J'Adore: TED Talks & Multi-Media Communication

Good morning, friends,

I haven’t visited TED Talks for several months … in reality, as well as in my writing. You might think that TED and I had a falling out, or lost interest in each other … as lovers often do, once the initial passion subsides.

That’s not the case. I still adore TED and always will. Simply stated, he helps me convey my thoughts to you in a richer format, than I can do on my own.
Flickr’s DailyPic

Is Writing “Fusion” In The 21st Century?

The wonder of the Internet is that it allows ordinary people like me — and you —  to convey ideas using multiple mediums, hopefully creating a richer, more relevant story as a result.

If you read my journal over the last year, you will see a progression out of words only, into a multi-media form of communication. I don’t dismiss the power of well-written words, but I do believe that — especially with young people — photography and video are more important media.

“Writing” in this medium is difficult, if you are a linear thinker or determined to prove a specific argument or idea. In my own case, I love the journey in and out of other people’s minds, allowing myself to take a new turn in the road. Others dislike such adventure.

Watching TED Talks demands that I go beyond superficial grazing of information to thinking.

My words becomes a form of collaboration that never ends the way I planned it initially. Looking at other people’s photos or slide shows, listening this morning to National Geographic editor David Griffin talk about the power of photo journalism, my own thoughts are sometimes transformed, fine-tuned, and hopefully better articulated.

This morning’s travels began with my looking at Feanne’s first collage for next Monday then Tumbling one of her animal stationary photos, which I posted on Private Eye.

End of Feanne. I then jogged off in my own direction with Romare Beardon into jazz and Henri Rousseau. My mental route erupted after asking you and myself “If you were a tiger or an elephant, writing me a letter, what would you say about us humans?” Then I said:  “Anne, get a grip here … the morning’s flying, so stop by TED Talks to get your bearings.”

This is how I ended up watching David Griffin’s excellent video about the power of photo journalism.

I share it with you now because it is entertaining and thoughtful. Hopefully, Griffin’s thoughts will inspire your own inner artist, which is also my goal.

Love,
Anne