I just saw the notice: Blogger is getting a new look in April. I learnt today that, come March 30, Facebook's Timeline will be mandatory. When did these tools we opted to use begin to mildly frustrate us as their purveyors push what they think is better? We could opt out - or could we? Well, we could, but, we have grown an extra limb or two or three. Getting through our days without the Twitter limb or - for some - the Facebook limb, seems like a crazy, far-fetched idea. When the creators of these limbs twist our arms to get us to move in their direction, quite frankly, it doesn't take much effort on their part. It's pretty much get with it or get out of the way!
You may know of my love and appreciation for Marshall McLuhan's quotes: "The medium is the message/massage"; "We shape our tools and then our tools shape us" and, a more recent fave, "Invention is the mother of necessity"! So, there you have it, folks! Let's just take that all in for a moment, shall we? (Tangent: I do like that part of the Bio that says: "He was learning in spite of his professors, but he would become a professor of English in spite of himself." Not too keen on the "training of perception" idea, though. I think it bothers me... or intrigues me...? Not yet sure which. I would have to explore whether my appreciation for these quotes is incongruous with that idea... I dunno. And now is not the time to ponder this.) Moving on.
We have indeed shaped our tools and, in turn, have been shaped by them. Our priorities have changed; our preferences for the way we interact have been re-defined. There is a tool for every mood; a tool for every kind of message. The medium that we use helps to shape the (kind of) message we wish to send. Sometimes you'd rather not call, just text - because, well, you know. The invention of gadgets and electronic tools galore have birthed the (desperate) need for accessories we had no clue we sooo needed before they came on stream. We have a gazillion ways to talk and interact with each other, but more and more of which have little to do with the original - face to face. Not in a Skype or other video chat way, either, but, in the way where we can reach out and touch each other; hug; hold. Question: If we had an opportunity to get together with all our followers, LinkedIn contacts or Facebook friends, for example, would we? Or, ok, we might have placed them in categories based on shared interests. Even then, would we want to be in the presence of all these people of like interests? I imagine the answer depends quite a bit on our personality but, whatever it is, we gotta give thought to the possibility that, at any given time, there are people with whom we would want to be in touch with physically and there are those we don't. Also, that there is a time when it's convenient to connect and a time when it is not. And, there is a tool, a medium, for every preference.
More than anything, however, all this repeatedly brings home to me the distinction between what really matters and what doesn't. What. People close to me matter to me. A lot. However, a few offline contacts/friends have come to matter, too. And the joy (the what) that they bring to my life is invaluable - even if just for a season. So, while we *cough* I *cough* bond with a new PlayBook (thanks for helping me choose @MizDurie), discover new ways to connect online and indulge in reading on the go, I've come to accept a few things: (1) The fast pace and accoutrements of technology will be around for a while. (2) The occasional mild frustration is bearable when compared with the thought of a severed limb. (3) There is peace in creating at my own pace and (4) It's important that I remain grounded and book face time!
Updated: 2012-03-28 at 4:28PM with link to story on FB's Timeline.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Showing posts with label facebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label facebook. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
"The Castle" - A Short Story
Well, here goes. Having decided to put my story-telling skills on show, for public consumption and criticism, I'm beginning with this one:
THE CASTLE
(A SHORT STORY)
She was fine. She was sitting at her desk, in her new full-time, permanent Administrative Assistant position. It wasn’t the Executive Assistant one Francine had applied for, but, she was fine.
She reflected on the initial months after leaving Jamaica for Rochester , New York
Before long, Susan, her supervisor, took a liking to her efficiency, professionalism and pleasant demeanour. She told Francine about an upcoming position and Francine had applied. The interview had gone well.
It so happened that, just as she had finished the interview that day, the full-time Admin Assistant, at the time, saw her descending the stairs.
“And what was that about?” Meghan called out from her desk.
“Oh, just a meeting with Susan,” Francine tried being evasive.
“Oh? I know she’s leaving. You’ve heard that, right? Was it about her position?”
