Shutdown Day is a non-profit organization that my friend Denis and I founded in Quebec last year, but we've been around for more than that unofficially.
On the 24th of March 2007, our first annual Shutdown Day campaign challenged people worldwide to stay away from their computers for 24 hours. It attracted a total of 1.6 million visitors worldwide, and fireballed into a really big phenomenon.
This year, the 3rd of May 2008 is the official day for Shutdown Day, during which participants are invited to pledge to stay away from their computers, gadgets, etc. for atleast a 24-hour period.
We are also organizing offline events which include park cleanup in tandem with the city of Montreal, global Flash Mob events in collaboration with ImproveAnywhere, and other events being organized by individuals and firms worldwide, but under the aegis of Shutdown Day.
We have some nice prizes lined up (all we could afford with our budget) too!
The idea is not anarchist - we don't want to shut down powerplants or hospitals, or computers that students are using to study and do assignments. We only wish that people who are using computers to waste time and find an excuse to not socialize in the real world, and forgetting that there is indeed a great natural world out there to enjoy - be brought the message.
I would like to invite NPNers to visit http://www.shutdownday.org and also take part in this activity.
Most importantly, you could organize outdoor events in your part of the world with the help of our registration capabilities - we will give you full support and help to co-ordinate events in your part of the world. You will find all the needed information on our website, and please do not hesitate to contact us.
And last but the least - not only are we a non-profit, but the founders (Denis and myself) do it for free; infact we have poured our own money into this project. So profit is not a problem for us, but we will certainly appreciate contributions if you wish to do so.
Jim, would it be possible for you to make this thread a sticky and keep it on top of the forum until the event passes by?
Thanks in advance,
Ashutosh
Co-Founder, Shutdown Day
http://www.shutdownday.org
Posted by Richard Ditch on April 18, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Am I the only one who finds it strange that an event targeted at getting people away from their computers has a web site and provides planning support and registration via the computer?
Is this in the same class as driving to the gym for exercise?
That's a very good point that many people make, Richard. Essentially, all of our target audience is sitting in front of computers. Hence we have to target them where they are.
Last year we managed to reach over 60,000 people worldwide through such a strategy, confirming that you need to reach the people where they are, and not where you want them to be. If you are not in front of your computer, why would I waste my time asking you to not do something you are not doing in the first place?
I am posting this here on NPN, because here we have leaders adept at spending time in the outdoors. Many organize tours, and many more go on expeditions and treks outside. Together, we could organize outdoor activities in our respective parts of the world, and help people get out there in the open.
This isn't one of those shut down the computer and talk and communicate with the wife things is it ??. So would you be liable for the lawyers fees in that case ??.
So this is not an energy conservation attempt, but more of a program driven towards the promotion of more lively/healthy activities?
Posted by Jim Erhardt on April 19, 2008 at 8:30 AM
No doubt about it, it's great to get away from the computer to spend some time outdoors gardening, photographing, etc. Because of NPN, I am obligated to be online every day (though not all day) to take care of customer service issues.
The other side of the coin is that the Internet offers a far more environmentally-friendly alternative to business travel. Web conferences and webinars are a great way to conduct business and training that would otherwise require one to drive and/or fly to some destination to meet in person. For that reason, I do not see the Internet as part of the problem but rather as part of the solution. In fact, Nature Photographers Online Magazine was originally envisioned as an alternative to driving to the local store and buying a "hard copy" magazine that requires wood, inks and energy for production and transportation. Sure, the infrastructure of the Internet requires energy too but I believe in the long-run it's a far more efficient way to convey information.
So on Shut-down day, I won't drive or turn on the TV, but I will be online.
Posted by Carol Hyman on April 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I live, eat, breathe, and all but sleep in front of the computer and I don't view Shutdown Day as a threat or a way to go offline. Rather, I view this as an opportunity to think about my own life style.
And to stay off the computer(s) will be a challenge and a half.
I encourage all of us to think about the life style into which we have been oh so innocently trapped.
Cheers to all
Carol
Posted by Matt Dallos on April 19, 2008 at 1:52 PM
I like it. Good idea. I think most people would find it harder to let go of the computers for a day than they think they would.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on April 19, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Normally, staying off the computer for a whole day (let alone part of the day!) would be difficult for me, but as it turns out, there won't be any time for me to be online May 3 anyway....my oldest son is getting married that day!
