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Wanderer at rest: How do I unlike?
Published
11 years agoon
By Jamie Balke ExploreBigSky.com Columnist
Normally I write this column about misadventures, realizations, or my love affair with the West. Today, if you don’t mind, I would like to rant.
In my humble opinion, Facebook may be out of hand. I’ll admit to posting my share of moody song lyrics and carefully selected photos on my old page, but those days are gone.
I am happily deactivated, having decided I’m better off if I don’t see the statements people make online. Also, the constant need to stay ahead of new privacy concerns creeped me out. I am not advocating this decision is for everyone but I haven’t looked back, except for missing the birthday reminders, which were super-handy.
At first, I had a “live and let live” Facebook philosophy. However, it didn’t take long before this most pervasive of mediums infiltrated my face-to-face conversations.
The following interaction has transpired often enough to give me pause:
Me: “Hey friend, how goes it?”
Friend: “Hey! Oh … I guess you don’t know.”
Me: “Know what? Is everything okay?”
Friend: “Everything’s fine, but since you’re not on Facebook anymore, you probably didn’t see my post.”
This last part is usually accompanied by a pitying look and mild annoyance at the inconvenience I’ve caused by forcing my friend to repeat him/herself.
I acknowledge that Facebook is successful. It is a remarkable way for people to share, connect, and express themselves, and I respect that. Rock on with your bad self.
Post the pictures that help distant loved ones feel closer; Tell people what you are thinking and what is important to you; Receive words of support and encouragement.
I find it disconcerting we prefer sharing information with an online audience, rather than having a discussion, in which we gradually unravel details of our lives in a dynamic give-and-take exchange. Call me old-fashioned, but that wierds me out.
My intention is not to rally for a false simplicity of times past. Being twenty-something, I recognize this column could border on blasphemy – I appreciate the incredible opportunities of a world connected online.
Then again, I hope investment in carefully constructed online personalities doesn’t lessen our investment in meaningful personal connections.
Or maybe I’m reading too much into this and need to get over myself.
End rant.
I hope I have not angered The Facebook.
Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009. She can generally be found behind the cover of a book, meandering down a trail or desperately trying not to kill houseplants.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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