There was no stopping this woman!
“She just wanted to talk about an opportunity,” Francine glanced outside, trying to appear nonchalant.
“Hmm. You know Francine, if it’s about her position, that kind of move would be pretty quick. It’s not often that someone from another country comes in and moves up that quickly.”
Francine didn’t like the sound of that; not at all.
“I mean, it’s not about you!” Meghan continued. “I’m just wondering why I’m always being overlooked. But, whatever! That kind of position is too demanding, anyway.”
Wow. It really took a certain kind of person to say stuff like that. She’d heard and read about Meghan’s kind. Francine knew she had to be careful – news clearly travelled fast in their small company. “Well, we’ll see how it goes,” she replied.
Several days after that, Susan had called her into another meeting. This time, she explained that she mightn’t have handled the situation well. It was her understanding that “someone” had said “something” and they’d had to revisit the hiring process. She apologized – several times. She explained further that they were prepared to offer her a different full-time, permanent position – Meghan’s position; that she and the Director both hoped she would accept as they were so very happy to have her.
Meghan’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“…new laptop for my new position. Is it here yet?
“Not yet,” Francine replied, without looking up.
“Well, I’m going back up to The Castle. That’s what they call it, right? Ha ha! The Castle. How funny is that?”
Francine looked up and managed a half-smile.
Before she ascended, however, Meghan leaned over Francine’s desk a bit and said in lower tones, “You know Francine, I don’t know who said anything to Susan. All I did was mention to one of the girls that it seemed they were hiring for Sue’s job. The next thing I knew, I was called for an interview and they offered me the Executive Assistant position. I mean, I’d even said to them, “It’s ok, you can give this position to Francine.” But, I guess they stuck to their decision, eh?”
This time, Francine raised one eyebrow, followed by the faintest of smiles. It was hardly detectable, really.
That evening, over dinner, she updated her husband on the latest exchange.
“She chat to much! She neva hear seh ‘cock mout kill cock’”? He asked.
“It nuh look suh!” Francine replied, raising her glass to her lips. “Time longer dan rope, man. Time.”
The End
Claudia
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Behind the Wall
The brouhaha has kinda died down now, well, for the "regular" Facebook users. I'm thinking, for the developers that showed up at Facebook's f8 conference on September 22? Not so much. Much has been written about the during and after - and I'm not even going to pretend to be a techie. But, what I am interested in are two issues.
Something about this sentence (from the same site referenced above) disturbs me: "He said that he wanted people to “fill in the gaps” so that all users’ personal information was on their Facebook profile." I believe that was largely in reference to the soon-to-be-released "Timeline" feature. I'd tweeted about it that day - or the day after. Stteo: "It's not your online life; it's your life online!" Now, I'm for slowly - and guardedly - adapting to advances in communication technology. I'm just not comfortable with putting my life, for each moment to be tracked, online. Yes, yes. Manage your privacy settings, you might say. Even then, why would I want another human being - any other human being - to be able to be all up in my stuff? And that's just for those to whom permission is given. There are those, behind the scenes, with access to servers on which ALL that information is stored. I like my life offline, TYVM. And, for the parts of it that I allow to be online? Well, they're...parts; parts that don't offer too much personal information. (Having said that, though, I will be taking a third look at my online presence.) It will be interesting to see the road down which this new development leads; the advantage enjoyed by those who use it.
And, speaking of behind the scenes, this next issue has little to with the latest FB developments. It has more to do with the tendency of folks, who, because of the luxury of anonymity behind the wall of ones and zeroes, tend to unleash their awful selves. Who knew that there was so much venom and vitriol in some folks? I'm talking about comment boards, social networking sites, t.o.night newspaper (Toronto). From friends of friends to total strangers, if you should happen to offend one of these persons, they go behind that wall and let loose!
