Servant of Chaos: Welcome to the Conversation Age

If ideas are the currency of our times then this is, undoubtedly, the age of conversation, for without the art of dialogue, the cut and thrust of debate and discussion, then the economy of ideas would implode under its own heavy weight. Instead, the reverse is true. Far from seeing an implosion, we are living in a time of proliferation -- ideas build upon ideas, discussion grows from seeds of thought and single headlines give rise to a thousand medusa-like simulations echoing words whispered somewhere on the other side of the planet. All this -- in an instant.

Technology in the guise of social media is giving rise to not virtual connections, but real conversation. The human desire to reach out, meet, share and converse is tapping into digital networks in an effort to transcend and obliterate the tyrranies of time, geography and, in some instances, culture. And the resulting explosion in content, commentary, activism and community is causing academics, marketers, advertisers, politicians and social commentators (amongst others) to call into question many of the demographic standards that have been relied upon for years.

In response to these changing (and quite exciting) conditions, Drew McLellan and I are calling upon a wide range of bloggers to contribute to an e-Book entitled The Conversation Age. We are looking for a maximum of 100 bloggers to contribute one 8.5x11 page -- approximately 400 words OR a page of diagrams, pictures etc -- on the topic of The Conversation Age.

All proceeds from the sale of this e-Book will be donated to Variety.

If you would like to contribute to The Conversation Age, you can do so by clicking this image and letting Drew know the topic that you would like to cover (we need to make sure that we don't double up!). But be quick, you only have until 11 APRIL 2007.

This is a great opportunity to participate in this fascinating global debate!

REMEMBER, ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DUE 30 APRIL 2007.

Thus far, those who have committed to contribute include:

Oh, and of course, Drew and I are contributing! While there is a large focus at present in the marketing area, we welcome contributions from other subject areas. So, what are you waiting for? JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

UPDATE: I forgot to thank Mike Sansone for the great button! Thanks, Mike!