I want to be the first to congratulate you on being named Time Magazines's "Person of the Year"!
At the end of each year the editorial board sifts through a list of all those who made news. As journalist Lev Grossman writes in the cover article, the selection would normally subscribe to the "Great Man" theory of history usually attributed to scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle. But as Lev points out, this years selection proves, "That theory took a serious beating this year."
Instead of choosing someone from the world stage, they wisely chose to visit your world. I know you're going to be modest and say you were only doing your job, but I believe you should stop and really think about the significance of your accomplishment.
You and other honorees used camera phones, instant messaging, blogs, podcasts and web publishing to capture events, share information and build communities. Often a frightened mainstream media labeled your efforts as "Amateur Hour". I say, not bad for a bunch of amateurs.
Personal digital publishing has been a 25 year overnight success. In Megatrends, author John Naisbitt predicts the importance of high touch in a high tech world. As Time Magazine's Person of the Year, you helped transform High Tech into High Touch.
Throughout the information age the term "Cutting Edge" has been used to describe the latest software, hardware or even vaporware. As we start 2007 I think a new definition has emerged. The cutting edge has moved. I believe you will find it in the videos and blogs, the hopes and dreams, and the knowledge and community created by digital publishers like yourself. Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Where are we headed?
I'm far too practical to be a futurist, but I get a sense we are headed toward a bright future. Not because of any new sophisticated software (or operating system), but because of simplicity. I believe Apple's iTunes store is the VW Beetle of digital content delivery. The ability to create a audio or video podcast and deliver it to your computer or iPod with very little expertise or effort is huge. Not just because it's simple for the publisher, but because it's simple for your prospects, clients, family and friends to connect to your business, organization or community.
I'm not a resolution kind of guy, but if I was, Podcasting would be right at the top of the list.
Where are You Headed?
I admit to being a geek, but I've learned to appreciate the simple beauty of using technology to connect with people. I hope you feel the same way. Are you headed off to create the next big thing this year? Why don't you post a comment below and tell me your plans for making your world a better place in 2007.
Happy New Year everyone!
Jerry Gitchel
Information Architect