To be honest, that's not something that I've experienced. (Well, not counting that one occasion on which a 'friend of a friend' made a comment after mine on FB - kind of questioning and disagreeing with mine - and ended her's with "kmt" (kiss mi teet). For the uninitiated, that's a Jamaican gesture (not about to teach the 'how to') that meant, in that context, "You're talking foolishness and I'm dismissing you!" As I recounted that to my sis, she (a more regular user of FB than I) was quick to point out that some of these people can be "dangerous" with their comments.) I have been, for a while, simply just looking on in amazement.
I read a comment on the Gleaner's Letter of the Day on its website a few days ago, that, I think, captures much of this sentiment. It was made by "Ibumpg". Writing from behind the wall? Yes. And how:
"Most people globally, like to comment or criticize. This is best done from the sidelines. We 'preen our feathers' and 'flap our wings' and announce how knowledgeable and experienced we are but will not enter the field of play. You see, analyzing decisions made by others is always easier that making them, especially under scrutiny. We are all great in hindsight.
Many of us would never present ourselves as political representatives, not because we consider ourselves incompetent, but because we are not prepared to be treated the way we do them."
This isn't something that's going away any time soon. As long as there's the provision for anonymity, there will be a spewing of venom and vitriol by total strangers. In some cases,even by those whom we know. A little change of name here; a little moniker or handle there, and they enjoy the freedom to lash out. I imagine that some folks need some form of outlet. It may be therapeutic for them. I just think that when it's carried out in this way, it simply reeks of incivility.
What of the art of (civil) conversation?
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Something about this sentence (from the same site referenced above) disturbs me: "He said that he wanted people to “fill in the gaps” so that all users’ personal information was on their Facebook profile." I believe that was largely in reference to the soon-to-be-released "Timeline" feature. I'd tweeted about it that day - or the day after. Stteo: "It's not your online life; it's your life online!" Now, I'm for slowly - and guardedly - adapting to advances in communication technology. I'm just not comfortable with putting my life, for each moment to be tracked, online. Yes, yes. Manage your privacy settings, you might say. Even then, why would I want another human being - any other human being - to be able to be all up in my stuff? And that's just for those to whom permission is given. There are those, behind the scenes, with access to servers on which ALL that information is stored. I like my life offline, TYVM. And, for the parts of it that I allow to be online? Well, they're...parts; parts that don't offer too much personal information. (Having said that, though, I will be taking a third look at my online presence.) It will be interesting to see the road down which this new development leads; the advantage enjoyed by those who use it.
And, speaking of behind the scenes, this next issue has little to with the latest FB developments. It has more to do with the tendency of folks, who, because of the luxury of anonymity behind the wall of ones and zeroes, tend to unleash their awful selves. Who knew that there was so much venom and vitriol in some folks? I'm talking about comment boards, social networking sites, t.o.night newspaper (Toronto). From friends of friends to total strangers, if you should happen to offend one of these persons, they go behind that wall and let loose!
To be honest, that's not something that I've experienced. (Well, not counting that one occasion on which a 'friend of a friend' made a comment after mine on FB - kind of questioning and disagreeing with mine - and ended her's with "kmt" (kiss mi teet). For the uninitiated, that's a Jamaican gesture (not about to teach the 'how to') that meant, in that context, "You're talking foolishness and I'm dismissing you!" As I recounted that to my sis, she (a more regular user of FB than I) was quick to point out that some of these people can be "dangerous" with their comments.) I have been, for a while, simply just looking on in amazement.
I read a comment on the Gleaner's Letter of the Day on its website a few days ago, that, I think, captures much of this sentiment. It was made by "Ibumpg". Writing from behind the wall? Yes. And how:
"Most people globally, like to comment or criticize. This is best done from the sidelines. We 'preen our feathers' and 'flap our wings' and announce how knowledgeable and experienced we are but will not enter the field of play. You see, analyzing decisions made by others is always easier that making them, especially under scrutiny. We are all great in hindsight.
Many of us would never present ourselves as political representatives, not because we consider ourselves incompetent, but because we are not prepared to be treated the way we do them."
