Home / attitude / business / social bookmarking / ya-ttitude / How Digg resembles real life or How I stumbled upon the answer.
The world of social media and social media web sites are all the rage. Between Digg, Stumble, Yahoo Buzz, Reddit, Mixx, GLC Zone and all the others there are just too many places to try to call home (and each of you will have to figure out which of these you can really call a home.) But, in reality, can you call any of these places home?
Home is a place where 
you can hang your hat, where you can feel comfy and cozy. Home is where your heart is, but so many have recently felt their hearts hurt, or broken or even crushed over the last week, that I find it almost unfathomable to call any of he social media websites a home.
There were so many who started out as squatters. Ya! In empty homes called screen names. With very few friends and just so much they wanted to accomplish. They had dreams and hopes, but like so many other people in life the great majority could not maintain and decided to move out or abandon their homes for other squatters or for those who saw and understood the possibilities to continue one with the dream and their personal missions. They saw where their stick-to-itiveness, their faith in themselves and in their ever growing list of friends and neighbors were going to help them make their dreams and goals come true. Not only for themselves, as it is rare that someone can attain all they desire without helping others along the way, but for their new friends their old friends and all the wonderful people who have moved in and taken residence in their neighborhood.
These nomads of the internet, the brave, devoted and hard working web-a-holics, and bloggers both thought and knew that the only way to get to where they wanted to be, to get ahead of the masses and create a place they thought they could call how was to stick it out, digg in and work hard. They worked at their plan, fine tuning and adjusting on the fly. They searched, located, recruited and assimilated as many like-minded friends as they could. The made temporary and permanent alliances, some still hold strong today. They found allies, companions, friends, buddies and cohorts to help them make that goal a reality; of course since their close neighbors had similar designs with this neighborhood, it was easier to move ahead and forge a new and shiny city from the little hamlet they had originally founded. There was a goal, a plan and a burning desire to see it through and when you add the magical 4th component a ground of like-minded individuals working towards a common goal - let’s just say that is the magic elixir to success! Some might even call it a 4-step program to success.
From that tiny hamlet, villages of tents grew and then towns and small cities. And as needs developed these friends were able to create methods for quick and concise communications. They had in their midst the ability to share between each information at the speed of light. They saw a strong infrastructure rapidly gown into that city, that shiny, new and exclusive city they all had dreamed of living in. The common good of the people within the walls of this city was well taken care of; was it a common good? That was yet to be seen, but for sure it was a cause that many had taken up. And of course as in any other organized civilization, there were those who may not have totally agreed, but the ride was just so good to start that boat-a-rocking.
There were those who were quick to take the lead. With opportunities endlessly presenting themselves almost on a daily basis, there were many who saw fit to grab the reigns and point the way. The rich got richer, the middle class grew and exploded in population and the weak and poor were held down, struggling to find a place in this society. Those who lead were fearless in their abilities, they had the strength in sheer numbers and the backing of those numbers, they were able to suckle from the teet of life and truly make what initially started out as such a gallant venture, theirs to control. But it was not their fault, as while this city grew the governing body was created and the controlling body never said that it would share the wealth, explain the doctrine or allow the serfdom to achieve a status much higher than they were born into. A human civilization would have much trouble with this, but with a tough method of punishment that included banishment and shunning of those who fought the “common good,” uprisings were quickly eliminated, and over time the now huge country was calm, peaceful and growing rapidly.
Much time had passed, and the land was ripe. A land of milk and honey, well a land of circuit boards and data streams anyway; but they were etched clean and flowed with god-speed and static-free transmission. Utopia!
And then they came. The outsiders, it was slow, but it was steady. They infiltrated. At first they could only afford the homes on the edge of town. But these new members of this society had shown up with a plan. They were not going to let anything get in their way and they were going to become part of this beautiful and ever-growing society. They came with friends in place and because they were more openly-friendly than those who have become the landlords of this community, they became quick to move up the ladder in fame, fortune and popularity. Some had even been able to get to parts of the structure that none before them had ever even dreamed possible. But these new people, the “traitors” so to speak, the infidels the corrupt the “new” had a different way about them. They were more free in their ways and wanted a more open and transparent method of communication. They not only wanted but needed the doctrines, the laws of the land the methodology to be taught and explained to them; and when it would not be, they searched for ways to assist the greater good. Not because they wanted to overthrow those who would call this home, but because they wanted to call this their home too!
