Social Media Networking – Is it working?

Social Media Networking – Is it Working?

I just spoke to a writer friend who is frustrated with the promises that the Social Media world makes.

I remember when I first “dipped into” the Social Media world. I was told that it would further my cause; people all over the world would hear what I was doing.  Sounded good – so I naively went in head first.

So the question does this new form of networking actually work?

I am as interested as you (maybe more) so I am casually polling people. Sorry folks no scientifically constructed survey.

Here’s what I have found out so far:

• People are happy with Social Networking because they are making connection; friendships are being formed  out of those connections.

• Many of my writer friends are finding that 1) more people are reading their stuff and commenting 2) they are connecting up with some fabulous writers 3) some have joined on-line writing “tribes” 4) over time book sales are up (not in huge numbers but they are creeping up).

• Those with similar careers are connecting and sharing information- maybe getting advice pertaining to a situation confounding them at work

• Mom’s groups are being established.

• I am an advocate for special needs kids and just connected with a “site” for those involved with that community.

So far it seems that Social Media Networking has a value in making CONNECTIONS

Check back- I’m going to continue to dig around and see what this Social Media Animal is all about…

Photo: Webtreats  (license Creative Commons)

Advertisement

Dickens – ya’ Digg?

What would writers of old do with this new technology?

What would Victor Hugo have thought of Twitter? Would he be following 10,000 by now or would he say “the ____ with those bird people.”

One of my favorite writers is Dickens. What the Dickens would he do with Tumbler other than to mix a drink? His sole use for Digg[ing] would be burying a character.

I’m certain Tolkien studied webs to get  Shelob’s lair just right. Would he take time to study – or surf the Web?

George MacDonald, a pastoral writer in the 18th century, would not understand how to write about clouds today. His clouds traversed the heather hills of Scotland.

What are today’s  writers  to do?

As a writer I ‘m told get yourself out there, become a social media maniac. I used to be a nocturnal writer now I’m a nocturnal tweeter.

Remember when windows were something you opened to let a soft breeze into your room? And a posterous would be a misspelling of something following you.

What about when you told your significant other I need “my space.” “Well honey go right ahead the computer is all yours.”

I guess a Facebook would have been one of those picture books you could stick your face or your kid’s face in.

I was talking to Derek Haines (who always manages to get named in my blogs) ; we were talking about a joint effort – in the 60s you know where that would have gone.

Do you know I am forgetting how to spell. I spell:  “great” – Gr8 ; “by the way” – BTW; ” lost in the fog” – LITF!

I’m a stickler for correct spelling but soon  my goldfish will have better spelling than me.

If I’m going to digress, I might as well share my favorite – Delicious. We used to go to the ice cream parlor get the works with gobs of stuff on top and that was delicious! How can something you can’t taste be delicious? Though some may have learned to transcend space and time and slip into a cyber world with delicious stuff – I haven’t learned that trick.

Can someone  please tell me how I can get out my window into the~ “real time?”

photo:  lanchongzi (license creative commons)