This isn't something that's going away any time soon. As long as there's the provision for anonymity, there will be a spewing of venom and vitriol by total strangers. In some cases,even by those whom we know. A little change of name here; a little moniker or handle there, and they enjoy the freedom to lash out. I imagine that some folks need some form of outlet. It may be therapeutic for them. I just think that when it's carried out in this way, it simply reeks of incivility.
What of the art of (civil) conversation?
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Turning Back a Few Pages
I've found some sweet spots on the pages of Facebook. Yeah. Let's just dive right in, shall we?
Having decided to be open in my Cyopro connections on FB, I've been transported back to a time about which I have really precious memories. I've connected with people I met and knew in my twenties; people who cared to groom me and inspire me and look out for me - that sorta thing. And, I've simply embraced the transport and the nice feelings that come with it. We've touched based, shared a little, laughed (the LOL kind) a lot. But, invariably, it's with the comfort that...it's okay. I don't have to wonder about probable hidden agendas; chips on shoulders; slight narcissism - you know, the kinds of things you are hap to discover in one or two people as you discover...yourself.
True, I've spoken before about linking with people you haven't seen from Adam. That you never know how they have been shaped and by what: whether it's something from which you'd want to stay far far away. However, I'm talking about a connection with older folks (I'd say not so much to be my mother, but they were, in a sense, pretty motherly); folks who were eager to affirm my strength and drive and self esteem and potential... They were not afraid of doing so because they themselves stood secure in who they were. That's how it seemed to me, and I've had no reason to doubt it. So often we find that some stay clear of affirming the strength and beauty of others (not that they're needed to validate all that!) it's like, it'll diminish them in some way if they do.
But not these. They gave of self and support. That's how I remember it. That's what has stayed with me from the season we spent together years ago. And, it brings a smile when I read a message saying how proud they are of me!
As in every nostalgic episode, I imagine, we seek out and cling to that which makes us feel all happy and gay and free and at ease! (Yeah, that's what I said.) We cling to that which makes us experience, in some way, the comfort and security we felt at that point in time. I get it. That is what has happened/is happening to me where these special connections - reconnections - are concerned.
And, I like!
They'll probably read this post one day so I say, thank you, Faith and Pat! (They did say I could drop the Mrs. this and Mrs. that! :-)
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Having decided to be open in my Cyopro connections on FB, I've been transported back to a time about which I have really precious memories. I've connected with people I met and knew in my twenties; people who cared to groom me and inspire me and look out for me - that sorta thing. And, I've simply embraced the transport and the nice feelings that come with it. We've touched based, shared a little, laughed (the LOL kind) a lot. But, invariably, it's with the comfort that...it's okay. I don't have to wonder about probable hidden agendas; chips on shoulders; slight narcissism - you know, the kinds of things you are hap to discover in one or two people as you discover...yourself.
True, I've spoken before about linking with people you haven't seen from Adam. That you never know how they have been shaped and by what: whether it's something from which you'd want to stay far far away. However, I'm talking about a connection with older folks (I'd say not so much to be my mother, but they were, in a sense, pretty motherly); folks who were eager to affirm my strength and drive and self esteem and potential... They were not afraid of doing so because they themselves stood secure in who they were. That's how it seemed to me, and I've had no reason to doubt it. So often we find that some stay clear of affirming the strength and beauty of others (not that they're needed to validate all that!) it's like, it'll diminish them in some way if they do.
But not these. They gave of self and support. That's how I remember it. That's what has stayed with me from the season we spent together years ago. And, it brings a smile when I read a message saying how proud they are of me!
As in every nostalgic episode, I imagine, we seek out and cling to that which makes us feel all happy and gay and free and at ease! (Yeah, that's what I said.) We cling to that which makes us experience, in some way, the comfort and security we felt at that point in time. I get it. That is what has happened/is happening to me where these special connections - reconnections - are concerned.
And, I like!
They'll probably read this post one day so I say, thank you, Faith and Pat! (They did say I could drop the Mrs. this and Mrs. that! :-)
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Online Legacy
Believe it or not, this is post number 100! Wow. I just love round numbers and celebrating milestones, don't you? And when they come together, even better.
