Now What?

A bit over a year ago, my friend Barry called and said something crazy. He wanted to start a social networking website that could help people change the world and he wanted me to be a part of it.

Right.

Me? A person who can’t use her desktop computer because there’s a pile of unfiled papers towering over her keyboard? A person who can’t seem to say no to the next fun adventure, but who never quite gets her toys put away first? A person who “retired” to raise her kids and is immersed in the joy of mom-dom and occasionally finds that her world is no bigger than her kids’ school?

And, well, I may be a nerd, but I’m not a computer nerd. I leave that role to various dear loved ones (you know who you are!)

And social networking? Hmmm. Sure I’d tweeted & hung out a bit on facebook, but really, how did all that typing really enhance my life? (You know that dry-eye jump you make when you realize you are up for hours past your bedtime? And there's not much to show for it besides some cool new arcane knowledge of…whatever... and a REALLY good LOLCATS?) Yeah, computers are real time-savers, aren’t they?

But since he flattered me & since it was Barry & since I was curious I said, “tell me more…”

Then my sister’s friend Kelli (a very fun font nerd and web designer) got inspired and created the structure and form to nicely hold all our hoped-for content…

And here we are months later and there’s actually a site with links and it works!

It’s astounding.

Okay - here we go!

Hi,

So, this is the beginning. And I have to admit: I am very curious what will happen next.

The idea is that we can create a social network with a purpose -- where it is possible to connect in a meaningful way, make the world a better place, and have fun doing it.

I wonder if it will work?

My guess is that there are lots of people who want to connect with their friends and family in a way that goes beyond citing what they had for breakfast or throwing virtual snowballs at each other. Well, sure -- there will always be a place for throwing virtual snowballs. That's part of the fun of being online and connected.

But can't there also be a place where you can share in the dreams and hopes and actions of your family and friends? Where you can make new friends around a shared hope for the world -- and all work together to make it happen? Wouldn't that be fun, too? In fact -- wouldn't that be more fun?

Some of the best parts about what we're experimenting with here is that it is not only built for adults, but also for kids, as well as for organizations large and small. Everyone and anyone can make themselves at home, make the site be what they want it to be, and make the world the better for it.

The experiment, of course, is earthbongo.

And our little nonprofit in charge of it is Adhocracy Online.

The idea is that we can empower ad hoc groups to change the world.

It's a leap of faith, to be sure. But I can't wait to see what happens. Please join us, and let us know what you think! We'd love to hear from you.

Good luck, and have fun!

-- Barry