Best of the Web – PostSecret

(Best of the Web is an occasional series of posts looking at what I believe is the World Wide Web being used to its absolute best)

PostSecret is an art project that has taken on a life of its own.  In 2005 Frank Warren took the idea of a community art project and launched it online.  The concept is simple – take a secret that you have never shared with anyone, put it on a postcard and send it in.  The secret must be true but it can be about anything – a fear, a desire, a memory.  The secrets are submitted anonymously.

In very short order it became apparent that this was more than just an art project.  Nine years later the website is updated with at least 10 new secrets each week.  There are PostSecret books, personal appearances that attract thousands, an online community with more than 80,000 registered users.  For many people, myself included, this is weekly must reading.

On any given week you have a full spectrum of submissions.  Some are sexy, some are sad, some will make you laugh.  There have been occasional controversies along the way but overall this has been a wonderful, caring space on the Internet.  Responding to the many secrets that were connected to suicidal thoughts Warren teamed up 1-800-suicide to make sure that there was a resource available for the viewers and posters.

I’m astonished at the depth and artistry that some folks achieve on a postcard sized canvas.  I’m equally amazed at the pain and joy, the tears and laughter that have been there Sunday after Sunday.  It is truly amazing.

And that makes it part of the Best of the Web.