Today is Mothers' Day and I could not help but notice the outpouring of love and affection on Facebook. Yes, right after talking to my mom (along with my sisters) on the phone this morning, that's where I headed. Visiting there more often than before these days, and have come to realize a thing or two.
NO HOLDS BARRED
For example, the other day when this guy passed on, having committed a horrible and atrocious act (murder-suicide), folks took to his FB page to comment (read: vent and curse). It was something to behold. I stood from a distance and watched. The posters started turning on each other as they took sides - no holds (nor language) barred. Finally, about 500+ comments later, the page went down.
After telling her about an experience I'd had shortly after starting my more frequent visits to FB, my lil sis gave me a bit of heads-up. I'd commented on a post from a friend and someone else made another comment disagreeing. On top of that, she added a term that, when interpreted, was essentially dismissive. And I'm thinking: "I don't even know you?! Why would you do that?" Lil sis 'warned' that, even in that space where you have mutual friends, some people just don't include care in their responses. There is not always that civility that we have come to know and love.
ONLINE SELVES
A WHOLE OTHER PERSON
Today is Mothers' Day and I could not help but notice the outpouring of love and affection on Facebook. Yes, right after talking to my mom (along with my sisters) on the phone this morning, that's where I headed. Visiting there more often than before these days, and have come to realize a thing or two.
NO HOLDS BARRED
For example, the other day when this guy passed on, having committed a horrible and atrocious act (murder-suicide), folks took to his FB page to comment (read: vent and curse). It was something to behold. I stood from a distance and watched. The posters started turning on each other as they took sides - no holds (nor language) barred. Finally, about 500+ comments later, the page went down.
After telling her about an experience I'd had shortly after starting my more frequent visits to FB, my lil sis gave me a bit of heads-up. I'd commented on a post from a friend and someone else made another comment disagreeing. On top of that, she added a term that, when interpreted, was essentially dismissive. And I'm thinking: "I don't even know you?! Why would you do that?" Lil sis 'warned' that, even in that space where you have mutual friends, some people just don't include care in their responses. There is not always that civility that we have come to know and love.
ONLINE SELVES
I know. I've talked about this some, a few posts back. On the whole matter of our online presence, however, it used to be that we had just this “version” of life to consider – our offline selves. Now, what happens to our online selves when we die? All that information remains “out there”, in blogs, tweets, professional and social networking sites and the like. Depending on the content, some of it may continue to be helpful to others – inspiring, educational etc. – other parts, not so much. In any case, in a kind of ironic twist, it lives on. This may give insight into why many of us create something online in the first place. It gives us a space to create that which is uniquely us; something that will outlive us and something by which we will (hopefully) be remembered.
Interestingly, however, it also creates an opportunity for others to do what they will with that online legacy or memory. Where there is free access, free will reigns. And, given the multiplicity of degrees of separation, especially when exacerbated by the thick wall of anonymity, comments can and do get downright insensitive, vicious and vitriolic. Such is the nature of this beast that emerges in these situations. It sinks its teeth into the jugular and rips you apart, simply because it has the means, the motive and the opportunity; sometimes, simply because it can.
A WHOLE OTHER PERSON
Users of these spaces will quickly realize that they are not controlled environments – in the truest sense. There are privacy settings, yes. However, unless we wish to log in and talk only with ourselves, every connection we make constitutes a conscious act of inviting a “whole other person” into your life. Persons come with their own beliefs, values, biases etc., which are not always in sync with ours. And, as offline, we do not have control over what people think and say. The natural human tendency is to respond to comments - especially defamatory ones – made about us and those we love. We can easily, therefore, find ourselves in a quagmire no less agonizing and fruitless than trying to herd cats!
Well, this greater frequency of exchanges has been enlightening. Still, there have also been some very favourable moments as well. (More about those in another post.) Suffice it to say, I've found a few sweet spots on FB...
