During a time when members of extended families lived together, porches contained the overflow of life. Grandparents and grandkids hung out together on back porches sheffing peas, snapping beans, and swapping stories. This is perhaps best explained in the words of Canadian musician and composer Michael Jones, who has said the changes in our lives come more through story than ideas. The exchange on porches was much like primitive humankind around the fire—one person passing along to others tradition, tribal history, family legacy, and personal insight and wisdom. A circular gathering place was the impetus for dialogue. In its embrace, something happened through us, not just between us
As a culture, perhaps we have lost the art of storytelling and now, suffering the pain of its absence, are looking to get it back. Where else but on the front porch once again?
In lieu of front porches in the l990s, many Americans turned
chat rooms to fulfill the need for human fellowship. Many found there a place to practice the old-fashioned art of conversation. Perhaps chat sites reinvented dialogue and storytelling
a new generation, showing that the need is great. But it takes the slow rocking of ideas and stories to communicate in an authentic way. Perhaps resourceful people on the Web will find a way to fulfill their need and then back it up with human presence. Imagine chat rooms as a back door leading to the front porch.