The explorers of the web
I love this map because it demonstrates perfectly one of the feelings I have about social media and the internet in general.
How many times have you received an e-mail or read a blog post urging you to discover this ‘new’ site/application when you actually knew it for a couple of months? Well there is nothing wrong about it; it’s just another way to realize that innovation is actually quite a subjective concept…
I remember reading a blog post using the metaphor of the maritime explorers such as Christopher Colombus or Marco Polo for the internet. (Sorry can’t remember where I’ve read it though, I’ve lost the link somewhere in the internet ocean!)
This is what this map makes me think of, we all are in our own digital caravel thinking we are the only one to discover this particular site, this new widget… much like when the navigators where discovering a new island. And suddenly we have this weird impression of uniqueness and can’t restrain our desire to spread the word about it; until someone breaks you’re dream and says: ‘It’s nothing new I’ve know this site for at least 4 months!’
There is a danger on focusing too much on “new stuff” and becoming irrelevant. We have the chance to live an epoch where the innovation cycles are going quicker and quicker and spreading globally. Not taking the time to look at the big pictures from time to time leaves you without compass and can lead you to digital frustrations…
