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Joseph Lindsey (CA)'s avatar

The muliplicity of communication forms is indeed a challenge. What you need is a Peter Gibbs to get everyone on the same page. The problem is mirroed in music where the medium has been fragmented by technological options for delivery. So much better when we just put messages in a bottle and tossed them in the sea.

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Michele's avatar

Gotta agree with you there! Not only is communication more difficult because of the many platforms which excludes some, the one-sided monologues of text-based communication, and the misunderstanding in syntax and tone of texting... The actual quality of mobile calls is at time akin to talking into two tin cans strung together. I spend a lot of time saying, "Sorry, what?" trying to hear the other person - should someone actually ring these days... Then there is the issue of open platforms - where the vitriol of some people seems to know no bounds (obviously they didn't learn the old saying, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything"). I'm all for free speech, but not all speech is worthy of an equal platform or consideration. Your crazy uncle's crazy rantings used to be limited to the local pub or corner soapbox, where crazy ideas were meant to fade away. Now your crazy uncle can post them worldwide. Strangely, even crazy ideas are contagious. For example, the 'flat earth' resurgence! So, for all our advanced technology, communication isn't always better.

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Peter Gibbs's avatar

Great to have a perspective that goes back a way!

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