Like the frog in the heating pot, like the erosion of freedom, the
Internet has moved into our lives with increasing speed and increasing
influence. The recent presidential election was strongly influenced by
Internet use and future elections will use it ever more effectively.
The Internet is a tool of great use. It is a sharp tool, it is very
strong, and it is double-edged. As with all powerful tools, safe and
profitable use requires knowledge and discipline.
All writers who use the Net have a need to be read. Motivations range
from mild friendship to strong financial enticement. Professional
writers--some disguised as bloggers plus out-front reporters,
journalists, critics, MSM employees--all have in common the need to
attract your attention to their words. They must do this or lose their
income. And so over the years writing has become ever more
sensationalistic, from "if it bleeds, it leads," to unsupported rants
and charges against various persons and conditions of public interest.
Sensational writing is engaging to the point where it is potentially
damaging to one's values, ethics and life successes. The Internet
Disease damages by jerking focus from controlled personal plans to
wide-ranging and disparate thoughts that have little relevance to
one's happiness. The cure for this disease is simple--strong, personal
focus, so strong that the siren call of the Net cannot distract. Such
focus requires thinking through the disease and the cure sufficiently
that one is fully aware of all profits and losses. Anyone with common
sense can retake and remain in charge of our lives.
Some people rise, have a beverage, observe the sunrise, wander out to
the garden or the shop. Those with the Internet Disease get their
beverage and head for the many-eyed monster. Some people are in charge
of their lives. Those with the ID get their daily instructions from
others.
Focus and persistence, the twin traits of a successful life. Are you
in charge of yours?
It's a choice.
[Homestead] The power of focus,
Gene GeRue, 11/10/2008