Is there a chance we can reclaim the Internet?
Some suggestions for how to make the world a better place.
The simple answer to the question at the header of today’s newsletter, “is there a chance we can reclaim the internet?” is, No. No, we can’t. It’s obvious to amoeba on Saturn (to quote someone) that all is lost. The internet is awash with bad faith, cynicism, corrosion and corruption. But I want to kick back against that in the only place I can. Here. On this Substack. And maybe in years to come, when the history books are written, it will be written that it was here the revolution began.
Okay, maybe not. But here’s some suggestions for how this Substack can be a place of positive debate.
If you liked a post, or just appreciated something about it, give it a like (click the heart symbol).
Don’t only leave a comment if a you disagree with something in the letter. May I encourage you to leave comments, no matter how brief, no matter how inconsequential you think it may be. If it is positive - all the better, I assure you, every little bit of kindness and positivity puts wind in my sails. And it may be a long time - if ever! - before BRG is financially sustainable, so all that wind makes a difference.
Don’t write in anger. Disagree, by all means - I want debate to sprout - but this isn’t Facebook, so don’t just vent.
Again, if you feel anything positive, leave it in a comment. I could do with a catchy slogan here, like something the council would come up with in the 80s to get people to put their rubbish in the bin.
Like it?
Don’t just think it.
Ink it.
Eh? No? I’ll keep working on it.
If you think something interesting has been said (sometimes I do that by accident) then share it. There will invariable be a share button in the body of the text.
And, of course, upgrading to a paid subscription is the best thing you could possibly do to support BRG as a positive space. Soon the paid hierarchical structure will come into play, so why not get ahead of the game?
What I want is to reverse the trend on the wider Wild West of the internet, and for BRG not to be a place where only the most bitter and negative responses are the ones that find the comments section. I want them too - but I want the silent majority to contribute in a very real way, and see if we can’t create a positive, progressive place to talk about the art and culture of Wales. Let’s see what we can do.
Gary Raymond is a novelist, author, playwright, critic, and broadcaster. In 2012, he co-founded Wales Arts Review, was its editor for ten years. His latest book, Abandon All Hope: A Personal Journey Through the History of Welsh Literature is available for pre-order and is out in May 2024 with Calon Books.
Ask and you shall receive. We really are a strange bunch when we are internetting, aren't we? Look, I've invented a new word. It seems that there is a new economy of communications sprouting in the digital world and we're all sort of feeling our way. But you're right, it can be good on spaces like this to learn how to interact with each other so we don't feel like we're talking to a brick wall most of the time. Break a leg this week and see you on the other side ;)
Good morning Gary. I like what you are saying here. Onwards and upwards. Cymru deserves better and only those who care can make it better. Once I have sorted my finances a little better I will certainly subscribe.