It was twenty (3) years ago today...

Twenty three years ago today - this evening at about six thirty, to be precise-ish - one of the most significant events of my adult life took place. I went online for the very first time (not by choice, but the project JT & I were engaged upon required delivery by floppy disc - remember those ? - and I thought I'd take a look at this interwebnet thing). Now, to some that may seem shallow in the extreme but over the ensuing 8,402 days, so much happened that probably wouldn't have otherwise, mostly good, some outstanding, almost always interesting and occasionally dispiriting. I've been places I'd not have even considered visiting otherwise (both in the UK and abroad), made some great - no, incredible - new friends (some of whom I'll probably never meet), reconnected with some old ones and, sadly, severed some friendships I thought would last forever. In the shallow, muddy puddle that is the world of Beach Boys fandom, I've achieved both respect and notoriety in equal measure (sometimes simultaneously - good trick) and experienced some of the best and worst times of my life. I've met people I've only fantasised about meeting (and I'm not talking exclusively Beach Boys). I've also encountered some individuals who can only be described as delusional, and that's being charitable.

If I've taken one thing away from my entire 'net experience it's this: it's a tool, nothing more, and the real problem lies with those who use it. You can use a spade to dig a field and feed your family, or you can split someone's skull with it. So, with the internet. Some people simply shouldn't be allowed to anywhere near it, but on balance, it's been a positive experience, and never fails to surprise, beguile, delight and uplift me on a daily basis. It's also caused me to waste more time than I care to think about. As a research tool, it's both unparalleled and misleading - the trick is to filter. Fake news is nothing new.

I think it was Peter Sellers who, in response to being asked what he would change if he had his life to live over, said "I'd do it all exactly the same, except that I wouldn't watch The Magus". That's pretty much how I feel about the 'net, and I'm sure most folk here can figure out who my magus (or magii) probably is/are.

What will the 'net be like in another 23 years time, or even 5 years ? I have no idea - maybe beamed directly to the chip that's implanted in your brain at birth. I hope to be around to find out. I hope all of you reading this will be here to experience "whatever" with me.