I'd love to have a discussion about this on my Ning network regarding social media for professionals.

I have to disagree with our esteemed colleague Hermes. I don't think that people choose to live a cyber life over a real one, I think that social media simply enhances our real lives using the ubiquity of the Internet. I can keep in touch with my friends from any where in the world and share a pretty wide variety of information with them.

Social media gives an opportunity to quickly share stuff with my co-workers and family members; it's not as though I go "oh, well I sent a Twitter message to my friend Mark so I guess I can cancel that golf trip with him then." I don't think social lives and social media are mutually exclusive; in fact, I believe that social media is simply an enhancement for social media.

Links:

• http://socialmediaforprofessionals.ning.com/

posted June 18, 2008

They are two completely different worlds. Like a personal conversation is different from a letter, but both are parts of the friendship. As the pendulum swings we may be spending too much time on social networks, but this answer specifically plays the Devil's Advocate.

Technology definitely helps people get, and keep, in touch. Millions of people have met on online services and actually began a friendship or romantic relationship.

Many people we would not continue to have contact with when they moved out of town. Not because the relationship was not quality, but simply because we have a lot to do.

I am sure a million lost-contact-friends have met up again via online services.

We send quick notes to each other. Spouses may actually learn what the other does for a living... But I haven't been on twitter yet and wondered if that twitter video was true--it looks like it is...often a lot of people wasting time.

But as far as of social networks, they are amazing when you consider the alternative. We are empowered to meet and share around the world. Truly, absolutely amazing. Beyond belief really.

But it is basically a letter. And a letter should not replace a friendship. But humans adapt. They feel a nagging loneliness and go out with friends. OR contact a prized contact on their social network.

And on the good side, what attracts us most to people on social networks?

Their looks? Their social class or clique? Their geographic proximity? Their money? No.

Their minds. Their ideas. Their values.

Their substance.

posted June 18, 2008

Some great answers so far!

Online & Offline friends: Relationships that share both "worlds" are strong, because we know more about each other. These relationships are super valuable; we use online to connect offline and vice versa.

Online-only friends: Most people with whom I’m connected online-only are for networking, learning, intellectual sharing. Many, however, have turned into friendships that I value. 80/20 rule probably applies for the connection/friend ratio.

Offline-only friends: These friends are valuable, and nothing is as good as face-to-face time as you mentioned in your blog post. It’s nice that they are not distracted by checking their email or Twitter. Yet, discussions about passion for “online” is missing.

Parallel: As a cyclist, I spend a lot of time on the bike; let's call it “cycle networking.” Cyclists ride and spend time with people whom he/she would not otherwise hang out with. Common interest breeds a common bond. Sometimes, cycling is like micro-blogging. You get short bits of conversation before you pull through in a paceline and pick up another conversation.

posted June 18, 2008

Gosh you are such a brown noser LOL - so social networks: I have the "it is great until it isn't syndrome.

It is great because I have met some of the greatest people on this earth through this network. It isn't so great cause I have been subjected to the most vindictive jealous people that need to get a life on this network. It is great cause I have some really good friends. It isn't so great cause of when I introduce people wih a warm introduction (meaning I e-mail the parties make the introduction - they do not follow-up on an incredible opportunity and then write me and complain that the introductions they asked for hadn't responded. really? It is great because of those wonderful people keep me going and have been such wonderful friends, I would be there for them no matter when,where, or how, at any costs.

It doesn't matter that it is online/offline because it is like we have known each other forever and will be friends long after that - do I fear my personal identity being stolen, or known - absolutely not - I have worked with so many wonderful people and I know so many- - that it wouldn't matter. Time spent on the platform - I answer questions, make intros, single out people on my status line to hopefully lift their spirits for the daythat is my contribution to this community that I have help build and very proud to part of.

And I consider myself the lifeline of community - because without me there would be no one to connect the people I connect both inside and outside of LI and no one to help build strategies so that some small business can partner with another in order to get their business going or make fun of, make someone smile - I say this not in arrogance but to help people understand that each of has a responsbility to maintain and do their part to help the community survive - just my humble opinion.

So, is it social network perfect - no - is LI somewhere where I will be on in five years - no - there is something else coming - do I regret -no - it is a good thing - it makes me laugh - you make me laugh - then 9 times 10 -I will like you -

posted June 18, 2008

Jacob, the very fact that you are asking the LinkedIn community a question and referred to your blog post as background is proof that social media is your friend.