Claudia
Friday, 8 April 2011
SMH
Today's edition of The Gleaner carries a story entitled: Day of Death. I read the story and found that the reporter, Daraine Luton, wrote with such vividness, while displaying sensitivity toward the remaining family members.
I imagine that anyone who's been privy to this story has come away believing that it is, in fact, something tragic and beyond sad. It is not possible to rehash here the kind and number of comments that have been made in other media. Nor, for that matter, do I want to. At the very least, it makes you stop and think.
I wrote a letter to the editor of The Gleaner late in the afternoon, in the hope that it will be published. The key messages? (1) be prepared for comments of all kinds when you make yourself present online and (2) let your family know that there is a way to delete your account (in this case, from Facebook), if you, or they, so wish to have that done after you die. (The shortcut to the deletion, which I hadn't mentioned in my letter, is simply to provide your password to someone you really trust. But, maybe not many people enjoy that luxury.)
My prayer is that God will give all the remaining family members - on both sides - the strength and peace that only He can give. I also pray that Ms. Joan will be blessed with a speedy and full recovery - the kind that defies all logic.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro.com
I imagine that anyone who's been privy to this story has come away believing that it is, in fact, something tragic and beyond sad. It is not possible to rehash here the kind and number of comments that have been made in other media. Nor, for that matter, do I want to. At the very least, it makes you stop and think.
I wrote a letter to the editor of The Gleaner late in the afternoon, in the hope that it will be published. The key messages? (1) be prepared for comments of all kinds when you make yourself present online and (2) let your family know that there is a way to delete your account (in this case, from Facebook), if you, or they, so wish to have that done after you die. (The shortcut to the deletion, which I hadn't mentioned in my letter, is simply to provide your password to someone you really trust. But, maybe not many people enjoy that luxury.)
My prayer is that God will give all the remaining family members - on both sides - the strength and peace that only He can give. I also pray that Ms. Joan will be blessed with a speedy and full recovery - the kind that defies all logic.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro.com
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Beyond Extraordinary
As we take a look around us, tune in (even when we don't) to media of all shapes, sizes, colours, bytes and networks, we are bound to see someone who is trying to be extraordinary - and freakishly so. What is just as certain, is that there will also be someone who is trying to go beyond extraordinary - and freakishly so.
Of course, a few persons come to mind: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta aka Lady Gaga; Adidja Palmer aka Vybz Kartel (or should that be "Vybz "Michael 'Cakesoap' Jackson" Kartel" - yes, a couple aliases layered inside a primary alias. Whatever! ) And, not too long out of the gate, with 2.2M+ followers behind him in under a week, Carlos Irwin Estevez aka Charlie Sheen aka Warlock (acclaimed "Winner!", drinker of "Tiger Blood" and spewer of other claims and utterances that are sure signs of an implosion happening in T minus ???) Just hope somebody knocks him over the head and drags him into a space where he can really get the help he doesn't realize he needs; where the media can stop milking his rants for ratings.
It kinda reminds me of the line from The Incredibles: "When everyone is special, no one is special."
So, why the push to be extraordinary? Why the mad race to go beyond extraordinary? What's the alternative?
The answer surely isn't "Be yourself", for those who fall in either category will be quick to tell you that that's exactly what they're doing. They're being their own unique selves. And others who are apparently, by comparison, bordering on "ambitionless"? Is it that we lack the brand of fire to desire to stand out? To stand out "that much"? To stand out "so"?
For, I imagine, that the crux of the matter might just lie therein. The terror of becoming satisfied with being "just part of the crowd"; of being "a nobody".
Well, does the fact that "the world" - definition: YouTwitFace (as Conan puts it) - doesn't know about you, make you less than extraordinary? Keep you, and what you do, from being "beyond extraordinary"?
Says who? Who's in charge of putting value on you, your vocation, talent, contribution...?
Yet, it's so easy to get deeply immersed in what is being fed to us through every orifice, it seems. So easy to get and remain distracted for an inordinately long time by the self-acclaimed "value adders"; those with the "value stamp of approval"; those who, in the long run - in this long race - build the "value metre", measure us, find us wanting or not; lift us up or tear us down and so on and so forth.
