“Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.” ~ Charles Dickens

What if Dickens had electronic communication? How would he use it? Or would he be on the sidelines, not joining into cyber communication?

Dickens, the blogger

Would he be blogging and later publish his posts as a book? Would he write a book, but promote it with a blog? What comments would he receive with this post:

“The crowds in the streets, the lights in the shops and balconies, the elegance, variety, and beauty of their decorations, the number of the theatres, the brilliant cafes with their windows thrown up high and their vivacious groups at little tables on the pavement, the light and glitter of the houses turned as it were inside out, soon convince me that it is no dream; that I am in Paris.” (from A Flight)

Dickens, the Online Missionary

Would he sign up to be an online missionary with Global Media Outreach or with EveryStudent.com to give that personal connection to those who visit evangelistic websites, seeking answers to life’s questions?

“Lord bless you!” he would write in his email, “a man must take the fat with the lean; that’s what he must make up his mind to, in this life. ” (from David Copperfield)

Dickens on Facebook

What about Facebook? Surely, such a man so fascinated by people and human nature, would have a Facebook account with a fan page. Perhaps his status would be:

“She’s a very charming and delightful creature. . . and has only one fault that I know of… It happens, unfortunately, that that single blemish is a want of taste. She don’t like me.” (from The Pickwick Papers)

Dickens’ Tweets

Of course, even though he is known for his great novels, he would be just as comfortable with Twitter. At this time of year, he might tweet:

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself.” (from A Christmas Carol)

What do you think? Would Dickens own a Kindle? What eBooks would he download? Add your quotes and ideas of Dickens in the 21st century.