Several get-togethers of bloggers who met in the virtual world happened last week, and from all reports a good time was had by all and new friendships were made.


In the Big Apple, Toby met quite a few of her virtual friends at a local watering hole called the Iguana. Among the revelers were Ann and the hostess, CK, along with Steve, Christine, Carolyn, David, and another David, as well as Kofi. In Toronto, I met Sean in real space for the first time, and enjoyed working with his team on a project and then spending a few hours over food, drink and conversation.
I am sure that there are events such as these occuring frequently. In every instance that I am aware of, the real world tops the virtual one every time. However, without the virtual one, in this case the blogosphere, these meetups would most likely not occur.
And here's my point: The virtual world has created a new space in which we can build relationships. But I think friendships are more likely to occur once the virtual is moved into the reality realm.
As humans, we desire more than written words, video, telephone and web radio. We want and need the human touch, the scent of the other, the body language, the give and take of words spoken, the bonding over work, dinner and drink.
I hope that we will always strive to move our virtual awareness into the real world, where that awareness can become not only new and renewed friendships but also evolve into making the world a better place to live and work.
Am I a dreamer? Perhaps. Are these gatherings of virtual acquaintances merely a natural way to spend a few hours when on the road. Or are they more than that? Are the gatherings simply ways to pass time and have fun or do they feed our souls in ways so important that we become changed by them?


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lewis Green, Founder and Managing Principal of L&G Business Solutions, LLC, (https://www.l-gsolutions.com) brings three decades of business management experience. L&G Business Solutions, LLC, represents his third company. Additionally, he held management positions with GTE Discovery Publications, Puget Sound Energy and Starbucks Coffee Company.

In addition to his business experiences, Lewis is a published author and a former journalist, sports writer and travel writer. His feature articles have appeared in books, magazines and newspapers throughout North America. He has taught in public schools; lobbied for organizations both in state capitols and in Washington, D.C.; delivered workshops, seminars, and training programs; and made presentations to audiences in colleges, businesses and professional organizations. Lewis also has served as a book editor with a large publisher, the Executive Editor overseeing four magazines, and a newspaper department editor. Lewis served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal.