A new business initiative was recently introduced — as a revelation in thinking — from the head of Morris Publishing Group – but I’m not sure why this concept should be so revolutionary.

Morris said “Last year, when we announced our “Digital First” initiatives, it was an important step in the right direction. But we need a bigger goal, centered on growing the audiences we need in the digital era. So, today, I’m announcing our new call to action: “Audience First.”…What does “Audience First” mean? It means the people come first. …”

So, people come first, now. This is new?

We’ve been so caught up with digital technology, so infatuated. It’s all happening so fast, so beautifully, and so magically! We are dazzled, amazed at its potency, by its reach. The truth is – it’s disrupted everything. Like falling hard in love. So we’ve been doing all we can to keep up and stay worthy and chase the latest, greatest gadget to harness the energy. Even as it makes us feel more powerful, we sometimes feel like slaves to it.

I think we forgot, that, in the end, it’s all about people. Same as it ever was. Because while digital technology is fantastic, it’s really just another extension of the human hand – opposable thumbs and all!

So as we launch Artbox.com, we’re connecting with you through some kind of omnipresent electronic channel — descending from the digital “cloud.” Still, we’re always going to be focusing on PEOPLE first.

Our home page slideshow is a sampling of images of people, made by the minds and hands of other people — in particular, creative professionals who are members of Artbox.com. The message is this: people are amazing, and they have endless power to make and do wondrous things – especially when they get creative together.

The goal is that Artbox.com will become a meeting place — with tools that enable like-minded creatives who want to make a living and make a difference — for purpose, for planet, for profit – but always, ultimately – for people.