"My daughter's article"
16 Comments - Show Original Blog

So? It is all so beautiful............. How can we even try or even try?????? It is all so lovely!!

7/18/2012 10:27:22 PM [ Report Abuse ]

I could not agree with you more.

12/4/2008 8:51:05 PM [ Report Abuse ]

when we deprive ourselves of the face to face contact with others, we develop a real disconnect with the rest of humanity -- these technologies offer a bit of utility, but not friendship, compassion and understanding -- friends, neighbors acquaintances need to be seen, touched hugged to nurture -- peace and love to you my friend -- JMW

12/2/2008 4:15:09 PM [ Report Abuse ]

You have made some good points, Crystal, and done so with clarity and an economy of words. I echo the words of fellow writers in "the den," we are sure to see more of your writing in the future. I look forward to it.

On another note, I am of the generation that rarely gave social networks such as Face Book a thought--until lately. I gave in and started my own page and guess what--friends from all over started sending me friend's requests and I am staying in touch with them for the firt time in a long time. The key is, as you pointed out so well, don't let it consume you or take the place of physical one on one interaction.

Until next time,
Linda Settles

PS: I noticed a social network support group for those addicted to social networks on the web--no joke. A point well taken. :-)

11/30/2008 7:36:51 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Excellent article. You make your dad proud and obviously have his talent. Grow, young woman, grow. Your dad knows he way. I know I will be reading you again and thank you for sharing. Liz

11/30/2008 1:30:00 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Crystal, You are right on target, congratulations. This is a nicely written and clearly thought out commentary on the supposed advancementss of the 21st Century.

Keep writing,
Cheers,
Dan

11/29/2008 9:35:59 AM [ Report Abuse ]

It is certainly a thought-provoking piece and topic. I would say there are pros and cons, and Crystal has clearly revealed some of the cons. I think we should never put technology before our families. They should come first. However, in my case and, I'm sure, in so many others, family and technology are now related. Here I live down in Colombia with very few fellow citizens (of mine) with whom I can communicate/chat. Therefore, it is a great advantage that I have venues like AD, Myspace, and others with which to do so. My sisters can email me and I have their messages (and so does Big Brother!) in moments. That is a big plus. Back in the 70s and 80s if I wrote a story or poem and sent it off by snail mail, it took literally forever to get replies, etc. Now, I can post to sites such as AD and microhorror.com in minutes. Still, all in all, technology is like most other things: prudence must rule. The future of these Auffrays!!!! I'll wait for the next articles and hope it will be soon.

11/29/2008 8:44:04 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Crystal, I will say that the apple doesn't fall too far away from the tree.
I hope that your generation and the ones following yours have the acumen to undertand that the previous generations were doing all wrong.
And, by the way you write I will say that you are already heading forward on the right way!

Georg

11/29/2008 5:27:38 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Well written short piece by Crystal, important subject and good clear points made - and so made me think about how we need to use technology so that it brings something meaningful to others and to oursleves - make using such applications, useful, and learn about how much time we want to spend doing each of the activities and necessary things there are in our lives - there's no doubt i value the www and the connections i have made online, but if a friend or family member needed me to be there for them, i hope i would go, bring flowers in person, poke them in person! Make them smile, help out, may be even have some fun, and leave the computer alone! Good read Crystal, thanks :)

11/29/2008 4:59:54 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Regis,
Your daughter has written a strong article with relevant examples. I can't help but agree with her. The only advantages to text and online messaging I can see are: we can make 'friends' with someone who lives far away and we may be able to 'say' things in writing we can't bring ourselves to say in person. Looks like Crystal inherited your gift to write! Enjoyed this read! Love and Hugs,
Sheila

11/28/2008 8:50:43 PM [ Report Abuse ]

She is right on the mark.
Well done.
I see she has her daddy's talent.
-Debra : )

11/28/2008 8:20:14 PM [ Report Abuse ]

This is an insightful
write and it does not
surprise me at all.

Not knowing your
Daughters age,
it really doesn't
matter, she is living
in these times.

We need to listen to
the points of view of
children whatever
their age, then make
an effort to analyze
their revelations as
to their validity.

Encouraging them
to think and learn
and become leaders
in their own time.

Especially females
of every age.

Thanks for the
read.

11/28/2008 6:28:10 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Very well written with great points made that cannot be refuted.

fee

11/28/2008 5:57:19 PM [ Report Abuse ]

hi crystal,

Some good insights here. you should expand upon this theme.

sincerely,

alan busch

11/28/2008 5:18:43 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Yes, as Bonnie says, very wise young Lady. I say, congratulations Crystal for your insight and wisdom. You are so right. God Bless you, ann

11/28/2008 5:10:25 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Very wise young lady, I'm surprised someone so young can see this. Very thought provoking write. I totally agree, there is nothing like being face to face and feeling connected. New Age or not, I guess I don't fit in. Great write, thank you for sharing Reg. Love, Bonnie

11/28/2008 3:44:37 PM [ Report Abuse ]