ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I had an interesting thought today - or, at least, I thought it was interesting.

Pretty much until the 20th century, Mankind kept itself entertained 'interactively'. By this I mean, people generally met in small groups and amused each other - whether it be bushmen reciting around a campfire, families singing around the piano after dinner, people chatting and dancing at the Saturday night dance, or whatever.

Then came the technology for mass communication - recorded music, radio, film, TV, etc. Suddenly people could sit back passively and enjoy 'the best'. Why listen to the bloke down the street (who might be pretty good, but not the best in the world) when you could listen to artists from America or Europe with very little effort? So people stayed at home, and tended to lose touch with each other.

Now, however, in the 21st century, the very technology that drove people apart is bringing them back together again - in the form of web-sites like this.

Am I the last person to have worked this out?

Ah Stephen,

"There's the rub". I had thought "Why did we stop all the local dances? and Why don't we still have 'Balls'? Then it dawned on me. Instead of sweeping a girl off her feet in a barn dance or meeting at the local Milk Bar to hang out with mates (usually first in same sex groups but then mixing up) the modern couple are either matched up by friends on blind dates or they find each other on the internet. I think we had much more fun doing it our way.

G/day Stephen,
Your right, in fact we now meet people that in times past would have been near impossible

Zondrae
I can relate to the scene you mention.
I well remember one Saturday when a group of us were gathered in Greenies milk bar in Albany when the cops (The first time I had ever seen police women) raided the place and took all the girls home and told us us young blokes to move on, and this was mid afternoon.
Caused a hell of a stir and never happened again as far as I know. I was just a young shy lad coming from a very strict catholic upbringing and was just more or less looking on.

Terry

Sorry I missed all that, I was playing Angry Birds against Nerd@0871. What were you saying? lol

Stephen

It's an interesting thought, all right, and a very challenging one because many of the forms of communication today, although connecting more people, are often not face-to-face. We've had the telephone for a long time, but current technology is, as you say, bringing groups of people together. However, the written word can only convey so much.

Is there a danger that a growing number of people might begin to prefer electronic interaction to something more direct? The internet is easier, more convenient in some ways, offers anonymity if needed, and is less confronting for those who find social interaction awkward. We're already at the stage where members of the same household will sometimes communicate from room to room by email! Where might this lead?

David

Yes, somebody mentioned at the National Folk Festival this year that there may come a time when you can experience the festival without having to attend - a double edged sword, because if enough people took that option there would be no festival TO attend - or perhaps the definition of 'festival' would simply change. The mind boggles!

Oh no, Stephen,

Nothing will ever be better than being right there, in person.

In a previous incarnation I was the owner of a business that had live music. When the first band began to play, on the first night, and I felt the beat against my chest, I knew there was nothing even close to that experience. No, even loud perfectly recorded music is not as exciting as a real live band or performer of any kind. This goes double for the whole 'festival' experience. The thrill on waiting to see who else is there, what they will perform, how the audience reacts, etc cannot be replaced by any distance repeat or live transmission. I have been known to say that a mediocre band will beat a good recording any day (for ambience, that is) You just have to BE THERE.

Sorry Zondrae, no you don't ... .....


Bloodninja:Wanna cyber?
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SweetBrittenySpears:I want everything, baby!
Bloodninja:Is this a delivery?
SweetBrittenySpears:Umm...Yes
SweetBrittenySpears:So you're bringing the pizza to my house now? Cause I'm home alone... and I think I'll take a shower...
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**pause**
SweetBrittenySpears:I'm almost finished with my shower... Hurry up!
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Bloodninja:I'm on my way now though
**pause**
SweetBrittenySpears:So you're at my front door now.
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Bloodninja:So you're still in the bathroom?
SweetBrittenySpears:Yeah, I'm wrapping a towel around myself.
Bloodninja:I can no longer resist the pizza. I moan in ecstacy. The mushrooms and Italian sausage are rough, but the sauce is delicious. I scoff the lot in seconds. As you leave the bathroom, I exit through the front door....
SweetBrittenySpears:What ????????????????????????

Manfred you have succeeded in making Marty speechless! Wow!

Now who's going to pick him up off the floor?

Manny

I can't even read it let alone feel it.