Better late than never I've just listened, John, to your �me-cast� podcast � truly inspiring stuff. I listen to your casts with interest because, although I don�t always agree with your views, your arguments are beautifully constructed, but in unexpected ways. I think I know where you�re going to go, but then you wrong-foot me, interrupting my easy thought processes.

I�ve been immersed in the world of blogs and podcasting and digital/social media for the last nine months, since I quit my job in London. The more I enjoy the �network� the more I realise that people very often create their own little, digital worlds. Meta-blogging. Naval-gazing. Self-congratulating and self-serving in many cases.

It�s easy to find immense detail and extensive networks of like-minded people to talk about very narrow subjects or issues. Digital media in a broadcasting sense is also rapidly becoming �me-casting�. It allows us to watch or listen to exactly what we want to listen to or watch. Increasingly we�re able to screen out the unpleasant stuff or stuff that doesn�t interest us. That is a worrying trend.

I don�t think this trend is entirely down to the power of the state and business to influence its citizens, but I agree that �satiating the palate� is something that we (ourselves) and they are very good at. There are so many different varieties of opium for the people now and we can choose our poison. Equally there are so many distracting trinkets.

The challenge for us all is how to break into the lives of people who are increasingly able to exclude from their consciousness things that are difficult, unpleasant, challenging or contrary to their views. I tend to keep an open mind, and like to keep myself challenged, but it�s very easy to be distracted.

To f*ck up a Keats quote �Truth is beauty, beauty truth�. People should enjoy looking for truth more. You obviously do, John, and that�s why I enjoy listening.

Sorry this was an essay rather than a comment!!