Posted by Paul DeCesare on April 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Slight problem... I use a Canon 5D, loaded with high end circuitry... our cameras aren't cameras any more, they're computers with lenses attached. Does that mean no photography that day??
Paul, to answer your question, I'll re-direct you to this paragraph in my post and let you take the decision:
The idea is not anarchist - we don't want to shut down powerplants or hospitals, or computers that students are using to study and do assignments. We only wish that people who are using computers to waste time and find an excuse to not socialize in the real world, and forgetting that there is indeed a great natural world out there to enjoy - be brought the message.
Great idea! I think it WILL be harder than I think it will. I'll mark it down on the calendar and SHUT DOWN on May 3rd.
Pulling weeds and filing paper and doing some chores instead. Enjoying a longer walk with my dog. What a concept! And to think, once upon a time I did not want a computer… at all! … no way…
Discussion
12 repliesShutdown Day is a non-profit organization that my friend Denis and I founded in Quebec last year, but we've been around for more than that unofficially.
On the 24th of March 2007, our first annual Shutdown Day campaign challenged people worldwide to stay away from their computers for 24 hours. It attracted a total of 1.6 million visitors worldwide, and fireballed into a really big phenomenon.
This year, the 3rd of May 2008 is the official day for Shutdown Day, during which participants are invited to pledge to stay away from their computers, gadgets, etc. for atleast a 24-hour period.
We are also organizing offline events which include park cleanup in tandem with the city of Montreal, global Flash Mob events in collaboration with ImproveAnywhere, and other events being organized by individuals and firms worldwide, but under the aegis of Shutdown Day.
We have some nice prizes lined up (all we could afford with our budget) too!
The idea is not anarchist - we don't want to shut down powerplants or hospitals, or computers that students are using to study and do assignments. We only wish that people who are using computers to waste time and find an excuse to not socialize in the real world, and forgetting that there is indeed a great natural world out there to enjoy - be brought the message.
I would like to invite NPNers to visit http://www.shutdownday.org and also take part in this activity.
Most importantly, you could organize outdoor events in your part of the world with the help of our registration capabilities - we will give you full support and help to co-ordinate events in your part of the world. You will find all the needed information on our website, and please do not hesitate to contact us.
And last but the least - not only are we a non-profit, but the founders (Denis and myself) do it for free; infact we have poured our own money into this project. So profit is not a problem for us, but we will certainly appreciate contributions if you wish to do so.
Jim, would it be possible for you to make this thread a sticky and keep it on top of the forum until the event passes by?
Thanks in advance,
Ashutosh
Co-Founder, Shutdown Day
http://www.shutdownday.org
Is this in the same class as driving to the gym for exercise?
Last year we managed to reach over 60,000 people worldwide through such a strategy, confirming that you need to reach the people where they are, and not where you want them to be. If you are not in front of your computer, why would I waste my time asking you to not do something you are not doing in the first place?
I am posting this here on NPN, because here we have leaders adept at spending time in the outdoors. Many organize tours, and many more go on expeditions and treks outside. Together, we could organize outdoor activities in our respective parts of the world, and help people get out there in the open.
Hope this explains. Thanks,
Ashutosh
Danny.
The other side of the coin is that the Internet offers a far more environmentally-friendly alternative to business travel. Web conferences and webinars are a great way to conduct business and training that would otherwise require one to drive and/or fly to some destination to meet in person. For that reason, I do not see the Internet as part of the problem but rather as part of the solution. In fact, Nature Photographers Online Magazine was originally envisioned as an alternative to driving to the local store and buying a "hard copy" magazine that requires wood, inks and energy for production and transportation. Sure, the infrastructure of the Internet requires energy too but I believe in the long-run it's a far more efficient way to convey information.
So on Shut-down day, I won't drive or turn on the TV, but I will be online.
And to stay off the computer(s) will be a challenge and a half.
I encourage all of us to think about the life style into which we have been oh so innocently trapped.
Cheers to all
Carol
Danny.
Pulling weeds and filing paper and doing some chores instead. Enjoying a longer walk with my dog. What a concept! And to think, once upon a time I did not want a computer… at all! … no way…