So Much Cooler in Person . . . Than Online

Today, I had a really good time.

Mark, the kids, and I went to the Queen Mary for brunch. Joining us were a lovely couple, Terry and Eddie - who are also known as "Stepperg" and "Cuchieddie," respectively. Those are their screen names, since these are people whom I "met" online. And actually have taken the steps to meet face-to-face. And am glad for it.

The Internet has provided us with the blogosphere and social networking applications like Facebook. Recently, however, Pope Benedict XVI has warned about substituting online relationships for real, human interaction. At the same time, however, our lives are so busy that it is hard to expand our social network beyond our immediate area, and sometimes the time spent in front of a screen can provide a lot of laughs and a lot of tears and that personal touch that means so much. The Pope's point, though, is well taken - take the time to meet these online personalities if you can.

Let me tell you a story. If I were a sociologist, I would do a study of the blog Knowledge is Power. I say that because it is the brain child - and labor of love - of SondraK, also known as the Headmistress. She puts posts up there, as well as three of her friends, upon which the rest of us can comment. The posts address politics and societal issues and it is clear that the politics are conservative. It is also clear it is a place to let off steam regarding the current state of affairs and engage in some rude and witty banter. Not a place for the faint of heart.

But what is fascinating is the community she has created. We have gotten to know each other, and refer to the community as "the Porch" with all of us "porch minkees." Some of us send emails "off-line," so to speak. Some of us are Facebook friends. And some of us meet up, on occasion, and break bread together . . . just like I did today. Stepperg and Cuchieddie are porch minkees.

Did I mention we sometimes try to outdo one another in crude wit? Ah, you may think we're a selfish bunch . . . but no. We also keep up with each other and lend support. One commenter - "Buzz Bannister" contacted me separately about keeping in my prayers another commenter whose health is poor. I can recall someone needing something - geez, guys, it's usually ammunition - and another simply sending them the desired item. A family member dies and everyone joins forces to comfort that porch minkee. Someone becomes a parent or a grandparent, and everyone joins forces to celebrate for that porch minkee. A porch minkee comes "into town," and another provides lodging.

Why the adhesion of this online community? I believe it is because through the Internet people are able to find a forum of common ground and have the security of anonymity. This makes for a safe environment for someone to have their voice heard . . . and have someone else respond, "I know!"

But that's where the Pope's advice should come into play. At a certain point, getting to know a fellow porch minkee or fellow blogger should include a face-to-face meeting, if possible. After all, behind all of our screen names are real people. Be careful, certainly, but be willing to meet people and get to know them. I have met some of the bloggers that visit here - and have met some intelligent, witty, and warm people in doing so. In some cases, geography prohibits that, but a phone call or email exchange allows people to make that personal connection.

So, today was lunch with Stepps and Cuchie (Lordy, even the screen names get shortened into nicknames). Tuesday night I am having dinner with the Orthometer, who I notice had taken to referrring to me as the Diginatrix (yeah, I'm gonna ask him about that, to be sure). I've had dinner with the Gem of the Ocean (and we are overdue for another). I have chatted on the phone with Kit by the Brook. I have been in pro-life vigils with Joe of St. Therese. I have had fun with Dammit Woman, Forest Hunter, the Ugly American, and Wollf. I try to make the appearances of Common Sense View's band. I am happy to see that Loved Sinner finally(!) made it on to Facebook, so I can keep in touch with her as I do Sven, Melissa in Texas, Buzz Bannister, Kasia, the Canuck, and others.

Did I miss some names? I am sure I did. But my point is that the Internet is a tool for keeping in touch - don't lost the traditional ways. And be happy for the people you can meet online.