Virtual Friends: What the Internet Can Do

Early last year I sent an email to Ohio-K. I didn't know her, but I felt like I had something snarky to say and that she would appreciate it. After a few exchanges, she introduced me to the email commune. Within the email commune, we then had Ohio-K, New Jersey-P, Nebraska-R, California-P, California-A and Oregon-H. Then we voted in North Carolina-G.

So, now, the commune consists of G, P, K, R, P, A, H and me, B. We've been emailing back and forth for months now. I love these people. We are all so different and so the same that the Commune makes perfect sense. We've been through bankruptcies, religions, buying new homes, trying to find work, angry times, bitter times, family crisis', great celebrations, and pure, unadulterated support of each other. I know things about these guys that I don't even know about my closest in-person friends.

The beauty of the internet is that I'm allowed to have friends that I otherwise wouldn't have had. I call them friends. How can I not? They know too much about me as it is.

I remember when I purchased my first computer. I was a sucker for the "chat room" commercials. I just wanted to be in touch with people from around the world. Well, years later, when the 'being in touch with strangers' thing came to fruition, it was with this particular group of strangers. And, it far surpassed what the commercials promised.

California P is brilliantly clever and talented. He has a way a seeing through the forest straight to the tree. I adore him and his sense of humor.

New Jersey P has a generous spirit. It shows through in so much of her work and her murals. And, though we've never met in person, she sent me an amazing pottery piece for Christmas. Why? Because she has a generous spirit. I'd hire her to do a mural for me in a heartbeat.

California A is a constant surprise. I never know what to expect from her. I do know that regardless of the specifics, she will be clever and passionate, and that is inspiring every single time. And I'm so proud of her for buying a house this past year.

Oregon H is the one who chimes in with what I call the last sentence. She's clearly clever, and a GREAT Scrabble player. She's the one who wraps up all of the nonsense and gives it a little meaning.

Nebraska R is stupid talented, and on the verge of fantastic new things. We all kind of watch to see where he's going next. He's indeed someone we root for. Plus, he draws these awesome cartoons.

Ohio K is an artist. She is savvy enough to work the system without making it look like work and she has more energy than anyone I know. I have so much great respect for her. She is a true artist, and a darn good hang.

And North Carolina G. Ridiculously talented. She is the one who goes beyond the call to make sure everything is okay. Someone I would want to be friends with if I wasn't already. Just a neat person.

Actually, I'd want to be friends with all the members of the virtual commune if I knew them in their daily lives. Which, brings us back to the internet and what it can do for you.

I feel lucky.

These are my virtual people. I've given them parts of me that my real-life people don't have.

And, I don't want to move on without them.

Here's to internet friends. Thank you for enriching my life and for, quite simply, making me better.

-b