I have been watching, reading and participating in the Internet Mormon world basically since its inception in the 90's. Blogging and forum-ing wasn't very known back then but a select few came here to read, write and discuss those topics that generally wouldn't be thoroughly touched upon in a public church setting. The internet mormon population quickly realized this and made the most of it. Discussions about anything and everything came up and opinions ranged as far and wide as the digital eye could see. Fear of reprisal or persecution for silly theories or thoughts were laid aside as anyone could pose as their non-self and put forth any idea. Disregarding the fact that an online personality was rarely connected to an actual person who people knew, unless they were published, etc.
I have enjoyed what the internet mormon world brought to the table of my worldview and faith, as well as what it brought to the overall mormon table. One was able to, if so desired, go worldwide and discuss topics and thoughts with a population outside of their small community that shared similar thoughts. Connections were being made that would possibly save a membership from being lost, merely for finding like-minded individuals that don't adhere to the cookie-cutter mormonism that is seemingly dominant in the public setting.
Since then, an explosion of blogging has occurred. Anyone and everyone wants to share their thoughts and feelings about the church for good or bad. The bloggernacle and blogosphere don't discriminate between a 'good' blog and a 'bad' one. It is generally up to the individual to know where to go to find what they like. Much reading in the beginning is required to narrow down your choices, otherwise you would never find the blogs that are worth your time.
I write about this because of the fact that I am trying to untangle my thoughts about all this. Noticing my 'sacred' world of internet mormonism being tarnished by the public mormonism I see at church was disconcerting to me. They didn't belong there, I thought. They had no right to think they did either. Yet at the same time, my world still seemed, for the most part, intact. There may be more individuals who involve themselves in a discussion, but the only difference seemed to be a bigger audience with an even bigger pool of worldviews and opinions that are brought to the table.
I haven't seen a dominant view take over, since anyone can set up a blog, write topics of any persuasion and slant, and moderate any commenters they desire. This is the beauty of it. Anonymity, coupled with freedom of internet speech gives way to a rich and fruitful arena to discuss.
So I will continue to enjoy this arena, and look forward to the evolution that will continue to take place.
