nomads

Osprey - 6-3-2007 at 07:03 PM

Since I didn’t push my first computer On button until I was 60 years of age I am what can be described as Internet Challenged. Given that disclaimer I would still like to say a few things about chat boards – particularly this one.

This format lends itself to a new kind of communication. I will explain. Imagine that some time in the distant past we were given the chance to do most of this in person. We form a group of people who want to communicate about a thing they love: Baja California. We gather (best we can) around a campfire in the park.

We have a moderator but he or she simply sets the rules, admits new members, keeps things orderly. All members are wearing masks and costumes, most use an alias. We can come and go while others continue their discussion. We cannot interrupt others or shout them down – each speaker is allowed to speak his/her mind on the subject at hand. Our voices are being recorded and stored in a place where they may be retrieved by any member at any time so we choose our words carefully.

One of the reasons our numbers are small is that many people have a fear of public speaking! This fireside thing is not for everyone – each member who speaks runs the risk of having the statement analyzed, refuted, laughed at; having it dredged up, highlighted thrown open again and again. Some with thin skin attend but stay silent, speak out but retire early from some real or perceived misunderstanding or disagreement.

Some aggressive types get in the campfire circle first and early, take the floor, so to speak, are eager to be heard – perhaps they have found and embraced a venue that suits them to a T. It could be that this is the first real opportunity for them to say what they feel, make an impression, vent their over-flowing spleen, push their favorite cause or point of view.

The board is akin to a college course on all things Baja but much better – we can attend or audit, soak up new knowledge, share what we know, have verbal fistfights about what we violently disagree about. It forces us to assess our core values, (against the values of a crowd of people from every conceivable back round). Those seeking only knowledge about fishing, exploring, Baja travel, Mexico, Mexicans, their culture can search the vast and growing library of special, personal knowledge about these things and more.

It has recently become obvious to me that the campfire, the park, is in California – I now see Nixon and Reagan masks, Barney costumes and I’m getting to know the members behind the masks. Active members can’t help but improve their social skills while the many profound and divergent views of some glib and canny veterans will teach you tolerance if nothing more.

What we have here folks is a chatty semi Mexican cousin I’ll call Baja Google. Viva Nomads!

CaboRon - 6-3-2007 at 07:16 PM

:bounce::bounce: VIVA GAJA GOOGLE :bounce::bounce:

spelling

CaboRon - 6-3-2007 at 07:17 PM

I'll try it again


:bounce::bounce: VIVA BAJA GOOGLE :bounce::bounce:

FARASHA - 6-3-2007 at 11:15 PM

Excellent - Osprey -excellent - I love that Imagination of yours, and have now this Picture in my head - all sitting around a Campfire, on a nice Beach somewhere, lots of beer of course, some Mr. Blah droning on and on, others giggling in the background, AND DOUG and HOSE watching over it - shutting down/deleting those unruly ones :lol:

Iflyfish - 6-3-2007 at 11:54 PM

I penned nary a word for decades. The process of finding paper, envelope and stamp hardly fit my lifestyle. When pressed, a death in the family, obligatory thank you note, letter of explanation as to why the fine for my latest traffic ticket should be reduced, I could and would put pen to paper. I lost touch with so many interesting people who at one time crossed my path. I still know people who I am genuinely fond of that I never communicate with because they have refused to join the cyber age. Sad.

Then, kicking a screaming, I acceded to the computer. I refused for a long time, like some Luddite, believing it would somehow diminish my humanity. To be truthful I was also intimidated by the thing. I had so many questions?? Is it better to leave it running or turn it off? Will the CIA, FBI, F.M., Oscar Meyer pry on my privacy? Will I break the thing and not know how to fix it? If I write, then people will see that I can't spell worth a damn etc..

I have rediscovered the pure joy of writing again because of this machine. I have managed to meet so many amazing people using this media. I communicated for years with colleagues around the globe who were working on the same things as I was. I found others with similar passions and interests. I have learned a life time of information in the years that I have used this device.

Cyber camp fire! Nice metaphor, cyber campfire of ones and zeros. Who would have figured it.

I recall seeing my first TV in the showroom of a Plymouth dealership in a small town in North Dakota. We all went down to look though the showroom window to watch Hopalong Cassidy on a round green screen that sat on top of a large box. Looked somewhat like the aliens one sees in Area 51 except it had flickering images rather than black almond eyes. My twin brother and I looked at each other; both shrugged, shook our heads and one of us said "how stupid! Who would ever sit and watch some thing like that when you could go out and play?" Maybe we don't change that much as we age.

Well, Osprey, I for one am glad you took up the keyboard, and joined the cyber campfire. I always enjoy your Ones and Zeros.

Iflyfish

vgabndo - 6-4-2007 at 11:46 AM

The comments above seem to be the best explanation possible of why when I turn on my computer, after checking my e-mail, the next thing I do is stroll up and check on the well-being of my cyber-friends around the campfire. :coolup:

vandenberg - 6-4-2007 at 12:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
The comments above seem to be the best explanation possible of why when I turn on my computer, after checking my e-mail, the next thing I do is stroll up and check on the well-being of my cyber-friends around the campfire. :coolup:


And a world wide campfire it is. Not only has cyberspace enlightened me towards my Nomad pals but also has brought me back in contact with numerous friends and family members all around the world. Holland, England, Canada and all over the USA, Hawaii and Alaska included.
So, VIVA the INTERNET !!:P:P

Cypress - 6-4-2007 at 12:22 PM

Cyber Campfire.:)Neat!:D We'll just keep tossing logs on the fire and enjoy the warmth and light.:D

oldhippie - 6-4-2007 at 12:41 PM

The correct name would be "virtual campfire", which is a pleasant thought.

The virtual world exists in cyberspace.

Jeez, I just dropped a melted marshmellow on my keyboard.

vgabndo - 6-4-2007 at 02:57 PM

Vandenberg: I'm a small town historian, and I have what I call a "net stretched across cyberspace" in an effort to locate relatives and/or images etc. of my pioneer subjects.

I've recently found a photo of topographer Gilbert Thompson that I looked for for over 25 years, and learned that a tiny baby who barely escaped the flames that devoured a hotel/saloon here in 1891 grew up to be a silent film star and made a dozen movies with William S. Hart. (Ann Little)

The WWW very simply blows my mind, and has made the study of micro-history a whole new and exciting addiction.