Of Social Networking….
I belong to a variety of social networks. Initially I declined invites
to most networks. I am a member of Multiply.com and
that is the network I have used since 2003. All of my photos, blog
entries, etc. are posted there. But as time went on, I began to see
the positive aspects of joining various social networks.
MYSPACE
First I joined MySpace. Most of my friends on MySpace are not actual people.
They are bands or causes or organizations or places. I like it that way.
If I log into MySpace, I usually go to the bulletin board to see what my
friends have going on. So for instance I would see a favorite band just released
a new album, or an art museum nearby is having a new show, or there are open
call auditions for a theater in my city. That is what I use MySpace for.
I do not accept invitations from people I don't know, and I don't spend time
browsing looking for people I do know.
http://myspace.com/redjodi
LINKEDIN
I joined LinkedIn because I was invited by a colleague. I began to realize
the importance of having a social network just for business; A place where
people don't post silly pictures or send you strange messages. Simply a business
network where you can connect to people you know and call out to when you
need assistance. I have not been in the market for a new job since I joined
LinkedIn, but I have made referrals for other colleagues/friends who have
been job hunting. I do not accept invitations from people I don't know, and
I don't spend time browsing looking for people I do know.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jodig
FACEBOOK
Some time ago a co-worker was leaving Gannett and said to keep in touch via
Facebook. I wasn't a member, but I wanted to keep in touch with this person.
He was leaving for a world-wide adventure, and would BE posting pictures
along the way. So, reluctantly, I joined. I viewed his pictures and then
didn't return to Facebook for probably over a year. But out of the blue I
received an invitation from an old high school friend. I had lost touch with
most of my high school friends since leaving the New York area in the early
'90's. I accepted and within a couple weeks, my Facebook network was full
of old high school alumni. We posted pictures and caught up and reminisced.
Facebook has become my high school network. I have other friends on there,
but for the most part it has become a place to catch up with old friends.
I do not accept invitations from people I don't know, and I don't spend time
browsing looking for people I do know.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jodi_Gersh/1131130263
MULTIPLY
As I already mentioned, I am a member of Multiply. It is still my most used
and favorite network. I have been a member since 2003, about the same time
I stopped updating my own personal website/blog. My whole family belongs
to Multiply and there are much more advanced security features so I can post
something just to family, or just to friends or just to a couple individuals
if that is what I want. It has become the place I post questions out to my
network, or photos from events, or reviews of movies/books/restaurants. I
also trust my Multiply network because they are all connected to me and I
'know' them. They are reliable for suggestions and opinions. I prefer Multiply
over all the other networks, but have certainly seen a need to maintain them
all. I do not accept invitations from people I don't know, and I don't spend
time browsing looking for people I do know.
http://jodig.multiply.com
TWITTER
Although not technically a social network, I do belong to Twitter. Twitter
is interesting. I am actually fascinating by Twitter. Depending on how it
is used, it can be a terrific tool. I follow many people. And many people
have something to 'tweet' about. But many do not. Some people (me included)
don't have a specific Twitter focus. So you will find tweets like "I
had a yummy bagel for breakfast". Other people are on Twitter for a
specific topic, and will post messages, links, news items, etc. throughout
the day on that topic. Some tweet for special occasions- like visiting a
convention or conference. You can live vicariously through those tweets.
I am not sure how I am using Twitter, but I chose who to follow wisely and
enjoy reading the tweets.
http://www.twitter.com/jodiontheweb |
