One of my students did some background research for a project about John Maeda. I happened to mention that he was one of my "Facebook friends".
In the "old world", I never would have called up John on the telephone, and said, "hey dude. i think you're an awesome designer, and thinker. would you be my friend"..or something to that extent. I would have had no opportunity or desire to initiate a one minute conversation with him.
I've never met John Maeda in the "real world" (flash back to the MTV series, season 1). I do feel that I know "about" him, and having seen his video at http://www.risd.edu/president , I have a brief sense of his personality.
We were born the same year.
I was at RISD from 1984-1988.
He's there now.
I was an undergraduate graphic design student.
He is the new President of the institution.
We were born in the same year.
I think that's wonderful.
We've had a few brief email exchanges. I've offered my support here from the left coast. I'm excited that he's leading my alma mater. Good luck to you my brother.
