tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post1349206209512249002..comments2024-03-15T09:26:02.796-05:00Comments on PROJECT MAYHEM: UnpluggedProject Mayhemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05154342399869089664noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-69993346973208667812013-03-23T13:24:53.045-05:002013-03-23T13:24:53.045-05:00Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Taurean!...Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Taurean! I think you're absolutely right that there are so many facets to consider here and implications to be discerned and settled on as to what suits you best personally. I sense that you are thoughtful person who feels things deeply. I resonate with what you've written here: "But I think for some of us, though, the LESS "Free" you feel in real life, the more you use the internet as a crutch."<br /><br />I think always being constantly plugged in can help us cope with challenges in real life - whether they are the ones you've described or others in the same way that diving into a good book can help us escape our painful realities. I suppose the question is how we want to balance that. When does our escapism help us in our real lives and when does it begin to replace our real lives? Much food for thought here. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-64990944839129698522013-03-23T13:18:44.986-05:002013-03-23T13:18:44.986-05:00This is so true, Joy! There are many gifts that c...This is so true, Joy! There are many gifts that come from the online community, and new friends is one of them! I'm so glad we "met" online - in fact, AW is how I "met" HIlary as well and got connected to Mayhem friends as well. <br /><br />I definitely feel conflicted about cutting out the opportunity for that kind of community...<br /><br />And, yes! My retro landline has been getting good use these past months. I'm remembering how nice it is to just call somebody up and get caught up that way.Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-5076747166938917262013-03-23T13:17:06.402-05:002013-03-23T13:17:06.402-05:00Thanks for stopping by, Kenda! Glad you're jo...Thanks for stopping by, Kenda! Glad you're joining the Mayhem. :)Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-52622347541668698732013-03-23T13:16:41.465-05:002013-03-23T13:16:41.465-05:00Yes! Definitely so important for creative work. ...Yes! Definitely so important for creative work. I imagine I'll eventually settle in to what you're describing - more of a flow of connectivity...but after the detox.Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-55755010513799338962013-03-23T13:16:02.302-05:002013-03-23T13:16:02.302-05:00Michael - Yes! It's strange to think that it ...Michael - Yes! It's strange to think that it hasn't been all that long that we've been internet-connected. <br /><br />Taurean - good for you! ;) Out here in Seattle we revel in going against the flow, so I'll cheer you on. Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-54260975883374412462013-03-23T13:15:06.270-05:002013-03-23T13:15:06.270-05:00Thanks for the book rec! And, so you know, I'...Thanks for the book rec! And, so you know, I'm still enjoying LMM but haven't been able to join in the actual discussion. Such is the cost of my newfound freedom. :/ But I'm with you in spirit!Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-28408216894213859512013-03-23T13:14:19.217-05:002013-03-23T13:14:19.217-05:00Yes! I would think the last think you'd want ...Yes! I would think the last think you'd want is a computer screen after being online all day. And if you make that computer, I'll take one. Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-45403871911944341582013-03-23T13:13:47.554-05:002013-03-23T13:13:47.554-05:00Thanks! It's definitely not for everyone, but...Thanks! It's definitely not for everyone, but worth a try. ;)Marissa Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079821721448782710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-63012652816134203862013-03-22T19:57:22.425-05:002013-03-22T19:57:22.425-05:00If it makes you feel any better, I'm probably ...If it makes you feel any better, I'm probably the LAST person under 30 to either-<br /><br />A. Have a Facebook/Twitter Account<br /><br />B. A smartphone<br /><br />C. Know who Lady Gaga is (Not a fan nor a hater, I'll just leave it at that...)Taurean Watkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16604609379930060667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-71318530683367027662013-03-22T19:46:29.049-05:002013-03-22T19:46:29.049-05:00I talk about this issue in an article I wrote for ...I talk about this issue in an article I wrote for my blog some time ago <a href="http://www.talkinganimaladdicts.com/p/letters-from-editor.html" rel="nofollow">here.