Do those who strive to be extraordinary in these freakish, "celebritized" ways not soon become creatures - although, to be honest, I'm thinking more puppets - of the "value adders" et al on whose approval they feed? Do they not constantly try to outdo their last doing, to keep energizing the masses who, in turn, keep them elevated (we bow at your feet, your extraordinariness).
Maybe it's a symbiotic relationship, after all - i.e., if we could loosely apply the term "relationship".
And, maybe, we're near the tipping point where they're all beyond extraordinary so none of them is beyond extraordinary.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Of course, a few persons come to mind: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta aka Lady Gaga; Adidja Palmer aka Vybz Kartel (or should that be "Vybz "Michael 'Cakesoap' Jackson" Kartel" - yes, a couple aliases layered inside a primary alias. Whatever! ) And, not too long out of the gate, with 2.2M+ followers behind him in under a week, Carlos Irwin Estevez aka Charlie Sheen aka Warlock (acclaimed "Winner!", drinker of "Tiger Blood" and spewer of other claims and utterances that are sure signs of an implosion happening in T minus ???) Just hope somebody knocks him over the head and drags him into a space where he can really get the help he doesn't realize he needs; where the media can stop milking his rants for ratings.
It kinda reminds me of the line from The Incredibles: "When everyone is special, no one is special."
So, why the push to be extraordinary? Why the mad race to go beyond extraordinary? What's the alternative?
The answer surely isn't "Be yourself", for those who fall in either category will be quick to tell you that that's exactly what they're doing. They're being their own unique selves. And others who are apparently, by comparison, bordering on "ambitionless"? Is it that we lack the brand of fire to desire to stand out? To stand out "that much"? To stand out "so"?
For, I imagine, that the crux of the matter might just lie therein. The terror of becoming satisfied with being "just part of the crowd"; of being "a nobody".
Well, does the fact that "the world" - definition: YouTwitFace (as Conan puts it) - doesn't know about you, make you less than extraordinary? Keep you, and what you do, from being "beyond extraordinary"?
Says who? Who's in charge of putting value on you, your vocation, talent, contribution...?
Yet, it's so easy to get deeply immersed in what is being fed to us through every orifice, it seems. So easy to get and remain distracted for an inordinately long time by the self-acclaimed "value adders"; those with the "value stamp of approval"; those who, in the long run - in this long race - build the "value metre", measure us, find us wanting or not; lift us up or tear us down and so on and so forth.
Do those who strive to be extraordinary in these freakish, "celebritized" ways not soon become creatures - although, to be honest, I'm thinking more puppets - of the "value adders" et al on whose approval they feed? Do they not constantly try to outdo their last doing, to keep energizing the masses who, in turn, keep them elevated (we bow at your feet, your extraordinariness).
Maybe it's a symbiotic relationship, after all - i.e., if we could loosely apply the term "relationship".
And, maybe, we're near the tipping point where they're all beyond extraordinary so none of them is beyond extraordinary.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The gawking, the stalking and the (non) talking: Confessions of a torn Facebook user
As promised, in this entry, I’ll share my take on Facebook and why I was only sorta on it. And this is as of right now. Hey, you never know! (Was just about to put a hashtag on that #YouNeverKnow – then I remembered where I was.) My feelings toward it might just change by next Tuesday. (Don’t ask!)
Well, there’s a good place to start. Feelings. I dare say, too many of mine were being engaged in the idea of making “Facebook friends” (quotation marks intentional) and connections. One of my girlfriends, whom I’ve known for more than 25 years, heard a smidgen of my angst the other day and summed it up quite nicely, “You are too weird!” All I could say was, “Yeeaaah.”
I joined Facebook sometime in early 2007, I think. My Facebook friends count now? About 46ish – in any case, it’s under 50. Essentially, three groups comprise the count – High School Alma Mater; the Alma Mater where I did my BA and the Alma Mater where I did my MA. The remaining connections are family, relatives and a few offline friends I’ve known since childhood.
