#1 - why flushBuffer()?

Dear reader - do you ever feel like your mind has too many tabs open?

The first person who subscribed to this newsletter asked me: why ‘flushBuffer()’?

Which is a reasonable question, since the first and only person who I sent the link to was my sister Lulu, who (a)does not have a background in computer science; (b)is perpetually ready to root for any of my experiments, no questions asked; and (c)was also sitting conveniently across from me as I sent her the link.

Fair enough. She can ask that.

While programming, any data that you have accumulated for some purpose is stored in a buffer (or buffers, depending on the usage and quantity of data), if it has not already been properly dealt with. Flushing a buffer pushes out all the accumulated data into the respective files in your system - or is discarded, if it wasn’t so useful after all.

When a lock-down forces you to sit with your thoughts longer than necessary, to peer closely at inhabitants of your headspace, I found myself facing a brain in disarray - a lot of fragmented information, some tenuous connections that were begging to be linked and explored, and a lot more questions tumbling out when I tried to lift the lid off of any of it.

I’ve been living on the internet full time for 9 years now, and the relationship has been passionate, life-altering, illuminating, but also tumultuous and increasingly toxic. This is me attempting to flush the buffers on my system, thinking out loud and sharing what feels worthwhile, as I figure out how to rebuild a more mindful and intentional usage of the internet.

So, now you know.

Does this sound like your cup of tea? Still interested in staying along?

This trip is bound to have its ups and downs, so hang on tight, will you?