They joined hands, many of the downtrodden of the cities reached out to these newcomers; Offering assistance, aid and information. The flow of information was quick and it flowed easy. The old and the new became friends and many of those who could not reach the heights they wanted to, were now moving from their low positions and quickly rising through the ranks. It was truly a people place. But it was not something that those who built this country would stand still for. They outnumbered the infiltrators in sheer volume, in status and in power. And with the stealth of a ninja and the brute force of a sledge hammer -eliminated that which they felt was their competition and their enemy. It was a quick battle. The removal and banishment of the new was sudden and almost easy. The new homes were destroyed and all evidence of their existence almost completely erased. It was as if they were never there. It came without warning and it was swift. And then… it was over. The place has returned to its previous form; Though these streets seems somewhat quieter then they were prior, and every so often the ravages of that destruction peek out from behind a corner, but rest assured that is quickly eliminated.
It is amazing how easily they eliminated that which they feared, that which they did not want to understand and those who were willing to embrace the old and bring new and diverse ideas to this amazing place. The ways of the past have returned, and but for a few brave forward-thinking members of the original guard (fare thee well), much has remained the same. To those who have given their lives we thank you, to those who have been expunged we say, “from each and every failure, the seeds of greater success are planted - learn from this and move forward,” and to all those friends who have seemed to lost their homes… remember - “They cannot take away from you what is truly yours.” So if this land is not the home that will embrace you and your ideals take them to a new place and form a stronger and better place to call home…
You know what… Home is where you hang your hat. Take your hat and hang it somewhere else. Somewhere where you can grow and learn; somewhere where you don’t have to diggTM quite as deep to get the crops to grow.
This story is a work of pure fiction, but I would like to thank the following websites, blogs and their respective articles for the inspiration for this work of fiction.
http://www.socialmediamom.com/2008/09/macros-bots-and-scriptsoh-my.html
http://www.infofreaking.com/society/heads-are-rolling-on-diggcom/
http://www.whatdoesthissongmeantome.com/2008/09/digg-is-screwing-itself-and-all-its.html
http://www.thegetsmartblog.com/2008/09/the-grim-reaper-has-visited-digg/
http://nowsourcing.com/blog/2008/09/18/diggboss-digg-interview/
http://ashmadai.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/digg-uproar-digg-bans-users/
http://www.nothingcorporate.com/2008/09/5-reasons-why-stumbleupon-is-the-new-digg/
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/19/digg-cleans-house-bans-80-script-users/
http://livingstrongandhappy.blogspot.com/2008/09/digg-banned-livingstrong.html
This story is dedicated to my friend Reg. I never got to know you as well as I would have liked to; may you rest in peaZe.
Of course any resemblance to true events or people is completely coincidental and that’s the bottom line because it’s a Ya-ttitudeTM thing…
; ?>)
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 am
That’s an enjoyable story to read, thanks for sharing.
~ Ash
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:15 am
Thanks for stopping by Ash. And thank you for sharing too…
Ben
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:26 am
While I was reading I was thinking two things:
One- why doesn’t this guy write more often if not everyday. And
Two- I got your back no matter what.
Thanks for all you help and friendship.
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:30 am
@ John - You are will aware of the fact that I have had and will continue to have your back - never fear… I promise to get back to writing!
Ben
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 am
I agree wih John Sullivan; you should write every day. This piece really hit home with me on many levels. One never knows when one’s “home”, friends, or even loved ones will forsake them. So all we can do is try to weather the storm…and create a new home for ourselves, if possible.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 am
@Kathryn - You are so right (and yes I will write more) But the real issue is when you are forced from your “home” without provocation.
The old :live and learn” is always applicable…
Ben
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Hey Benny…nice to have you back writing…I’ve missed your posts!!!
Hmmmmm…this is an interesting post…nice piece of fiction!
My home is for the most part BC, and I don’t visit other places…so… I read many of the listed blogs and websites!
Your “crops” will grow anywhere Benny…your Ya-ttitude(TM) is important to many of us!
