Comments on: On Generosity and Grace

By: chris marentis

chris marentis — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:37:21 +0000

Very well said Galvin. This is a great, emotional articulation of what the social web is about. Persistence and dedication will pay off…but you need to have a passion for what you message is to be authentic and stick with it. Well done!

By: Gavin Heaton

Gavin Heaton — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:16:59 +0000

Thanks for the feedback, folks. What I love – is as @Elaine and @William point out – our online interactions are driving us to meet offline. It used to be the other way around. It’s making us (I hope) more generous.

By: kristin rohan

kristin rohan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Gavin – this is quite an amazing post from an amazing person…you! I continue to be in awe of your insights – they are thoughtful, wise, positive, helpful and inspiring.
You are quite generous – I was just speaking to someone today about what a great guy you are – you share, you work hard, you make personal connections and are authentic.
Thank you for writing something so appropriate and touching. My day is better for it.
Cheers,
k

By: Mandi

Mandi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:42:23 +0000

This morning at #coffeemornings I was speaking to someone about a certain person in the Sydney social media scene who is the most generous and warm person you’ll ever know. I’m a little ashamed that if I were to try and emulate her it would be a constant effort to me when it’s so natural to her. But I love the fact that so many people recognise and celebrate her generosity and no matter how obligated these traits become in forging business relationships, those who give naturally will always stand out.

By: Leo Hillary

Leo Hillary — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:37:19 +0000

Great piece. Poetic and thoughtful.
I find it fascinating how much we can ‘know’ about someone now prior to even meeting and how often we interact with online acquaintances more than many friends.
The original prophecy was that with technology we would retreat from actual human contact but the reverse is true. It facilitates, encourages and reinforces.

By: William O'Keefe

William O'Keefe — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:58:08 +0000

We are creatures of comfort and need and the relationships we have online leave us wanting. Human contact has been replaced by tweets and chats and mindless by lines. Can’t we all just take a break from cyberspace and get back to nature and actually have a face-to-face meeting? How nostalgic..

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:11:42 +0000

Very eloquently written, Gavin. I agree that our reputations precede us, especially in this Web 2.0 world. The judgment of our peers existed in years past, too, only it was relegated to a specific geographic area and not as ubiquitous as it is today.
I can remember comments my parents made about others – whether someone in particular had shady business practices or was dishonest. It clouded their perceptions of that person even if they knew him socially and not through a business relationship. Generosity and grace were viewed positively, although not expected, as you say they are now.