I imagine a thousand years from now, people will look back and include the Internet as one of the most important inventions in human history. [Other important inventions include fire, the wheel (unless you live in a swamp - in that case, substitute pirogue for wheel), medicine, ethics and theology.]
Here’s what I most enjoy about the Internet: Google.com
Here’s a good example of why I enjoy Google (the noun). Google (the verb) the three words, nonprofit survival recession. As Emeril says, “Bam!” Instantly, you have access to 286,000 articles about ways nonprofit organizations can survive economic recessions.
Just a decade ago, most leaders of nonprofit organizations only had access to relatively limited information about surviving difficult economic times. If a nonprofit was old enough, the leader could look through the agency’s own history, visit with other leaders, and maybe (if times weren’t too tight already) attend a seminar on financial management in tough times. Now, we type three words and click the “Google Search” button.
Of course, with much information comes much responsibility. Not every idea is a good idea. Not every good idea is a good idea for every organization. Access to much information requires much discernment. Information is not knowledge. Wisdom is required to choose the ideas or amalgam of ideas from among the 286,000 pieces of information which will be effective for your organization.
It’s easy to let too much information go to your head. Not all information has value. It’s important to take time to consider what you discover.
In fact, much of what I read while “Googling” (the gerund) reminds me of the bubbles on the top of a new pitcher of tea. You taste them with the wooden stirring spoon but are always disappointed. The froth on top isn’t nearly as tasty as the tea. If you want the good stuff, you must put ice in your glass and pour deeply from the pitcher into your own glass. You probably want to sip it on the front porch while you contemplate the meaning of life (for your nonprofit).
Tags: nonprofit organizations, nonprofit survival, pirogue, recession, survive economic recessions