A Score of Years in Common

I just returned from the American Institute of Architects 2005 National Conference (Continuing Education Services track) where William Draves, co-author of "Nine Shift: Work, life, and education in the 21st Century" was the keynote speaker. He gave a terrific presentation that was interesting, very "scoping", and hopeful in - let's face it - a decade of turmoil.

The premise of the book is that a comparison of the social, industrial, and thought-trends of 1900-1920 and 2000-2020 reveals astounding parallels. From this analysis, we can identify the nine major shifts that are occuring from 2000-2020 and predict the directions and ways the present turmoil will settle out. It is fascinating and revealing.

While he does identify several major trends and shifts that would be recognized as community building, I see a separate but obvious trend toward community gaining momentum. I've now heard 'regular folks' in several different industries talking about community, and friends and locals are all demonstrating a yearning for thriving, connected communities in many ways.

I met a man this morning who is another techy Internet guy who builds web sites and helps people protect and recover from spyware, malware, and viruses. He and I have each been in the computer/Internet industry for over 25 years. He was also quite excited about building thriving community, and when I mentioned "Personal Exchange Economy", he seemed to know exactly what I was talking about (there are so many ways we can exchange with each that aren't related to money... think about the term 'social capital' for a moment. What social capital do you have? How much social capital does your community have?)

My conclusion is that we tech-Internet guys, who have spent 3,000+ hrs/year behind the computer screens for a decade or two, are so done with the 'me generation', and now we want the 'we generation.' I can say that, because I was a member of the 'me' generation. I lived it, defined it, and preached it. I spent my disposable income to make catering the 'me' generation an economic peak; I trained my generation and those right after in the 'me' lifestyle. Been there, done that, took it to the limit and at maximum velocity.

Now an entire wave of techies (and other folks that lived thru the 90's boom) is right behind me... we are tired of the 'me' factor and are now interested in - no, more than than that! Lustful and desirious of - the 'we' factor. We are hopeful, captivated, and hungry to discover the strengths and powers of groups, communities, and togetherness.

Glad to find all the friends and netheads that I've been emailing, IM'ing, BBS'ing, chatting, and posting in Msg Forums with coming out into the sunshine and real world with me. Great to see you all in person!