I was all set to post a new blog for today, when I read a “Comment” by a fellow blogger (Frances Rivetti, who writes about “Family Life” for the online version of the Argus-Courier) about the lack of comments from our readers. Consequently, I’ll save the original blog for another time. We’re back on our “spirit” or Sense of Community (SOC) kick.
I’ve been harping about the various indicators that we might use to determine the level of community spirit. In previous Web logs, we have talked about community events sponsored by the Petaluma Downtown Association and the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce; but, what about the Argus-Courier, our historic newspaper that has been reporting news about local people, places, and events for over 150 years? Although our once a week edition isn’t it’s old daily-self, it still provides local news BY Petalumans, FOR Petalumans, and ABOUT Petalumans. Shouldn’t we consider this endeavor as another indicator of our city’s spirit and sense of community?
OK, I think I’ve made my point. The main question is, “How might we, the residents of this river town contribute to this community building quest that has been going on for over a century?” We’re no longer the “small” town with a population of 1,500 or 5, 000 people. We’re over 56,000, with a projected 75,000 down the road. Times have changed! Where have I heard that before? Who said that, “the only constant is change?”
One of the major changes that occurred over the past decade is how we communicate and share information with one another. Decades of innovation in computer technology and telecommunications have made the ICT world so “user friendly.” Young and old, alike, have access to tools that enable them to send and receive e-mail, surf the World Wide Web (WWW), and participate in online forums, town halls, and chat rooms 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7).
Enter the bloggers, who are all over the map, geographically as well as topically. These Web log authors, who share their thoughts and ideas about passionate areas of interest, usually serve as volunteer e-journalists. Most bloggers wish to engage their readers in a conversation or dialogue because they realize that no one person has all the answers. This collaborative process of communicating and sharing information through the use of technology enables them to reach an audience that was unimaginable in the 20th Century.
The implications for creating and strengthening communities are unlimited. The Argus-Courier’s venture into Cyberspace is admirable. Bloggers, in their own unique ways, portray the “spirit” of a community. Readers, in turn, can show their appreciation of these contributions and share in building Petaluma’s sense of community by adding comments. Let’s use Our Cyberplace and all the other blogs to share our thoughts, ideas, and reactions. All it takes to make a “Comment” is a couple of clicks – and it doesn’t cost a penny. Our interest in Petaluma’s SOC will not disappear. Old Eagle-Eyes will be watching this latest SOC indicator – the Argus-Courier bogs. Stay tuned.