Set up a Twitter account. Check.
Set up Google Reader feeds. Check.
Set up a Pushnote account. Check.
Well that's me in the loop now! But then why do I still feel so out of touch (and out of time).
I've held this post back for a bit to see if I could adjust to my new online self and see if with a little bit of work I all of the sudden have this amazing online network. Sadly I've not.
I'm fully aware that online communities don't just automatically come together and they take time and effort. But I did hope I might have more than just call girls following me on Twitter by now. Not to mention the fact I'd hoped to have more free time since I've set up my feeds. Maybe my expectations were unrealistic and actually it takes so much more time than I'd anticipated.
Ok, so I have enjoyed checking Twitter on my phone and it has given me something to play with while filling a few minutes here and there, but still.
I think the main problem I have with all of this online stuff is that it's hard to understand. Maybe I'm a bit thick but I really need more than just a quick FAQ guide to get me off the ground. I don't understand hashtags and don't get me started about re-tweeting. Not a clue. That's why I'm getting a friend who is a dab hand at theses things to give me a quick lesson. You know, the 1:1 in person lessons you used to get when you wanted to learn something. I believe in the online world but sometimes a friendly face really does make a difference. You can't ask difficult questions to FAQ sheets.
The other barrier I've found is me, really. I'm just not sure what to write (even with this blog). Are people interested in what I have to say? Not only that but I work in a very internally facing role. I don't generally interact with outside people and I work on very specific projects. What can I add / contribute? What I might find interesting may be completely boring to you my online network. What kind of things would you be interested in hearing about?
I'll say the one positive experience I've had so far with this thing is that at least I've got all the blogs I want to follow in one spot. It does beat the heck out of remembering them and going to them individually! I've not really dedicated enough time yet to sinking my teeth into them but once I do, and I catch up on past blog post, I should find I have more time to wrap my head around Twitter.
But for now, all feedback about topics and issues you think you'd be interested in hearing about (or helpful advice for my conference topic - see last post) would be gratefully received!
Thanks online network. I'll catch up with ya soon!
I think you write good blog posts. Your posts sound as if you are talking to an acquaintance or musing to yourself, depending on the post.
ReplyDeleteYou seem worried about others being uninterested in what you write. Write what you want to say. Some people will enjoy it; others won't. I suspect, as you continue to write, your style and content will evolve. The most important thing is to write posts about which you are willing to say, "Yes, I wrote that." And occasionally write something that makes you squirm because most people learn through experimentation. Try not to worry so much about what others think. Try to get value from the process rather than others' opinions. Just my two cents.
I'd agree with what Jill said, above - don't worry too much, just write what you think you'd like to read! You've got a good, readable blogging style - I certainly enjoy reading your posts :)
ReplyDeleteRegarding Twitter - hopefully your friend can help you figure it out, but just in case it's useful, Twitter has a glossary that explains things like hashtags and retweets: http://support.twitter.com/entries/166337-the-twitter-glossary
Hope that helps!
I know, I know, I should really just bite the bullet and go for it. Thanks for the positive reinforcements everyone. And I will check out the Twitter glossary!
ReplyDelete