The bigger issue - and one that none of the other responses indicate - is that because software developers and the web community in general did not see the value of online interaction in the mid- to late-1990s, there is a reason that LinkedIn, Facebook, Del.icio.us, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Flickr, etc. are only creatures of the Web 2.0 phenomenon.

Your blog post links to some YouTube videos. Online videos are nothing new, but a video where one can write a comment and link that comment to his/her own YouTube profile which in turn is linked to anything he wants? Good luck finding something like YouTube on the Web in 1996.

If social networks are keeping us apart, as you suggest, then LinkedIn wouldn't have such a strong following and you and I wouldn't be members engaging in this interactivity.

posted June 19, 2008

I think that the real value of the social networks is to create groups based on common interests.

I'll try to be clear: registering and making contacts/friends is only the first step. You can have an incredible number of friends, but just a small part of them can be interested all of your activities/hobbies.

So you create sub-groups on particular topics, for example i've created a group on Facebook based on which live in my town (Torino). The group is growing steadily and it's starting to become a center of initiatives.

Linkedin is already a pre-filtered social network, because it's dedicated to work contacts. I could (and probably will try) to use facebook to get in touch with prospective customers, but it would require some work.

On the other hand i consider myspace a marketing "boutade", good only for music groups and voyeurs. Probably my artistic part of the brain is not developed enough.

I would not dismiss the possibility of real-life contacts because similarly minded people tend naturally to aggregate in phisical places sooner or later. (just look for the parties and conventions based on World of Warcraft!)

posted June 19, 2008

As Richard Buck wrote... no place is apart... for this reason I think social networks, can bring us together... if we are geographically apart... but we must not forget the importance of real social life... the deep intensity of a look face to face, eyes in the eyes.

posted June 19, 2008

Hi Jacob,

Nice blog. All things in moderation! When anything takes over a larger portion of your life than it should, you have a problem. Social media and networking are no different, they have the capability to do both; drive a wedge between the real life relationships and/or build virtual friendships which provide mutual support, bolster creativity and encouragement. Like every tool, it depends on the way it's used!

I agree that online friendships are slightly different, but I think they have value. This is just a step further than the pen pal of the past! I go for quality contacts, not quantity and have found some intelligent human beings that I would actually like to meet in person some day. True the individual could be anyone. We all keep that in mind I think. I like your reminder that many people misrepresent themselves in person as well. A question comes to mind here, are we more inclined to trust someone we just met in person vs over the net?

I think Hermes has an excellent point- when we choose to drag this internet world around with us everywhere we go, it can impede the connections literally right in front of us. I find it irritating when out with others, socially or professionally, and they answer texts/phone calls and continue to carry on a whole conversation. I think it de-values the individuals around them. Just because someone can reach us 24/7 doesn't mean they need immediate attention. Would you call a friend/client then put them on hold for 5 minutes while you chat with another caller and expect that they're still going to be sitting there with their phone to the ear waiting for you to come back? This isn't any different really. The problem as I see it, is that we think it is.

Thanks for asking the question and opening up great dialogue!
Linda

posted June 19, 2008

I, too, have to disagree with Hermes and others who assert that plugging in electronically means tuning out the "real world". I can only speak for myself, but I have to say that social networks online have allowed me to build more personal and business "real world" networks and friends than I ever would have been able to previously. Technology simply facilitates my ability to more quickly find the needles in the haystack -- the others who share my niche interests, whether personal or professional. No matter how insane my schedule gets, social networks also allow me to stay in touch with my friends, family and colleagues, something that would defiitely be going by the wayside in my hyper-busy life if technology didn't haelp me facilitate it. In addition, it allows me to more quickly coordinate schedules so that we can actually find a way, in this crazy busy world, to connect in the "real world". Using social networks, I have made some of the best friends I've ever had in my life. We meet regularly outside of the cyber world, and I have to say that probably never would have happened without social networks.

posted June 19, 2008

Good question, Jacob!

I still believe that the telephone is one of the best social networking tools around, and, at least for me, there is a point when you want to take your online connections into the real world. Last year, I began creating opportunities to network away from the computer.

During the week, I meet with folks I've met through social media periodically for lunch. Last October I founded New Media Cincinnati, a meetup group for folks interested and passionate about new and social media to get together. We hold conversations in real life and online.

Social networks are the people; not the tools themselves. The tools exist just to facilitate the real-life connections.

Make it a great day!

