============================
 Solving the Search Problem
============================


Let me introduce an idea
that I'm going to call
the Search Problem.

The Search Problem
is when I want something
and I think it exists,
but I don't know where to find it
and the search is too time-consuming
for me to do myself.

How do I solve the Search Problem
on the Large Internet?

There are many ways I _could_ solve the Search Problem
on the Large Internet.

But I use one solution 99% of the time.

I use Google.

To generalize a bit,
on the Large Internet
I solve the Search Problem
by relying on an algorithm
created by strangers
and served to me by a corporation
to sort through an ocean of data
created by strangers
and served to me by corporations.

The disease provides the cure, you see.

The Small Internet has the Search Problem too,
though not nearly to the same degree.
(There's not that much on the Small Internet
to get lost.)

So how do I solve the Search Problem
on the Small Internet?

There are many ways I could solve the Search Problem
on the Small Internet.

But I use one solution 99% of the time.

I ask.

To generalize a bit,
on the Small Internet
I solve the Search Problem
by letting my neighbors know
that something is important to me,
I don't know it already,
and I can't figure it out myself.

I show them I am vulnerable,
and I ask them for help.

On the Large Internet,
the Search Problem drives us apart,
allows each of us to maintain the illusion
that we knew it all already
while allowing us to be manipulated
by those who stoke the furnaces with data
and tweak the search algorithms.

But on the Small Internet,
solving the Search Problem
brings us together,
creates connections,
builds a fellowship.

The Small Internet's solution
to the Search Problem
compels us to tell our neighbors
the truth:

"I am imperfect,
needy, hopeful,
grateful to be helped,
and if I can help you
someday somehow,
just let me know.
I'll be here for you."

On the Small Internet,
solving the Search Problem
makes us stronger,
smarter,
more courageous,
more humble,
more giving,
more patient,
and more keenly aware
of three things:

We need each other.

And needing each other is scary.

But it's worth the risk.