</a><br /><br />I normally don't plug my blog in this way, but I urge parents and caregivers of kids and teens to read it, I'm no psychologist, but I know lack of freedom offline is just as damaging to kids and teens as too much of it at once. <br /><br />Every family is different, but even if the limits you set are for good reason in your home, you at the very least need to hear the silent ways they vent or rebel, and especially in the "Rare" instance they come out and tell you directly.<br /><br />Even if you can't quickly address or change the situation, acknowledging the pain this causes is still better than brushing it aside, I assure you. If a non-parent like me can see that, so can you.<br /><br />As I said, I'm not a parent, and don't make light of the hardships you face, but just as key here, I know what it feels like to have little freedom of exploration and discovering offline, as a child and even now as an adult, and while online interaction can't nor should it replace the joy of offline adventure and mobility, for some us, it's our ONLY choice seven times out of ten, and those I know who strictly unplug as Marissa has are in a more advantageous environment than I am.<br /><br />Unlike most writers I know, I'm NOT a parent, teacher, or work in IT (Not saying anything bad about those who are all/any of the of the above), but for me unplugging to that degree (While I agree with the feelings behind it) is not a feasible option.<br /><br />Could I stand cut back? Yes. <br /><br />While Marissa's observations and concerns are sound and something we all need to think hard about, and to take action on, it's not always simple to achieve those goals-<br /><br />Enjoy the quiet. <br />(I don't always enjoy quiet. Even though I HATE living in a home where there's a shouting match every day, and living with relatives who aren't warm and fuzzy [but not abusive either] don't help invite silence home often...)<br /><br /><br />Sit outside more. <br />(I don't enjoy the view outside my house, and the nearest park is not exactly even SEMI-ideal)<br /><br /><br />Multitask less. (Tell that to the WORLD. Not just me)<br /><br />Eat without a screen in front of you. (There's no family meal where I live, and much as I hate to admit it, for better or worse a screen is more available than family) <br /><br />Respond to the need in front of you rather than the perceived virtual need. (When the need in front of you can't be met, tending to virtual needs requires less or no outside help)<br /><br />Go for a walk without an electronic device. Breathe. (I breathe just fine, but music is VITAL to tune out the pain that surrounds me)<br /><br />For unplugging to work, you need a rich and engaging offline life, if you don't have it, it's harder, but not impossible. Taurean Watkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16604609379930060667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-1570888722252042722013-03-22T19:42:59.966-05:002013-03-22T19:42:59.966-05:00You are a brave to take unplugging to your extent,...You are a brave to take unplugging to your extent, and while I'm not obsessed with technology in every sphere (Despite what the stereotypes of over 30 adults, especially parents), wish to believe.<br /><br />Marissa did what was right for her life and I applaud that. But I think for some of us, though, the LESS "Free" you feel in real life, the more you use the internet as a crutch.<br /><br />Online, it doesn't matter if you can't drive or afford a car, that you live WAY too far from anything relevant in your life to walk to, to shop, work, and connect with people on some level. You can obtain a lot that's either quick to download, get in an e-mail, or have your shopping mailed to you when you aren't able to leave the house.<br /><br />We all know real life has it's dangers and drawbacks, but it's upsides as well, why should online be any different?<br /><br />As much as we try to emphasize in-person interaction, it's not always possible, and for many people, myself included, without the internet we'd feel entirely alone.<br /><br />Some of us didn't get the privilege of walking to places, hanging out, or doing ANYTHING that didn't require adults willing to taxi us around, things I feel lots of folks over 30 really don't get. <br /><br />I hope I don't offend any parents here, but the next time you have fight with your kids, ask yourself these important questions-<br /><br />What's in walking distance for your children? <br /><br />Would you feel safe letting them roam beyond your home?<br /><br />Are their places they can go that don't require your direct involvement from start to finish?<br /><br />How far are places your children cherish visiting? (Libraries, friend's homes, parks, shopping destinations)<br /><br />How is their "Freedom" different from yours growing up?