Links:

• http://danieljohnsonjr.com
• http://twitter.com/newmediacincy

posted June 19, 2008

Excellent question Jacob, and I found your blog post intriguing. I find the various social networks to be a great way to meet people with whom I would not generally have a way of connection. Several of my clients have come from discussions on social networks (including LinkedIn) and I've made good friends this way too.

True, you can adopt a different persona, but I find that extended contact through social media reveals the person's true self pretty quickly. Some, like fake Steve Jobs are recognized, and even followed for their false personas.

As for the Twitter whore video, yes, there are people out there who endlessly Twitter their daily minutia but there are a lot of ways that micro-blogs can help your business too. (follow me on Twitter @jfouts ) See my blog post below for some ideas.

Bottom line? Social media is a means to an end. Hopefully resulting in rich and rewarding real world relationships.

Links:

• http://www.tatudigital.com/blog/twitter-as-a-business-tool-really/

posted June 19, 2008

Interesting question.

There is no doubt that more Americans (74% in latest figures - can give sources) and Europeans (64%) are online than ever before. Social networks are a

normal outgrowth of the need for humans to interact on even a base level. The busier people become - whether real or imagined - the less time they have to

interact socially outside of their immediate families. Research has shown that, at least in the U.S., people are spending MORE, not less, time with their

families. Especially among men. Data suggests that they are spending way more time at home helping out than they did in any previous generation(s). And

this core family time is increasing as time goes on, not the converse. Golfing and other non-family oriented activities are on the decline because of it.

So why is any of this important?

Simply put: business. Social networks allow businesses to adapt to a changing landscape where their customers' needs and problems become the focus of

their efforts rather than the 'yell as loud as you can until someone answers' approach that traditional media and marketing efforts have utilized until

fairly recently. Social networks have been with us for a long, long time. Remember Friendster, anyone? Classmates.com? How about web-based college alumni

networks? My alma mater had one in the mid-90's. It is only recently with the meteoric rise in the media - and in valuation - of such 'juggernauts' as

MySpace and Facebook that more attention has been paid to them in the business world. When Mark Zuckerberg (the then 23-year-old CEO of Facebook) turned

down 2 BILLION dollars for his company the media went into overdrive. Last summer Facebook was mentioned constantly in every media outlet known to

mankind. Even my local paper (which serves about 11K households) had articles about Facebook privacy and how to create your profile.

And let's not kid ourselves, people. No matter what altruisms are quoted about them these networks are here to make money. Period. They may not have been

able to monetize on a grand scale but they are trying. The VCs know it. Wall Street knows it.They are not called 'walled gardens' for nothing. They are

mining information and keeping it close for just this reason.

Back to the original question: closer or farther? The answer is a resounding 'closer.'

From a purely business perspective, social networks have given businesses the ability to interact with their customers in ways they have never before been

able to at economies of scale that would have been scoffed at even a decade ago. Put more simply: customers are starting to own and drive brands, not

businesses. Social networks have opened up lead-generation opportunities only dreamed of in the past. Think of it: Facebook has 85M users and is growing.

This is the genesis behind Web 2.0: listen, don't preach. Help, don't sell. Start the conversation with your customer then pipe down and let them talk.

Encourage discussion and don't panic when the invariable negative comments pop up. There is a ton of research out there showing that in certain market

verticals and industries and more importantly in certain demographics that ROI from social network and social media investments can be ridiculously high

compared with traditional media and marketing campaigns. And in a business climate cooled by the talk of recession, stagflation, and a rising national

debt, social media investments are cheap, cheap, cheap. If a business has a clear objective in mind of why they want to be on a social network and what

they hope to gain from it they can reap enormous benefit. I posted a more detailed discussion about this on my blog. Check it out here:

http://www.thoughtlabs.com/blogs/2008/06/10/the-changing-meaning-of-roi-proving-the-value-of-social-media-2/

Links:

• http://www.thoughtlabs.com/blogs/2008/06/10/the-changing-meaning-of-roi-pro...

posted June 19, 2008

I see social "online" networks as a force multiplier besides the normal face to face communication and interaction.
If it is a replacement of going to visit and see someone personally the next room in extreme cases, then it will keep us apart.
If it is to connect easily worldwide professionals of the same interests to exchange different opinions or views and new ideas and new businesses will form, who otherwise were not connected or with an enormous amount of effort in time and resources, then it is an enrichment of the normal 3dimensional life.

The regional homogeneous old boys country club network in the industrial age has transformed and evolutionized in global social networks of diverse signature independent of time and place in the information age.

