Friday
Aug052011
Net - works
August 5, 2011 * * * * * Posted by: Jozica 
When I stroll to my favorite coastal town Piran, my legs take me to the little port near the Tartini Square. For those of you who haven’t seen Piran yet, Piran is an old Mediterranean town in Slovenian Istria, which lies at the very tip of the Piran peninsula. The town is actually one ‘big museum’ as it has preserved the medieval layout with interesting architecture and rich cultural heritage. The narrow streets and closely packed houses give this little town a special charm.
In Piran’s tiny port small and large boats are peacefully playing with the Adriatic Sea and sailboats’ masts are singing gentle melodies in the wind. The smell of fish, tanned fishermen and all sorts of nets in the port fueled my imagination and made me think, think about…
…nets. How many of them!! Some are adapted to catching small fish, other for medium sizes, and others for big fish. The nets have to be in perfect shape in order to catch the fish. Fishermen take care of them so that they are always ready for fishing – the nets have to be intacted, cleaned. When torn, the nets are sewn back or replaced.
I think of our net - our social networking that we weave every day, every week, on and on. Social networking became a very important part of our lives. We want to have many ‘friends’, many ‘important people’ on the right places, people who’d pull the strings for us… Depending on what we want to ‘catch with our net(work)’, we are choosing the components and parts that we need – slowly building our own network...
But how well we take care of our networks? Do we immediately sew the parts that are broken, torn? Do we prepare well for ‘catching the fish we want’, do we prepare ourselves for ‘fishing’ and do we choose appropriate net(work)s to catch what we’ve planned?
I think, we’re not aware enough of the components of the network we’re choosing… We ‘collect’ friends on Facebook, not knowing if the person will fit in our network, support our goals and interests and make our net strong and tight… We’re pretending to be someone else to not have conflicts with other people, but when we’re gone fishing, our net doesn’t do the job and makes us unhappy and hungry…
I think we should care for our networks more… We should make sure to choose the best components of our network to gain what we want. We can’t do everything alone… We might catch a fish or two, but not as much as we’d do it together. So, why not choosing a goal that brings the whole network to a higher level?? Think about it – what do you want to achieve with the net(work)s that you build?
I’m happy today that I learned something new by just strolling around… Thanks to those tanned fishermen and their nets, I will be more aware how my networks are important and how some are good for something and the others are good for something else…
I hope you will catch many ‘fish’ with your nets, too.
Reader Comments (14)
What a nice image with this story, never knew this little town, in Slovenia, not a country I am familiar with
What an interesting metaphor and analogy. I guess I'd never considered social networking as a way to 'catch' fish..but more of a way to 'collect' them. So much to consider and think about here. And - I love the image of the old fishing town. So authentic and true.
What a lovely way of describing what we are doing, Jozica! I really like how you have tied this all together and how your image is perfect for it. This is also a word to the wise about how we need to be careful and deliberate about what we want and are doing on the www!
i went to art school at 40 having left a field where "networking" was how we worked. my job was a hospital social worker, and everything i did with or on behalf of involved networking, understanding social services offerings, and finding support for clients and/or their families. 2 decades have passed, and i my profession is different in some ways, but i have always relied on a network. facebook, twitter, and even this have broadened the reach, made new connections possible, but i believe those fisherman "of yore" remind us that "others" have always mattered, have always been important.
you are right. we need to take care, appreciate, and respect our network, especially the actual members who enrich our lives! a thoughtful post for sure....
an excellent analogy! casting that net out in order to catch our own livelihood is exactly what we do. Most of us are very fortunate to have been able to broaden our own network and include in our lives a wonderful support group of personal and professional acquaintances. excellent post.
Thank you, all, for the insightful comments. I question myself a lot about this topic lately...
Jozica, such a rich image! I truly appreciate your reminding us of being aware of our intentions around the whole social networking scene. I too have been recently re-evaluating just where I want to be putting my energies; and am so delighted to have the support of all the fine women nf this site!
Thank you for your thoughtful words!
Great article, Jožica.
Yes, Piran is charming and beautiful town. I always manage to relax there. About netting … I've noticed, when we get older netting is more about finding business partners and opportunities. We are so certain on what we want and seek in life, that we disregard many potentially good friends.
First, Jozica, I really love your photo. I think I can small this typical scent that you only find in ports. I have always loved it. And your analogy is beautiful and true at the same time. I am re-evaluating my networks as well, and often there are more questions to myself than answers. As everything, it takes time. One thing is for sure - we have to take care of our relationships. Thank you for this beautiful post.
great shot, and a wonderful vision to your verb. good post. i will put Piran on my visiting-wishlist
Yes, I think we are all in this together, learning to navigate this relatively new aspect of socializing in the digital age. It has its pros and its cons, but I am constantly amazed at how it has truly made the world smaller, and opened up possibilities that we never imagined. And yes, taking good care of your nets is always important!
it looks like a wonderfully bustling place, full of colour and life. i spent time on the adriatic coast, years ago, mid 90s - different then, but still beautiful. keep thinking i must go back!
Lovely post - welcome!
This post makes me yearn to visit that area again soon, I never did quite make Piran although it was (and still is) on my list of places to visit.
Thank You for bringing it to life for me :-)