<br /><br />I'm not trying to be judgmental here. Just suggesting you see things from their perspective, too, not just yours. <br /><br />Your kids don't have to be wild and out of control to feel trapped in their own home or hometown.<br /><br />To be continued...<br /><br />Taurean Watkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16604609379930060667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-75827449740172508102013-03-19T11:22:10.061-05:002013-03-19T11:22:10.061-05:00I have never had a cell phone, so I am certainly u...I have never had a cell phone, so I am certainly unplugged if I leave the house. But I definitely rely on the Internet at home. I think what you've done is amazing, but I'm glad you didn't do it sooner, since I met you online, which led to real, in-person connection for our whole families and a church home. <br /><br />It was very fun, right after I had The Call with an agent and then sent off my excited emails to CP's telling them how it had gone, to know I shouldn't email you, but that you'd call and we'd a have a real person-to-person debrief.Joy McCullough-Carranzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09499534418217657768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-12829764318494820482013-03-19T10:33:07.000-05:002013-03-19T10:33:07.000-05:00So glad to know there is an alternative! And that ...So glad to know there is an alternative! And that someone is brave enough to unplug and live a less frenzied life. We need examples like yours to remind us that we don't have to get so caught up in it all. Thanks for sharing :-)Kenda Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12972218446945404475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-11263307642418445502013-03-19T09:47:42.483-05:002013-03-19T09:47:42.483-05:00I unplug when I am caught up in a project and the ...I unplug when I am caught up in a project and the noise is too much. I am an obsessive type, especially as a writer, so there are periods when people might think I've fallen off the map. However, it just means I've committed to unplugging (similar to your mode) to work on that project. I keep email (via phone) readily handy for agent, family, friends, but blog commenting. tweeting, and such is minimum during the unplugged periods. Mike Winchellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11771482167997501541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-70095287218501051552013-03-19T09:37:17.898-05:002013-03-19T09:37:17.898-05:00I have found that when I write I absolutely must p...I have found that when I write I absolutely must put myself on COLD TURKEY, a program which blocks certain internet sites. <br /><br />I am tempted by your choice. A mere three years ago I didn't blog, have Facebook, or Twitter. I did a lot more novel reading, that's for sure!Michael G-Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947421844294471304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-4005152918851204072013-03-19T08:48:07.331-05:002013-03-19T08:48:07.331-05:00I remember chatting with you about this in January...I remember chatting with you about this in January. Looks like you're going strong. Have you ever read THE SHALLOWS: WHAT THE INTERNET IS DOING TO OUR BRAINS? I read it last summer over a semi-Internet break (vacation + a month off of FB and my blog). It was liberating. And the read was fascinating.<br /><br />While I'm not as brave as you, I envy that freedom you're feeling. I'm sure part of the angst I feel about writing is due in some way to the wealth of chatter I have access to. Carry on, friend!<br /><br />Caroline Starr Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04597510685273079757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-1741772982985480162013-03-19T06:36:49.739-05:002013-03-19T06:36:49.739-05:00I'm required to be online (at least the compan...I'm required to be online (at least the company network, if not the internet) for my day job, so after spending nine hours on it every weekday, it's pretty easy for me to stay offline at home. The hard part is when I want to write or revise, and that computer is connected.<br /><br />I should build a desktop that has no connectivity at all.Matthew MacNishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03264738483763244969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173408054965817352.post-29878035291467032942013-03-19T06:26:14.946-05:002013-03-19T06:26:14.946-05:00You're way braver than me, going offline like ...You're way braver than me, going offline like that. I am probably addicted to being online since I turn on my computer and coffee pot the minute I get up. I won't try going off line, though I may try limiting it. Glad it worked for you.Natalie Aguirrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03756087804171246660noreply@blogger.com