Evolution Of Communication

In the world of communication, faster is better.

Information flow has never been quicker in our world's history and technology continues to push the speed envelope even faster as the demands of business hold the throttle down. "Time is money" as the old saying goes.

But what have we sacrificed in the name of speed?

Personal information -- communication between two people -- has also evolved into something akin to the Road Runner. Instant messaging and two-way pagers are now the norm when just a few years ago (that's right -- a FEW years ago), only a select number could use them.

Now, kids are communicating with their friends via IM or pager. And the information flow is nonstop, but with the feel of cold robotics no matter how many emoticons are in the message.

One step down on the speed chain (but a very small step) is the e-mail. Think Road Runner just after he wakes up in the morning -- quick and speedy, but just a tad sluggish when compared to his IM counterpart.

And sluggish is a relative term. I, myself, have engaged in full-fledged conversations via e-mails and replies.

But e-mails to me offer the shield of impersonality as well. Someone can write a "flame" e-mail to another person and never (if they want) have to deal with the response or reactions to the e-mail.

I'm reminded of a Dilbert cartoon several years ago. Dilbert is typing an e-mail on his computer to Wally and insults him with several comments about his work, his "simian heritage" and his smell. Wally peers over the cubicle wall and says, "You're pretty brave in cyberspace, flame boy" -- to which Dilbert invited Wally to "Step inside."

In my job as managing editor of TheWBALChannel.com, hundreds of e-mails make their way through my inbox. Most are spam, a majority are harmless, but some are outright nasty. People write things in e-mails they wouldn't say to someone's face because the writers feel they can "get away with it." Fire it off and never have to deal with the anger or repercussions.

And we lose the personality and the person because the receiver then focuses on the messenger and delivery rather than the message. Phones used to be our communication device of choice -- and I'm not talking about those cell phones that have text messaging and e-mails and photo downloads and Internet browsers (and yes, I have one exactly like that). I'm talking about that thing hanging on your kitchen wall -- whether it has a cord or not.

Those phones at least keep us anchored to one spot and, even though we try to cook dinner while we're talking, at least we hear the inflection in the voice and the manner in which words are intended. When you call someone, you are saying to him or her, "I'd like to spend part of my day conversing with you and invest part of myself in you."

It is more personal than e-mail or IM and just as quick. However, we have seemed to lose touch with that bit of persona in the face of efficiency. But there is still hope.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, ink and paper ruled the land. The written letter was king and queen and the people rejoiced.

How many of you don't enjoy getting a written letter or card from a friend or loved one? Do you remember running to the mailbox as a kid to see if someone had written you?

For me, the thrill is still there. (But then again, I'm a Toys "R" Us kid)

It means so much more when I get a written letter because that is just about as personal as it gets without pressing flesh. To sit down and take pen in hand means the recipient is the only thing on the writer's mind. It means using their valuable time to craft a work of art and sharing it with the person for which it was intended.

It means creating a tear or a laugh or a feeling of warmth that only seems to come from a letter.

I know some will say (and feel free to e-mail or write) that letters are old-fashioned and outdated. Why wait days to get a response when I can send an e-mail and get it quicker?

Because waiting is part of the thrill.

My job is, and probably always will be in the future, part of the electronic communication field (BEEP, BEEP, ZOOM!). I use every tech means possible to get my job done quicker, faster and more accurately than ever before. That is the impersonal side of my life.

However, nothing should stop any of us from taking the time to show someone we are thinking only of them at a particular moment. Whether it is to shower someone with love, to share a thought or incident, or to "flame," it always means more when it comes in a letter.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to take pen and paper in hand and write a couple dozen people.

And now my music is getting the same way. Between my iPod and satellite radio, I can't remember the last time I actually listened to music. Is that bad? Am I geeking out way too much? Nah. I just like what I like and I don't want/need all the chatter -- unless it is ESPN Radio. "When I left you I was but a learner. Now I am the master."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.