With a name like “GeekHiker” and a blog, finding balance between time immersed online and time offline and away from technology out on the trail is pretty much a given.
I don’t know that I always succeed.
I try, of course, to strike a balance between the two. Most of the week, though, I work, go to the gym or run errands, and come home. I’d love to say that I get off work, throw on the hiking boots and hit the trail but, alas, the sun has gone down and I’m more likely reading or watching TV or, yes, spending time online.
That last option wasn’t there twenty years ago, when I was a kid an my options after school were playing, TV, or homework. Twenty years isn’t much time in the span of human history, though in the digital age time is relative, I suppose. In the span of a single generation, “being online” has become a regular part of our lives.
Is that a good thing?
That very question is being pondered by Frontline on Tuesday at 9:00 pm (check local listings, of course):
After watching the trailer, it occurred to me that while I know I’ll be watching the show, I don’t know that anyone else will, which is why I started writing this. Then I had an idea: I’d love to know what you all think, should you watch as well.
So, here’s the plan (an experiment, if you’ll humor me): if you watch the show, come back here on Tuesday night when it’s over (Pacific Coast Time, natch). I’ll put up a post with my thoughts, and if you’re motivated, add your comments to the discussion.
Yeah, I realize the irony of having a discussion online about, well, spending time online. Who better, though, to compare notes with than fellow bloggers?
Oh, and if you miss the broadcast on PBS, you can always watch it later… online. 😉
The GeekHiker 
woah, weird, i know the kid on the right in that video still frame snapshot. (1:30 in the actual video)
By: seine on January 31, 2010
at 11:29 pm
Oh that would be sooo much fun, but I may be sleeping by the time you’re done watching it! 🙂 I’ll take a nap so I can stay up late 🙂
By: missmccracken on February 1, 2010
at 10:47 am
I’ll be DVRing it. It’s on opposite of Lost. Lost gets priority.
By: Homer-Dog on February 1, 2010
at 1:03 pm
But the premier of LOST is on tonight!! Oh I’m just seeing Homer’s comment. I guess I can try to DVR it…although I may watch AND DVR LOST. Ah, technology…
This stuff is fascinating though. Particularly the question “where aren’t we?” I’ve recently tried to force myself to be more present in actual reality, even if it means giving up virtual/digital reality.
By: Mel Heth on February 2, 2010
at 4:31 pm
I’m watching it online, but I think I’m going to get ready for bed. I just have to say, I love Bubbe!!
By: missmccracken on February 2, 2010
at 7:48 pm
that preview looked so interesting. of course i read this too late to watch on tv but i will try to watch it online sometime soon. lots of good points/topics raised. i love the fact that i can stay in touch with friends all ove rthe world so much easier, or make new “friends” just by commenting on blogs. but i don’t dare play any of those facebook games for fear of getting sucked in. then again, i just spent over 2 hours working on a jigsaw puzzle while watching the biggest loser (my guilty pleasure). so which is worse?
By: blakspring on February 2, 2010
at 8:47 pm
Seine – Well, they do say it’s a small world.
MissMcCracken – No worries!
Homer-Dog – I’m recording “Lost”. That way I can skip through the commercials later.
Mel Heth – I wrote ya.
MissMcCracken – I’ll post tonight…
BlakSpring – Ha ha ha ha ha! *chuckle*
By: geekhiker on February 2, 2010
at 8:47 pm