David Gauntlett 'Making is Connecting'

Making is connecting for three reasons:
1) Putting things together; materials, ideas of both
2) Social dimension (connecting people together) - this can be linked to the Uses and Gratification theory
3) Engagement (through making things and sharing with the world we have some engagement - we can connect with people/the world)

Obvious connections with Web2.0 where people can use self-expression, become creative and potentially collaborate (making things together with people from the other side of the world).  But this of course did not begin with the Internet..John Ruskin and William Morris, Victorian thinkers who said things about self-expression and creativity hundreds of years ago that are highly relevant in today's society:
- John Ruskin:  Argued that everyday creativity offers us a celebration of humanity's imperfections; the creative right of the individual.  For the same reasons the diversity of things made by people on YouTube, because they want to, is often more refreshing, interesting and promising for us as a society that those made by professionals.  He said that in modern times our strive to make everything corporate and consistent at our peril; treating people like machines.  If you stifle creativity you will suffocate the whole culture.
- William Morris: People need to be able to make their mark on the world, give shape to their environments and share knowledge, ideas and self-expression.

Creativity opportunities provide fulfilment, connection and joy.

Five key themes:

1. A new understanding of creativity as a process; about emotions and experiences rather than the products made
2. The human drive to make and share. Making and sharing; to feel alive and participate in be part of a a community, rather than just be a viewer
3. Happiness through creativity and community; what makes people happy
4. Creativity as a middle layer of social glue; a middle layer between individuals and society.  Combined people together (on one side and institutions on the other side)
5. The human need to make your mark and make the world your own.