deviantART

Dave's Log:  Cyberdate 6.9.2007

Prior to today's mission I sat alone in my study contemplating the Edge...

My study resides between the general living area and bedroom in my quarters on the Starship.  A recliner faces an eight by eight window that looks into Space.  A writing desk flanks the chair, surrounded by walls lined with books.  Although I am one click away from mankind's total collection of knowledge, thanks to a Google project years ago that began by scanning books and of course evolved, I relish books, paper and pen. This is the only location on the Starship where I can personally disengage Emma...and I have.

I am thinking about the Edge this morning and our mission to travel there and RadioBack coordinates to the Universe of different to others.  Who am I however, to determine what or who is different?  Am I not revealing to the whole wide world just how under-exposed that I am?  Yes, I guess so.  Do I not consider these adventures opportunities to learn?  Yes.  So, if I can remain cool about my own naivety and continue to venture forth, maybe I'll learn some stuff and beam light on darkened corners of the Universe for others.

Today's mission is a neighborhood cafe for millions of people.  For me however, it lies out on the Universe's periphery.  It is a world of intrigue and one that my soul needs.  It is someone from this or a similar world who we need on the Starship to handle RadioBack's graphic and illustration design.

"Destination: The planet of deviantART  in the quadrant of Creativity."

...Avelina's voice gently rolls throughout the Starship, increasing our anticipation. 

The Starship's powerful engines engage and in no time we land on deviantART.  Two characteristics of deviantART nearly blind us before we take a step; Talent and Community...and by community we mean BIG community.  Emma syncs with Wikipedia and downloads a briefing to our headsets.

We must move forward with great care on this planet.  The culture is rooted in painters, photographers, writers, illustrators, graphic designers, animators and cartoonists.  To casually describe deviantART as a planet of artists is wrong.  That would be like a broad brush stroke across a canvass of one million brush strokes, each radiating their individual passion and desire.  Each must be heard.  Although Emma downloads the culture and knowledge of deviantART, we feel we must touch, feel, smell, listen and let our eyes take pleasure in the here and now physical world that begs to bombard our senses.

Elle emits a soft moan as we move along.  She's made contact.  We encourage her to share.

"I have connected with one of deviantART's leaders David."

Elle: Tell us about your passion for community $spyed.

$spyed: We have built a community for artists and those who appreciate their craft, to gather, share their work, passions and desires. 

Elle: How does this help the artists?

$spyed: Our community removes walls and reduces the size of our planet.  It flattens the playing field and gives unknown artists a chance to be heard and seen.  It gives all artists a chance.

Prior to leaving, we experience an overwhelming feeling from those who dwell on deviantART.  It is a sense of graciousness.  Nearly everyone who we met with expressed great appreciation for folks who visit and comment upon their work.  We know, from our experiences aboard the Starship over the last decade, that this characteristic is one we discovered in the most powerful communities.  $spyed, his staff and team have something extraordinarily special here.  We feel privileged by this experience.