Cheers
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 am
@ Heather - Yes… It is great to be back - and for what it is worth - Your home has had many changes over the last few months. Not as violent, but subtle and in the background. The real difference is that your home shares as much info as is requested and makes transitions a bit easier.. most of the time.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:06 am
Nice story and you will get what you have had before in your new home, I will be there to help you
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:07 am
@Ash - And I look forward to your help and as always - I am here to help you too! Great article - thanks for some of the inspirations!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 am
This is a great read! Thank You for your insight. As a new bloger this article is an inspiration. i do not know how well I personally will do at blogging mainly because I live in a dead zone where you can only obtain dial-up so i have limited experience with the internet thus at this moment I am utilizing my daughter’s computer.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 am
@ Jane - As a new blogger/just with a little more “blogging experience” under my belt - I am more than happy to share some of the growing pains with you. But the best advice is to stick to your guns, write great stuff and work at it all the time. (Yes I know - I will write more)
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 am
I must echo some of the thoughts above by saying that you should write more often. Excellent piece here and so very accurate. At least all of your friends know that you make them feel at home just by being there for them. In turn, you always have a home through your friends. Love ya Benny!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
@ Kelly - thanks for the love - you have been amazing to talk to through this. I love your friendship!
Yes - I am currently writing two more pieces… so shortly!
Ben
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 am
“WHAT THEY SAID!”
You do need to write more often… Your words are powerful and stand out for many! That’s evident in your following!
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:59 am
@ Susie - there seems to be a definite pattern here in these posts. I am incredibly touched by the fact that I can and have touched sop many. And I am proud to call you all my friends…
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Oddly enough, half way through reading I thought about the war in Iraq. I won’t go there since it’s a little too politically charged.
However, I will say, great post, Benny. I enjoyed reading it and really grew a new appreciation for you and others I’ve met in the last few months who are “digging in”, working hard, networking, and obviously have a passion for what your doing. I’ll help any way I can and I really love the community you’ve built around this blog and in other locales.
Keep up the good work. Lots of love from a Braves fan to a Mets fan.
~JB
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
@JB - Good to have you aboard and as a new friend. I never said exactly where the story got its main topic from - it is a work of fiction and therefore can be applied wherever your mind sees fit.
Social Media, Socialism, Socialites… welcome to my world and we got your back - Braves fan or not
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Beautifully written, and explained as only you could. A masterpiece, Sir Benny. An allegorical triumph.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
@Joe - You had me at allegorical triumph - then again I have a soft spot for all my good friends!
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Wow. A really inspired article. A GREAT post.
Should I say: a milestone in blogging history?
You represent the good sense of community.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
@Wilbau - I do not know about a milestone in blogging history - and I was not even that sure it was all that good - so either you guys are really good friends - or I should write more! Ben
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hmmmm did I see this on Halmark, It sounds familiar. I think it starred Brad Pitt.
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Now if it starred Angelina Jolie - I might even have tried directing that. I do not know if it was a Hallmark piece - but I bet you could have seen it on Twitter!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Great post!!! and welcome back!!! So…you are Brad Pitt’s double and it is all over Twitter? Wow how do you juggle so many careers and still have the time to run for President?
September 24th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Its good to be back - It must be good to be Brad and the campaign did take a little bit of a hit - but regrouped and ready
Thanks Pam
Ben
October 30th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Very interesting article and love the title also.
Sean
October 30th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Thanks Sean - You may want to read this one
if you liked that one…
http://ya-ttitude.com/blog/2008/10/12/i-walk-through-the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-digg/
Title? Ya! Couldn’t get the words Mixx, reddit and propeller in there… or I would have..
December 14th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hey I like it dude. I wanna be a super mixxer too! With all your unique content, I can see how you achieved this enviable goal.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
SM - Stands for Stud Muffin Michael -
Your content is great - Don’t worry! You will be SUPER MIXXER!
December 17th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Great ideas! You have allowed me to piece together some unresolved issues in my own mind. It’s very interesting how this same pattern exists throughout human history, perhaps outlining the basic function of human evolution. However, I hope to live to see a day when “home” is everywhere for everything alive.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
@Danny - Well said - I too hope for a day when Home is everywhere for everyone!