I can attest to the feeling of being “in the clique” with my fellow posters at the About.com Graphic Design forum. I haven’t met any of those great folks, but everyone has posted responses to my comments, questions, rants and raves, and I feel like I know them. There have been some excellent conversations there–about design, the business of design, software and hardware, all kinds of things both work-related and not–and some excellent advice. Most qualify their responses–they are a very “authentic” lot. Even though it’s words on the computer screen, it feels very genuine and sincere. I’ve connected to them on LinkedIn and Facebook, and am following them on Twitter–they’re my “computer friends.”

Getting back to your point, as I’ve connected to these individuals on other online networks, we’ve all been exposed to each others’ online networks. The “expanding network” is an unavoidable byproduct, just as networking in person increases one’s visibility in the physical community. My goal in joining these conversations has been to increase my visibility on the ‘net, not necessarily to increase my online network. I want someone I meet in person to be able to google me and get some taste of my intellectual capabilities, thought processes, whatever. In the meantime, I have gained immeasurable support and information that I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else.

Cronyism, possibly. But I don’t think it’ll replace traditional media. Maybe I’m a dinosaur, but I still like the feel of the newspaper in my hands and a cup of coffee at my side, and the inertia of using the clicker to get the news at night when I have to step away from my computer to maintain my sanity and give my aching wrist a break. (That doesn’t mean I don’t have to think.)

I was having a conversation the other day about Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s book reader. We both agreed that the physical act of reading a book is as much a part of reading as the words. Turning the page, the feel of the paper, the size of the text (I am a graphic designer, can’t help it), the weight of the book in your hand, lap or book bag–those tactile qualities are something that any electronic book can’t touch. Plus you can still read a book if your batteries are dead.

ANyway–interesting thought, as expected.