Then about 4,000 BC, the Mesopotamians took to scripting pictographs in clay tablets.
By 3,000 BC, pictures had given way to a full syllabic alphabet.
Detailed communication over distances became reality with writing on parchment and delivery via runner or horseback.
Johann Gutenberg's invention of movable type in the mid-15th century became a revolution in mass communication.
Mail was delivered via train.
Communication's next revolution came in the late 19th century -- the telegraph, soon to be followed by the incredible instrument that allowed word-of-mouth communication over great distances (without yelling): the telephone.
Mail began being delivered via plane. But even that was too slow, it seemed. The facsimile, for many, has replaced the "cumbersome" mail.
Today we take for granted satellites beaming information worldwide in pictures and words into our homes. And we're witnessing the personal computer revolution and the Internet, linking people via computer terminals and telephone lines in a web of networks and shared software, allowing users to reach other users anywhere in the "net" and sending electronic mail, e-mail!
Why are we so driven to make our communication faster and more efficient? What's the point?
The answer is somewhat obvious. Each of us has to make many decisions in our life. Some pose simple dilemmas: "Should I eat this cookie now, or wait until I can have a healthy lunch?" Others require more information.
Information is key. Without good information, you are only guessing. The military refers to their information gathering as "intelligence." For big decisions, the most complete and current information is required.
As our world figuratively spins faster, we are pressed to gather the information we need. We want the answers now, not tomorrow, not in 20 minutes, NOW!
Our second chiropractic century will also be one of moving more information faster. Besides wanting to know what's happening, you will want to network with other providers. You will be able to consult on difficult cases, transfer files that include x-rays, and globally communicate without leaving your office.
Associations will get a big boost in their ability to communicate and serve their members. Group decisions are much easier when you have direct access to the necessary information and no travel time. Many projects, including the Chiropractic Centennial, are being made easier by computer networking.
While there are many on-line services, many in the chiropractic profession are choosing AMERICA Online (AOL). The officers of the California Chiropractic Association uses AOL to communicate with each other, and the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys is in the process of going on-line with AOL. While this is not meant to be an endorsement, Dynamic Chiropractic is also a subscriber to AOL (as you can see at the top right hand side of this page).
If you wish to communicate with our editorial department, our user name is DC Editors; our advertising department can be reached with the designation DC Ads; and you can interact with our Preferred Reading and Viewing List through DC Orders.
Every Sunday night on AMERICA Online, 9pm EST, is a one-hour Chiropractic Professional Networking Forum which allows interesting interaction between DCs like Ted Koren, Dana Lawrence, Chris Kent, and whoever wants to join in. Although it has only existed since September 1994, as many as 80 users join in the discussions. This allows DCs an opportunity for professional interaction nationwide (and worldwide) that was previously unavailable.
The Chiropractic Forum was established by David Brady, a student at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He and Bob Dubin, DC (AOL user name: DrDubin) facilitate the Forum which can be found in AOL's Health and Medical Chat. Dr. Dubin has over 11 years in the self-help community and can be sent e-mail at
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But there's more!
There are several chiropractic computer networks coming onto the scene that will be competing with the major networks. These new entries into cyberspace are specializing to serve the information needs of the chiropractic community. As part of our mission of education and information, MPI plans to be a part of each.
Currently, there are two active chiropractic online networks called ChiroLink and Chiropractic Network Connection (CNC). There is another one being tested: Chiro Serve. Each of these is offering an opportunity for better communication and information access.
If you access ChiroLink, you will find two areas of information provided by Dynamic Chiropractic. You can read and/or download copies of articles that have appeared in previous issues and you can review our Computerized Chiropractic Calendar for events in your area. Ultimately, you will be able to order from the Preferred Reading and Viewing List and access the MPI seminars.
Our policy is to allow all chiropractic computer networks access to Dynamic Chiropractic articles, the Computerized Chiropractic Calendar, the Preferred Reading and Viewing List and the MPI Seminar Service. This gives you a choice of which computer network works best for your needs.
Our responsibility of giving you the most current information available extends to whatever medium you choose. This is part of our commitment to you as we enter chiropractic's second century.
DMP Jr., BS, HCD(hc)
Click here for more information about Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher.