…words

As a recent contributor to the Age of Conversation 2 “Why Don’t They Get It?”, I was very excited to receive my very own copy in the mail from lulu.com (You can order a copy of Age of Conversation 2 here, all proceeds go the the children’s charity Variety)

While reading through the essays, I decided that I needed some more information and background. What inspired these ideas? Where do the authors think these ideas will lead?

I have e-mailed the authors of these essays, and asked them about their points of view. This is the first in a series of posts that will be going “behind-the-scenes” and deepening our understanding of the Age of Conversation that we live in today.

Reg Adkins – who writes at Elemental Truths – was kind enough to answer some questions for me, and elaborate on the theme of his essay, “The Truth Revealed”

1. How did you come up with the image of the water glass metaphor for the impact of conversation?

Two factors lead me to the water glass image. One is a limitation in my thought process in that I often can only conceptualize a concept if I am able to build a visual image in my mind. The second has to do with my view of communication itself. To me communication has always been a fluid phenomenon. Messages are shaped not only by the source, or the one who is attempting to share the message, but by the vessel or the intended receptor of the message as well. As I often view the intended receptor of the message as a vessel, it was no great leap to follow the natural end of the thought to the water glass image.

2. You use the expression “trail markers”, is there a map? What about starting and ending points?

My reference to trail markers is another attempt on my part to bring a concept to a visual construct to enhance my understanding. The trail markers I write about are those unique blends and fundamental need for control, affection and inclusion that make up my own personal temperament. The map for those markers are rather like driving by braille, as you wander off the path onto the shoulder you will invariably cross the warning ridges that send a vibration through your vehicle that let you know you are venturing off course.

The starting point is where ever you happen to be when you realize life is a journey. The end point is that point of perfect harmony when you are able to find a way to meet your needs for control, affection and inclusion without infringing upon the rights of others to seek to meet their own needs.

3. To continue the hiking metaphor, “Leave no trace” hiking/camping is very popular but shouldn’t a conversation leave a mark? Some graffiti or “Kilroy was here”?

Perhaps my statement of leaving no trace of your passing was over stated. We leave and impact merely by being. Even our passive observation of the communication of others has an impact on the message that is communicated. Perhaps rather than leave no trace, my message should have been leave no obstruction in the path of others who travel the same way.

Thanks Reg, for your insights and elaboration. I do like the idea of the trail markers as a metaphor for the use of Social Media in conversation and communication.

Please visit Reg’s blog at Elemental Truths, and order your copy of The Age of Conversation 2 to support the charity.

There is even more conversation at My 2 Cents:

Corentin Monot says we’re living on a “marketing hinge” when so much of the traditional thinking and techniques and tools are being challenged. The ongoing talk about all the changes has been overdone, he writes, so many have become cynical about any new theory that comes along.

What say you?