Links:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Y

posted June 19, 2008

Hi Jacob!
Interesting question, interesting answers.I should probably thank eveybody for expressing their point of views! See, if it were not for this social networking tools we now use, i would have never been able to read your question and all the interesting answers! In fact, I do not know any of you, but we are sharing something here!
In short, social netoworking is not a substitute for real relationships, but it is an amazing tool to build new ones, grow our businesses, make the "virtual" a reality!
Donata Morandi

posted June 19, 2008

Social network sites can do part of the job - they can start the process and they can sustain the process to some degree, but that's not the whole picture.

It's all about building a trusted relationship, because that's the basis on which we choose to transact with each-other, whether it's social or business we engage with people we Like, Trust and Respect.

It is, therefore, not the Social Network itself that brings people together, other than facilitating the dialogue - it is how we act towards eachother that makes it happen. This is what creates the Relationship and builds a solid foundation for things to move from there, whether it's meeting up and having sex as a result of a dating site, or meeting up and doing business as a result of a Networking site like LinkedIn.......

The Return On Relationships Blog talks about this in some detail, as we move into a networked world, in which we invest time and energy in building our networks and relationships, it is the return on this invested time that we must manage - i.e. Return on Relationships instead of Return on Investment.

Links:

• http://www.returnonrelationships.net

posted June 20, 2008

I believe that Social Networks should be used for specific objectives. LinkedIn for example is extremely useful for everyone who wants to build a professional network. It's an amazing tool to keep in touch with the market and its opportunities without any effort. MySpace can be a very efficient channel to show your job if you are a musician or a producer. Besides this networks which has a useful and determined proposal, the other ones doesn't has really constructive issues and only helps to set people appart, virtualizing the relationships.

posted June 20, 2008

I think you can get sucked up into cyber life if you just play with it without thinking about what you are doing. But you can use it to enhance your real social life by getting to know more about people so when you meet it is much better.

The second thing is you would without the cyberlife never meet or have a chance to meet a lot of interesting people around the world, if you have to meet everybody locally. So, the simple answer to your question is yes and no, with an explanation.

posted June 22, 2008

Hi,

Jacob the fact that you are using Linkedin and you have a blog means that you yourselves are using social networking to get your message across. Social networks hold risks but the resources needed to interact with people half way around the world is less. You don't need a plane ticket etc you can be in contact with. Also they're a good way to meet new people and develop contacts.
Sometimes people who face drawbacks in real world like hesitancy in speaking or unfortunately other obstacles such as average or below average looks can overcome these with online friends.

I personally think that forums like orkut and facebook are great for retrospection. I have got in contact with tons of old school friends all over the world after 13 or more years! That's just beautiful and I'm really thankful for the new social networks! The add only who you know restriction helps keep the unwanted attentions to a minimum.

These days laomst everyone is on some social forum such as facebook it helps people group together organise themsleves along different lines but avoiding geographic boundaries. Who says you can't have a real friend who you may have never met? That's just accepting the paradigm shift. Aside from issues with security the SMs are great and bring us closer that's my perspective at least

posted June 24, 2008

I'd say consider the personalities of those involved. If it's a shy person who would never talk to anyone otherwise, then social networks are a lifeline. Otherwise, I'll leave the debate to other folks.

posted June 24, 2008

Hello Jacob

You have some wonderful responses here.

Sadly, 90% of those who join a social network, are unsure why they did so, and are reluctant to participate. The opportunity to connect to other people is there, but the connections are not made. For instance, of the 20 million members of LinkedIn about 10 million have fewer than FIVE connections and hardly completed their profiles.

In the beginning, writing an interesting page about yourself is a difficult but necessary task. Once you have 30 or 40 connections, your network will begin to grow with less effort. Thus far, building your network is certainly "bringing us together".

You come to online social networks, with a real world network already in place. The online world, list serv's, web sites, search engines, groups and social networks enlarge and extend the "useful common". There is far more content and value in the useful common than you can possibly absorb. So, drink all you choose, but drink with discipline; you can drown in content. Try to find what you need "just in time" a little bit every day. Take the opportunity to build the strength and value of the useful common you have access to. At first you will be a taker. Later when your confidence grows you'll become a giver.

I'm one of those who was here early, and I've built a large network, but along the way I've also met and been influenced by some amazing people. I grew my confidence and my knowledge by trying to help people. Mostly on Ryze, but also here and in a few other places I've put hundreds of hours into researching topics and providing the best answers I could for people who asked for help. I guess quite often the person helped didn't understand what was done, or how long it took, and sometimes by the response, I wonder if they ever read what I wrote. If you invite someone who's not already on LinkedIn to join, they don't usually respond well, you're taking them to a new place, and they go reluctantly. When you give new members of LinkedIn advice about how to use this network, newbies often don't appreciate the value of your comments, it's not their fault. They are new. This is a strange and scary place when you first join.

