The Golden Rule of the Internet

"Treat people on-line the same way you would if you were seated across a table from them".

Sadly, no one follows this Golden Rule, either.

What is it about the Internet that seems to attract and encourage people who think it's Ok to be mean, rude, and irrelevant? Is it the anonymity? I have days where unplugging from all forms of mass internet communication (LJ, mailing lists) seems like a great idea. Yes, this is one of them. I'm pretty sure when The End of Days comes — whatever form it takes — that The Internet will be responsible.

(I'm amused that this won't be considered "Adult" content, when it's mostly a rumination on why many biologically mature people choose not to act like adults).

Shut off your computer. Go outside. Have a cup of coffee with someone you can actually see. Smile at someone you don't know. Be good to each other.

[Davis Sq. Theater] Quick Update

- I have raised over $12,500 in initial financing. I'm still accepting investors, but the cost has gone up. If you're interested, contact me.

- Went to the theater again on Monday with The Knowledgable Audio Guy. The good news, the lighting is in even better shape than we thought, he confirmed my analysis that we could hold a show there with about two days of prep, the speaker platforms are in the right place, he likes the concept. The bad news? No audio to speak of. The landlord was somewhat surprised and put out, since apparently the audio gear was his, and the previous tenant removed or sold it. Back to Good News... replacing said audio gear isn't going to be difficult or expensive.

- In the discussion which followed, we came up with some design choices which will improve acoustics, sight lines, and the over all versatility of the space. Of course, they'll also increase costs.

- I've picked a color scheme. ;-)

- The business plan is about 50% done — and over 26 pages...

- I have a major project which goes up at the end of March. Sanity says, take possession of the theater in April, and open in May. The landlord may not have the patience for that timeframe. Insanity, and a strong sense of style says take posession ASAP and have a soft opening on February 22nd. Fortunately, I've got the Christmas to New Year's week to mull things over, since nothing much happens then anyway.