With July Fourth on the horizon, I set out to write this blog about the connection between Twing and the week’s most top-of-mind subject: freedom. In particular, how the free exchange of ideas — a defining measure of freedom — has reached new heights in our Web 2.0 world and how Twing, as a search engine for online forums, contributes to that.

Deep concept, huh? Which is why (and where!) I got stuck.

Since there’s no fast cure for writer’s block, I considered alternative, more superficial topics related to the upcoming holiday: I could focus, instead, on the merits of doing a Twing search if you’re planning an Independence Day parade or designing a fireworks display and want to connect with others who are, too. I could have effortlessly switched gears and talked about how Twing’s search provides a refreshingly direct route to folks exchanging July Fourth recipes and patriotic craft ideas. (Indeed, there’s nothing wrong with using Twing for celebratory planning, so the links are yours if you need ‘em.)

Still, I kept coming back to my original idea. It was deep, sure. But, hey. Wasn’t Twing all about diving deep? What was I afraid of?

So with renewed confidence, I searched twing to see what real people were saying about topics — tough topics — that live at the heart of American debate. The war in Iraq, the energy crisis, presidential politics, immigration and healthcare policies, equal rights.

The results reminded me of two things: First, while other search engines consider everything but the kitchen sink, Twing’s focus on online forums promises better possibilities for individual voices to get heard. Second, free speech is most powerful when others can hear you and respond.

Could participating in online community or searching with Twing actually be patriotic? Between the barbeques and fireworks this Independence Day, think about that!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS