the holidays are over, can't ya? It seems that a relative calm, a "business as usual" atmosphere has returned to our site. Now, that's not a complaint by any means. I merely find it interesting to physically feel a dynamic that exists in what is largely a two-dimensional environment.

While I am not ready for a full blown discussion of it yet, I have long been absolutely amazed at the way this two-dimensional environment we call the internet can have such physical effect on us as humans. I believe this would be a topic of research worthy of a Pulizter or Nobel Prize if it could be determined definitively. Yet, the beginnings go back to the beginning of recorded history if you think about it.

I am old enough to remember when letters were actually posted in the mail, and news from the paper was a touch dated. No, I have no current direct remembrance of chiseled stone tablets, but then I've been sick. Who knows? Letters from far away, or from friends would brighten up our week, or our month. In many cases such missives changed lives one way or another. Written letters had impact. Typed letters had significance. Telegrams inevitably changed forevers. But even those letters from far way could be at least ticklish to the senses; Lilac fragrance or just knowing the reality that someone we care for actually touched the page we were reading could change us for a time. We felt connected. And that's the point.

Is it irrational to feel connected to a group of people I have never, and most likely will never meet? Is it unhealthy to consider people you type to as your friends? Should the terms be changed to maintain the vigilance of those whom we allow access into our lives? Are we all the more a "rube" for falling for an email scam than the snake oil salesman at the door? Must our society change the rules, and the roles?

We have all known of people who "met" on the internet. I know of one couple who had never faced each other in real life prior to their wedding day. Yes, that's extreme, but it is a point to be made. I am not certain where the boundary lies, or if one should. Even in this two-dimensional environment, we can harm or be harmed. We can be lifted, or felled. Our moment, our day, and our life can be forever changed. Our online environment can be just as emotionally charged as any three-dimensional relationship. The joys are there, but are they the same? The pain can still come, but does it hurt just as badly?

Group dynamics are also in play in the two-dimensional environment, I find. Belonging to a group on WDC is, for many a very important part of their online lives. I have learned the hard way that it can also be huge in their three-dimensional lives, too. I have heard stories to last at least one lifetime about the now-extinct, but legendary WDC Conferences that used to be held. I'd love to have the opportunity to create some of those memories myself, and I will honestly tell you that I feel not a little cheated for not having the opportunity to shake hands or hug some of the people who have, in all possible definitions, saved my life.

In September, I will have my 4th WDC birthday. I missed 2 and 3. I feel the loss in a real and tangible way. It is a regret I will always have. My first anniversary was just incredible. I even received (as if I were the only one, of course) a gift from SM/SMs! Now, how special is that??

I guess that is my point. How is it that, in a two-dimensional environment, our lives can so find the addition of such valued and treasured friends, or create such bitter enemies? Yes, I know that we do finally have to account to ourselves. I think the point is valid still. There are people I share, learn, and grow with here in this community (among many others, mind you) that I would not want to lose contact with for ANY reason.

I enjoy the company of like-minded souls on an impossible journey. It seems not to matter where or how they come into my life. I feel energized when I can help someone here. I feel like, somehow, a much greater and more humbling service has been given me when a WDC friend does the same for me. And, after 3.5 years? It has gained a kind and level of consistency to my otherwise wild and wacky world. Does that rely only and uniquely upon me, and my mental state?.

I may well be incorrect on this, but I don't happen to think so. The interaction, even if two-dimensional, is entirely real. I may not know what you care about, or how you feel. I do know what you say you care about, and I do listen when you tell me how you are feeling. Is it easier to fool me online than in person? Perhaps. Is it more difficult to be honest with me online? Perhaps. Does it, in the end, really matter?

The more strongly you feel about the answer to that question is a really good gauge of how connected you feel here, and online. It's not a Psychological masterpiece, but I believe it is true. If it weren't, how would we all be able to feel the changing of the seasons right here on WDC? Which life reflects which? It's something to ponder, or muddle if you be so inclined. I'm a muddler. (Got a paper to prove it, and everything!)

I'd sure be interested in your thoughts on the matter, before I make an appointment with a professional. In the meantime, I will stay

In His Care,

Budroe