Mumbai, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Google – Sometimes its personal
November 27th, 2008Our brother Dan Skimin lives in Mumbai, India. Fortunately, during Wednesday’s terrorist attacks he was safely sleeping in his apartment 15 miles away.
Normally, we talk about how the Internet helps businesses and organizations achieve their objectives, connect with customers and change business processes. On Wednesday, it was different.
- The CNN breaking news hit my email box saying, “At least 26 people have been killed in several ongoing, coordinated attacks in Mumbai”
- I sent an email and text message and Mike called on his cell phone to Dan asking him to confirm he was safe, we did not receive an immediate response.
- I sent a Twitter and Facebook update to let others know, “Waiting to hear from Dan who lives in Mumbai, India. He’s likely sleeping (it’s 4am his time), but with the news – time to wake up and call!”
- With Google Maps, we discovered that the attacks were 15 miles away from his apartment. I twittered this to let everyone know.
- A friend emailed to say Dan was logged on to Skype. A good sign, but he wasn’t answering
- Through Facebook chat and skype, I stayed in contact with a number of people from around the world. As soon as Dan contacted one person, just about everyone would know.
- After about an hour of watching news, reading the Internet and communicating online with others who were interested in the situation, Mike received the call from Dan letting us know he was safe.
- We quickly updated Twitter and Facebook to let everyone know that Dan was safe.
In addition to this technology being amazing, it is also very personal. It is one thing to watch television about an attack 8,000 miles away. It is completely different when you share the experience with people from around the world in real time. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Mumbai attacks.
