The World Wide Web is slow. Multimedia is slow. We hate to wait. But couldn't this annoying imperfection be used to our advantage?
Why not make the wait worthwhile? Put up images that bear some reflection, ask questions, invite slowed-down, considered response. Make each picture a puzzle, each line of text a poem. Leave things to reflect upon during the long time it takes to connect to the world. Instead of pretending that the computer is lightning quick and offers instant opportunities, admit that it is a slow, imperfect, evolving machine. Encourage meditative practice instead of making us feel like we're on hold. If the art is worth something, we won't be impatient while waiting for it to change.
- David Rothenberg (rothenberg@admin .njit.edu) edits Terra Nova: Journal of Nature and Culture.
