Tomorrow Sage

This weekend, I was able to spend some personal time crafting a small but satisfying digital story.¹ This project was a one-time endeavor that doesn’t readily fit any of the usual definitions. It’s not really an ARG,² although it does contain some ARG elements. Technically it qualifies as a transmedia story since it connects with the audience via a website, social media and the telephone, but its scope is more akin to a haiku than a full story. And it contains elements of parody, although those elements are limited to a portion of one web page.

In my mind, what I created is an act of guerilla transmedia storytelling. Sort of a single freestanding act of street theater, but performed in a transmedia realm.

Like many people, I’ve played around the creative edges of nontraditional communication since I was a kid. (more…)

1. If you’re interested in taking a look, here’s an entry point. [↩]
2. Alternate Reality Game [↩]

I’ve been absent for far too long from TomorrowSage.com, especially given it is a site so near and dear to where I want go as an author. There are a variety of reasons for this absence, but the main one is the realization that what I want to do with TomorrowSage.com isn’t (and hasn’t been) compatible with the form and functionality of either traditional blog sites or author websites.

Chinese villagers build a bridge across a tributary of the Yangtze River.

So after burning up an appropriate amount of time and grey matter pondering how I could accomplish my vision for this website, I’ve realized I need to build something from the ground up that will turn TomorrowSage.com into much more of a canvas for conveying knowledge and stories. Or rather, a series of canvases upon which each article or story can be communicated in its own unique way.¹

Ultimately what I envision isn’t just a different approach to a website, but a different way tell stories (and ultimately for me, a broader creative experience).

I will do my best to bring about the new TomorrowSage.com as quickly as possible, but given other demands (professional and personal), it is likely to be a matter of weeks (or months) rather than days before everything goes live. And finally, while I don’t intend to provide any new posts on this site until after the reimagining is complete, I do promise to read and respond to any thoughts or comments you share below on this new direction. I’ll also remain active in my other online domiciles and quite possibly provide the occasional update about TomorrowSage.com in those locations. So please stay in touch at:

• twitter.com/tomorrowsage
• www.kevinabarnes.com

1. A quick clarification: When I say, “build something from the ground up,” I don’t mean lovingly code every line of every single web page. My intent is to develop a custom, highly-flexible content management system that will allow me to create and communicate in the way I envision. And no, I currently have no desire or intentions to sell the resulting tool — it is being designed and built for my unique needs and to meet my creative vision. [↩]