Entry 1

1. There is huge variation in the messages sent simply in changing the method. The amount of noise in between is a huge factor. With face-to-face, depending on the environment, there is little interference that can come. There are plenty of issues with nonverbals that come in to play, but, in general, the interference that can occur in the span of eight feet is limited. With distance, that interference increases. Phone still allows voice inflection to play a factor and emails and letters bring writing skill into the equation.
I also noticed how important face-to-face plays in discussion. Online posts have no continuity. There is no progression of thought or addition and debate. It is hard to tell which ideas are strongly felt and which are loosely held.

2. Letter writing really transformed a relationship this past summer. A friend of mine was a counselor at a camp in Wyoming. Phone interaction was not an option and internet access was extremely limited. Letters were my only means of communication and they kept a relationship alive and thriving. It allowed them to know me in a way that was previously impossible.

3. I think internet has completely transformed our society. As a youth minister, I realize how much the culture has changed in only 5 years. AOL Instant Messenger was the newest thing when I was in junior high, but blogging and myspacing has come on the scene with force. It has privatized much of young people's communication. They are now able to publish more than text, but can now add video as well. The Gopher football team just had a huge scandal because of facebook and text messaging. Private thoughts are now becoming public, while public thoughts are also being privatized.

4. I think one thing I remember from the Bible is Paul speaking about how his language and writing fails. He always speaks of desiring to be with churches to impart something to them. There is a major emphasis on proximity. Even places he has spent several years with and knows quite well, he longs to be closer to because there is somethings he cannot communicate without being with them. His written word fails and cannot communicate everything he desires to tell them.