In '97, I remember being invited to my alma mater, Bryant University, where there was a live demo of a video conferencing room, where we could see and chat with another person, who was located in another part of the campus. WMediae were amazed!
So here we are today, 14 years later, using Web based tools (much cheaper and easier to use) to collaborate and socialize... So what's different?
Obvious differences:
- Costs
- Ease of Use
- Reliability
- Access
- Innovative progression
Intrinsic and "new" values:
- Authentic feedback - We all know that 80% of communication is non-verbal. We also know that not everone can write like Mark Twain. Much like the Jetsons, we can know feel the emotional weight behind conversation.
- Anticipation of immediate action - People are connected in many ways. Remember the days before cell phones? Conversations like, "I'll see you when you get there" have become "Text me when you're near." It's just the norm (lately) to communicate in concert with one's active thoughts.
- Portability of resources - Growing up in the 80's, many of us today were inspired by the communication transponders of Star Trek and remote access to technology via wrist-wear, featured in Knight Rider.
- Social online etiquittes - from keyboard shortcuts, like LMAO and =) to commonly excepted (micro) keyboard typos, there is more tolerance for speed than written accuracy.
- Normalization of thought leadership - Today we see self-proclaimed experts sparring with award-winning journalists on common themes and topics. Who has more credibility--a well-followed Twitterer, or a syndicated columnist? I think the answer IS a matter of perspective.
