If you’re a newbie or want to learn more about social media, read this post: “What is Social Media? In plain English“.You could say social media is everything on the internet, but that’s another conversation. This post is a personal rant, so here it goes,
1. The “always on” factor:
A lot of people ask “how do you manage your time on social media, with emails, tweets and smartphones?” and I feel almost obligated to responded to everything immediately. Plus people can reach each other in various ways, and I sometimes think others don’t take into consideration whatyou have going on in your personal life. You have to have some self control and some rules in place to use your time effectively.
2. The immediacy factor:
I blame this one on Twitter. Everyone wants to be first to report or reply, or they want you to accept a friend request asap. We’re living in a microwave age,. People want content and replies, and they want it now. I think this is part of the reason newspapers are failing.
3. The expectation factor:
I’ve been dealing with this for a while. You create a web presence, build a brand, and people will put a label on you in a heart beat. I’m no master, expert or anything like that; I’m online to use the tools, build relationships, start a business, and go from there like the next person. If you are like me, you have put in time to build your brand and now that the space has become so crowded you have to work harder to prove your value and how you’re different or better than the next person.
4. The echo chamber factor:
Maybe I’m spending too much time online, but I’ve seen a lot of posts just copy the same stories from others. For the blog’s sake don’t let an Apple “rumor” get started; you’ll read about the same story on 10 Mac blogs.
5. The rich are getting richer and the poorer are still trying:
The popular blogs are gaining more and more traffic, and although it’s easier for people to launch new websites and blogs, I think gaining sustainable traffic is harder. But it can be done .
6. The Lack of diversity:
This one is a touchy topic but true, there’s lack of diversity in social media. The space is dominated mostly one race and gender. Others have to work harder to succeed and they must have a thick skin and be strong to last.
7. Everyone is a judge:
Social Media has given everyone a voice. You can easily tweet, blog, or record a video about anyone and be heard. Sometimes people care about what you are doing on line, and sometimes they don’t, but when you make a few mistakes people will call you out. Pick and choose your battles wisely and always try to do your best.
8. The one-person or one-blog or one-tool factor:
Despite what anyone says, I disagree that any one person or blog has all the answers about social media. Social media is not just Facebook or just Twitter. It’s so much more. A few years ago, it was all about web 2.0, and before that it was about charging $35,000 to $50,000 just for a plain brochure website. I don’t have all the answers, and if anyone else tells you they do, run and run fast. Everything is in beta and I’m sure by the end of 2009 the world will be buzzing about the next big thing online. Either way, I’m going to do the best I can with what I’ve got, work on a few projects, and see where the web ends.
9. The “taking it to serious” factor:
Sometimes I want to say lighten up, we’re all different and entitled to our own opinion, and that’s what makes us unique. I’ve seen comments and conversations that have just gone too far. If you’re a business, protect your brand and your voice. If you’re an individual, be careful what you say online because it can come back to haunt you one day. And let’s try to just get along.
Conclusions
Ok, I think I’ve done enough venting for now, and I feel a little better. But there’s a lot I have to work on, to improve on as a man, husband, entrepreneur. I also want to improve everything I put online to try to make it great, because I’m getting judged on everything. I’m in beta folks, time to work stronger, faster and smarter in 2009, and see where the road takes me.
By the way, I recently posted the following tweet: “Working on a blog post: Things You Don’t Like About Social Media – What are Your Pet Peeves? Reply to be included” Below are the responses.