However, EVERY TIME you make a special effort to help someone, there is one person who always benefits, yourself. You help yourself by clarifying what you know, and what your experience has taught you, and you deepen your own understanding and ability to use the useful common for yourself. When you volunteer to do things you reinforce who you are and what you are becoming better at doing.

I've built a large network, but I don't recommend that to everyone. You'll know, if for some reason you need a large network, for the rest, somewhere between 100 and 500 connections should be very useful. More important than building more connections is to engage a small number of your online contacts in regular discussions. I've been experimenting with that. It's not easy. The conversation keeps running dry, and you have to re-boot it again. It takes two people to keep a conversation going. You know the sound of one hand clapping. If it's too hard to sustain, that relationship dies. If you can find in 100 connections four new people that you enjoy talking to across the world, if you can talk to people who don't exist in the same cultural bubble as yourself, you will discover value.

The world faces crisis on many fronts. I don't think we've got the political and cultural foresight to cope with the problems ahead. Avoidance has been the pattern of the past 50 years. But online groups are forming that are facing the challenges we are slowly coming to understand. This is bringing people together in ways that are quite unexpected and producing changes in ideas and purposes that we didn't expect in ourselves. Perhaps here, in our conversation is the solution to the “War on ........” whatever the latest problem is.

John

Links:

• http://www.openfuture.co.nz/theresponsibility.html

posted June 24, 2008

Georgia O' Keeffe said that to see, takes time. And most of us will blow past that...

Modernity prizes speed and ubiquity which diminishes the value of the human connection at it most elemental, touch and sight. It devalues the essence of you, or me. It can create "them" a virtual xenophobia.

Transactional interaction - the disconnection is great. I have third degree difference to you and so the nature of who and what we are is abstracted through an asynchronistic mechanism, but is it brining me closer? I could, at another time and forum (question) argue that it is not

posted June 25, 2008

Hi Great question. I initially began participating in social networks after returning to work after the birth of my third child. Working from home predominately, I actually found that the absence of regular "water cooler" discussions, was causing me to feel more isolated and disconnected with the workforce.

By integrating social networks into the way I work, I am able to participate in interesting and challenging conversations, build my expertise, access information faster and build new and existing relationships. Whats more, by the time I meet some of these contacts in person, it seems that we have known each other for years.

Social networking can accelerate the time it takes to get to know people, enable you to build more meaningful work relationships, can ensure you have access to information faster and more efficiently than ever, and can replace the water cooler conversations that are being eroded by a globally expanding workforce.

Having said that, I would say the key is how the networks are integrated into your work life, rather than replacing human contact all together.

posted June 25, 2008

Dear Jacob,

thank you for such a deep question. In my point of view, "friend" is a big, serious, word that implies no less than 10 years of relationship, where the time limit has nothing to do with accumulating reciprocal knowledge, but is due to the fact that over 10 years it is likely that changes in life and difficult problems arise and so it is possible to see if the relationship can survive them. In this case, it is a true solid friendship.

All the rest is acquaintances, and of course the more reciprocal knowledge you acquire, the better the relationship. To such an extent, a social network has the drawback that you don't look at people straight into the eyes, which is essential, in my point of view.
On the pros side, social network gave a new prompt to written communication, that -if you really cannot look at each other's face- is however better than the phone conversation. Writing is a wondeful way of expression, that tells a lot about people and about the care they put in saying things. Also, social network allows to have first-hand impressions and thought of people living in other countries, with other habits, and this helps opening our mind.

So, in the end I would say that online relationship are different from those "offline", buth both of them are valuable, in their way.

Have a nice day,
Giovanna

posted June 26, 2008

Hi Jacob,

Quite a question! I'll see where this one takes me!

I have lifelong friendships - one friend I have known since I was months old and we are still in regular touch. She lives in another state so we regularly gab on the phone and catch up a couple times a year in person. We share just about everything and can laugh at the smallest stuff until we are doubled over.

Caught up with another childhood friend from age 8 last night. We hung out a lot until age 18 and then went to different colleges and life took different paths but always stayed in touch. Even traveled to New Zealand with her for a year in our late 20's. While we have not been in constant touch by any means - it is a friendship that is deep and meaningful.

