I’d like to concentrate this time on discussing the website. I have no
current plans to shut it down. There still seems to be a fairly strong
interest in keeping it going.
I am starting to hone my vision of what this website could
become. While it is possible for me to do it all myself, it would be so
much better if it became a collaborative experience. Many of you have
spoken of that feeling of “community”, or “family” we had on the radio
show. Some people just didn’t get it. But many of you did understand.
What it could be
If you are of a certain age, chances are you have memories of a time
when people were nicer. When neighbors knew each other and pulled
together. You may remember a time when civility was common, rather than
rare as it is today. Is it possible we could create a little of that on
a website? I think so --- But it could only happen if a number of folks
were willing to participate.
I wish I could give computers to all of my regular After Midnight
callers, teach them how to email, and then post their thoughts and
personal news for all of us to read. Wouldn’t it be nice to read
messages from Postal Dave, Brad, Lorna, Pat (Butler), Pat the Bird Lady,
Tony, Darryl, Elaine, Smacky, Zelie-Bob, Will, Ed, Jim the Poet, Adam,
Mr. Ed, Denise, Rob, Rosemarie, Don, R.G., T.L., J.T., Ruth, George,
Eva, Stan, Joanne, Earl, etc.
Unfortunately, that just isn’t possible as so many of those great folks
are not “into” computers. I’d still love to build a group of regular
contributors (maybe I should call them Bloggers), and build another
community similar to the one so many of us enjoyed over the airwaves.
Who knows what might be possible down the line. Perhaps I could in some
way record a few phone conversations with some of those radio-regulars
and put them on the website. Right now, although I have a recording
studio in my home, it isn’t set up for phone recording.
Maybe I could eventually set up a
Blog section, so our guests could write their messages and post them
themselves on the website.
What we could do now
First, you can be a contributor. You know all those emails you get from
your friends? The ones they forward to you, which have interesting or
helpful messages? Those are the ones I may be looking for to post on
this website. They may be heartwarming stories, poetry, recipes or
helpful consumer information. Chances are if you think they're good,
other people probably will too. So, please consider sharing with our
"community". Again, my email address is
gary@garydickson.com.
You could send me your photo! I’d love to be able to post more photos in
the Gallery section. That has always been one of the more popular
sections of this website. You could also send other photos too (old
photos, vacation pictures, your pets, grandchildren, etc.). People love
photos.
My vision
My sincere hope is that this website can become a positive experience
for those who visit. Otherwise, why do it? I’d like to concentrate on
stories and information which make us feel better about ourselves and
others. I’d like to focus on the positive --- the beauty of
living. Nature is a big part of that, but people and relationships are
too. I’d like our visitors to be inspired by what they find here, rather
than shocked, angered, humored, or just entertained. Am I being
unrealistic? I hope not.
Remember, we’re all in this together.
P.S. I've added a page for prayer requests. You will find the link in
the left-hand column of each page of the website. Please check it from
time-to-time and pray for those who are listed there.
GaryDickson.com