In the category of "wish I'd thought of that": PostSecret is possibly one of the most brilliant ideas and one of the most poignant pieces of collaborative art—of art, period—that I've seen in a long, long while. It encapsulates everything fascinating about my fellow humans and proves once again that day-to-day reality is very often more fascinating than anything a novelist could come up with. There are depths in all of us that few imagine. What an amazing way to bring that out.
I saw the original call for entries (if you can call it that) for this project and though it was cool at the time, but I had no idea it would turn out like this. There's also a book that you can preorder, and a travelling exhibit.
The best part of this project is that it advertises the anti-suicide HopeLine (1-800-SUICIDE [784-2433]). One commenter wrote in to thank the people who've sent in their post cards "so that others know they are not alone with their secrets."
"Only connect." –E.M. Forster
[via Rag & Bone Blog, once again]
You're right. This stuff is pretty powerful. I was subscribed to it for a while and ended up unsubscribing because it was so affecting -- I'd be thinking about the posts for hours afterwards. The irony, of course, is that it's that same power that makes the whole Post Secret phenomenom worthwhile.
Posted by: BookGirl | September 27, 2007 at 09:30 PM