Online networking is a new thing for me - just over the past few months have I really engaged in it - right here. It's been a fascinating exercise.

In the beginning I collected connections not having a clue what it meant. We met in the Q&A and we linked and some of us have never talked again. I see a name in my network and wonder who they are! I look at their profile and see they haven't been on LI since. A lot of folks you meet are feeling out the site when you meet and then they push off shortly thereafter as perhaps another site works better for them or no site at all!
So, I have these dormant contacts and I'm wondering whether I should just clean house and narrow it down to those I communicate with. I LIKE knowing who my connections are and have some idea what they think about things!

I'm understanding this world a little better now, I approach it differently and only connect from this point forward with those who are ACTIVE in the Q&A so that there is a better chance of actually exchanging ideas with one another. It's a whole lot more meaningful and stimulating.

I can tell you I feel like I've made some pretty good friends here in a short time. We share highs and lows and we laugh together. I'm happy to lend an ear and my shoulders are broad so they're available too when there is that bond.

I very much look forward to meeting some connections in person as time passes. That will begin in August when my husband and I go on a trip, conincidentally, where one of my good connections lives. It will be fun to meet this person who makes me laugh via this virtual world sometimes to the point of almost crying! :-)

Lasting friendships do take time to establish but this network is a good one for me as there is such an opportunity to get to know people on a deeper level starting with the Q&A. It's an amazing format really...not, it's not perfect but what or who is?

Thanks, Jacob! Have a great day!

Mary

Links:

• http://shasta-relo.com/2008/06/24/no-matter-where-we-live/

posted June 26, 2008

It's commonly accepted "fact" that 70% of all communication happens through body language. Folded arms, smiles, eye contact, et cetera.

We all know that body language doesn't happen online, even via a web cam. Emoticons and other methods for communicating tacit intent are helpful but don't solve the problem.

I've noticed that online, people are in a quick hurry to be rude to one another. They say things they would never dare to say to a person in real-life. To me, that hardly seems like social evolution.

On the other hand it opens the doors for the shy to be seen and heard. I, for example, would never deign to give my opinion to a group of total strangers in real life. However, online, it somehow seems completely reasonable.

Consider this next generation of children. Practically born with a mouse in one hand and a cell phone in the other, electronic communication is an inherent part of their socialization process. Is that better? I guess you'd have to watch them on their first date to see if they are completely socially awkward. It could be argued, I think, that both parties would then be socially awkward, and the awkwardness would not be noticed by either.

Social-clumsiness would become the norm, and then the whole scale would shift. Interperson communications would have... changed... but I hesistate to use the term evolved.

posted June 26, 2008

This year I have contacted 3 guys I knew when I was in 3rd grade.
How exciting that is!

It is a reconnection birth with old friends!

Links:

• http://www.cobyneillcreative.com

posted June 26, 2008

My 2 cents:

Social networks such as LinkedIn and facebook etc. are more positive than negative... if you view it as a tool.

There are risks everywhere. Even face-to-face network from workplace or any social gatherings there are questions about quality of friends you encountered, time you spent on social activities, or a personal identity revealed etc.

I have known many people on the LinkedIn for less than a year, some I have never met are good friends from my 6th sense or my gut feeling. Some have become true good friends of mine. However, some wanted to take advantages of me for being honest or generous...

I consider social networks such as LinkedIn as one of the useful tools [a double edged sword]. It takes time to master it, but I have to be willing to learn [to pay my tuition fees]...

posted June 26, 2008

The point of software is to streamline tedious stuff in our lives so we can have more time for the offline activities with friends and family that really count. That being said, online social networking is very good for connecting with people that are not as close to you that you need to connect with anyway, specifically that you might otherwise "waste" time bullshitting with. And then it's good for business, which again is so you can have more time offline with your true friends and family. Period. Simple as that...Well actually probably not--there's a lot more to it. You can find and meet people who could even become your best friends; or be in touch with best friends thousands of miles away, etc.

It's really up to the person doing the "social networking." Not to get all psychological, but getting close to people is one of the most important things in life and sometimes one of the hardest things for people. It's up to the person whether he's using online networking to stay comfortably detached or to get closer to people. That's the bottom line. Software tools are super duper abstractions on top of the things that really count, and if the things that really count are not "coded" correctly, they're not going to put the tools to their best and most healthiest use.

Anyway, let's build some software: http://FaceySpacey.com

Links:

• http://FaceySpacey.com

posted June 27, 2008