For nearly two weeks, Robert and I had suspended writing about Naked Conversations, so that this site could be used by the friends of David Koch as a center for information-sharing on the search for him on a mountain outside of Vancouver. This search ended in tragedy and Robert and I cannot find the words to express the sorrow we feel for the Koch family and his friends.
Robert and I did not know David. I do know Gary Bolles who was David's friend. Gary realized the power of blogging and asked us to help, particularly in terms of keeping public attention on the search in the hope that it would continue. When Robert and I realized what was happening on our site, on the collaboration and information sharing, on the hope, the prayers, we decided to go dark on the book for a while until the story played out one way or another. We are saddened by the outcome, but heartened by what we saw from the blogging community. This was blogging at its best, and for the most part--people at their best, which in many ways is the same thing.
Robert and I stayed out of the conversation. This was not our story, and we thought it best to let those who knew David, the mountain and the search and rescue (SAR) operation should have the center of the conversation. Now that the SAR part of this story is over, I do have one comment: From where I sit, the SAR people were harshly criticized at times while doing an incredibly difficult job, on their own time and at their own risk. We understand how people felt, but I personally tip my hat to the people who were trained to do this task. I am a mountain hiker, often climbing solo. I am encouraged to see the dedication of SAR teams.
Enough said. This site will resume shortly with news and updates of Naked Conversations,which is now half completed. Talk to you book followers soon.
