I just returned from a camping trip with my brother and his wife and baby in the Sierra Nevadas to find that my first music video has been widely shared amongst Quaker circles in it’s first three days in existence! Tons of emails in my inbox, facebook messages and a semi-fiery conversation in the “comments” tab of the video.

Wow. I must say, I’m quite impressed and overwhelmed. So glad to see folks stimulated by my music and ministry (I recorded and released that song two years ago!) and to see that all of my work this Spring and all the work of Ben Schilling has paid off. Go go gadget internet!

My first feeling was nervous and a little self conscious. Sure, I wanted to share it with the world. And was hoping it would help get the word out. I’m just seeing for the first time the real viral qualities of the internet. 2,200 views in three days! (it takes me months and months to get that many plays on my MySpace!)

Anyway, my second reaction was to build up JonWatts.com as now potentially hundreds of folks may be visiting it. Done.

Now I’m sorting through the responses on Youtube and recognizing the conversation that is being held online (the same one the song has inspired so often in person).

For now, I would like to point folks to a blog entry of mine that I wrote a while ago about the potential helpfulness/hurtfulness of “Friend Speaks My Mind” and it’s abrasive chorus (“I”m not a Christian but I’m a Quaker/I’ve got Christ’s Inner Light but He’s not my Savior”).

The “Friend Speaks My Mind” Study Guide

…until I feel more clear about what my relationship is with online dialogue begun by a piece of my art:

peace.
Jon