Boomers: Click here

May 23, 4:02 PMSF Boomers ExaminerSuzanna Stinnett

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WEB 55.0: n. The designation for the particular socio-cultural effects of the Baby Boomer population online. 2. A completely made up thing, just like Web 2.0.

Why a special place for Boomers?

I’m glad you asked. As the Web 55.0 Examiner, I realize I have a little explaining to do. This is a new thing, but it won’t be for long, so read on and you can tell your friends you’ve known about this one since the beginning. 

The earliest batch of Boomers were drawn through more changes than any twenty or thirty-something can even imagine. Dragged – kicking and screaming for the most part – out of a world of values and rhythms which faded into a single dimension faster than you can say World Wide Web.

Now, I realize most of that draw-through was about learning computer technology that you didn't like. You might just be so burned out by mouse and monitor and the heartbreak of ergonomics that you don't even want to think about another learning curve. But wait. You lived and breathed in the years where reason grew up. The adaptive skills you developed are an important part of innovating for our future. (Can you see me over on this hill, waving my colorful flag? I want you to come play.)  

Here's the nugget: Residing in the brains of Boomers are skill sets which give us a capacity to observe, evaluate, and reason. A capacity that is not available to youthies. This perspective is even more valuable because it will likely not occur again. Twenty and thirty-somethings were born into the FSTR world. No reference point for slowness, except that slow is the new fad. And no archives of reason, not yet.

So what does this have to do with technology?

Just this: Everything has to do with technology.

The short list:

1. The tech-savvy Boomer has an unbeatable solution-ability portfolio residing in the cranium.
2. Technology makes it possible to share knowledge across class and continent.
3. Online communication is a learnable skill.
4. Learning complex and interactive systems is good for your brain. 

Gray matters. I want you in the conversation. 

So I'm shaping this corner of cyberspace for you and your creations. To encourage your participation, I'll be posting reviews, interviews, and Items of Surprise and Delight here on Web 55.0 Examiner.

See you soon!
Suzanna Stinnett