Aloha!
01/05/2009I’ve been stewing for a few weeks over whether to start blogging again. After a 2-year hiatus from http://www.hawaiielectionwatch.org, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit myself to the task of producing something on a regular basis. Looking back on the amount of effort that was required left me apoplectic! However, after actively jumping into the world of FaceBook and Twitter during December, I concluded that it might be worth a go.
I’ll be honest with you, when I first heard about Web 2.0 and social networking, it left me cold. My life didn’t seem interesting enough nor was I particularly interested in what other geeks were doing to get and send electronic updates. As a semi-regular participant in the monthly Bytemarks lunches, I had been bombarded with the virtues of Twitter and other Web 2.0 novelties. I created an account for myself in November, but until the 12/26/08 Oahu blackout, the value hadn’t hit home.
There I was, sitting in the dark without a radio. Granted, I could have gone down to the car and listened to the radio but it quickly became apparent that it was unnecessary. From all over the island, around the state, and across the US, reports came in about who had power, where to get more information, who was saying what, and what the officials were saying. By utilizing the #hipower tag, I was able to quickly “filter in” reports. And, due to the sheer number of tweets, it was easy enough to validate any claims being made. It was like a critical mass of information had been achieved that was clarifying everything before my eyes. I was sold.
Today, more than 2 weeks after the event, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is just the tip of the iceberg. A real revolution is happening and I’m going to be an active participant. Please come back for my regular updates on what I’ve learned, who is teaching me, and where this is going.
I’m still not that interesting but some of the stuff I observe surely is.
So That's Life? 
Welcome, finally and fully, to the party!
What you’ve written is so true! I was on Twitter that night too and watched everyone’s power go off, town by town. When Kapolei went out I didn’t have to wonder what had happened.
Looking forward to more from your blog! I might have to start my own blog this year also.
Welcome back to the blogging world. You were actually an inspiration for me when you did HEW/HPW. And at least we’ll have our blackout story to tell…
Welcome back. I am looking forward to reading your posts. Best wishes.
Aloha – Dan
http://www.dkseto.wordpress.com
http://www.seto.org
Twitter: @danseto
Welcome back to the “real world.” 🙂