THE GAWKING
I get that many people are interested in looking at pics of friends from Adam. The whole picture/thousand words thing does make sense. And it is fun to look and reminisce and all that. No substitute for going way back and enjoying it together. What I don’t get, though, is the gawking. People connect with others and simply comb through their pictures (yes, ‘cause they let ‘em!) clicking through album after album, without making a single comment. How do I know this? I found myself doing it. And I am 100% sure I’m not the only one who’s dunnit. And my doing that scared me that I could be that person – taking a kind of warped interest in the life of someone whom I hadn’t talked with in ages. Warped, because, after the gawking, I’d have no inclination, whatsoever, to exchange even two words! #EverGetThat? Not to mention my "Wait! Who's that living my life?" stares. Ouch! That musta hurt God's feelings.
I stopped gawking.
THE STALKING
Round about September of 2009, when I had about 50-something Facebook friends, I posted a kind note on my wall to inform that I was going to unfriend (or de-friend – whatever the term I used) a few people. I explained that I found we didn’t talk much and whenever I was on Facebook, I’d feel like I was stalking (!)
‘Cause I did feel that way, man!
I’d go on and check their walls and comments and what-not. I’d catch-up with their lives – as much as they cared to share – tracking their moves (?!) I mean, what was the point? Surely, there had to be more than that to Facebook. (Occasionally, one or two persons would say hi – they never gave up on me.) I convinced myself that I wasn’t using the space to its fullest potential; wasn’t making the best use of it at all. So, with plans to return after appointing an FAM (Facebook Account Manager – yeah), I took a hiatus. I recall one person saying that they (the un/de-friended) really weren’t going to like it (she wasn’t one of them). But, alas! The deed was done. I also opened my mind to the probability that some of those who’d remained would probably un/de-friend me. I was prepared.
Long after, I’d pop in – rarely – to post a vid I liked or an article I thought was worth sharing. That kinda thing.
THE NON-TALKING
I just wondered why folks would send invitations, and then not talk to me. Couldn’t see through that. Was an Facebook friend not a friend? Don’t friends talk to each other? Another aspect was just as puzzling. Friend request when we barely say hello offline? Even though we might cross paths every so often?
It took me a while to get it. Facebook friends are not necessarily friends, per se. No deep analysis required. They may be friends; associates; colleagues; someone you met once; third cousin twice removed; friend of a friend of a friend – you catch my drift. (I just recently caught that drift.)
Even though we had connected – after years and years of not knowing what each other had been up to; where each other’s beliefs now lie and so on – what we cared to share would, clearly, not tell the whole story. And the truth is that we really might not have much in common after all! Really might not have anything of such substance to glue a decent conversation together. To my mind, that explained a lot! That’s why we weren’t talking!
“Yes, Claudia,” you say. “That there is one of the mischiefs that Facebook tries to cure.” Get reacquainted and what not. I say fine, but, am I the only one who gets even a little bit queasy about reconnecting with long time friends/folks?
The big omission in all this? That thing that you’ve been waiting for me to admit? I wasn’t initiating m/any conversations myself. Of course, I’d go on about not talking and so on, but hardly ever said hello.
OUT OF HIATUS
Before coming out of hiatus, I got into Twitter more (@cyopro - see previous post for how that all went down.) I then permitted the app to run on Facebook and, Voila! I was instantly increasing posts and presence on Facebook! And, little by little (never “mis-underestimate” the power of baby steps), a few friends began to take note and the conversations began to grow more frequent. Then, a few old-new friends connected, and I accepted – without the level of queasiness I used to experience. (I tell you. Waaay too much thought.) As I lightened up a bit, for some areas, I started permitting “friends of friends” and, cautiously, in others, “everyone”! Mmhm! We’re cookin’ now!
ONLINE AND OFFLINE OPPOSITION
As with any online social network space, participation in Facebook highlights a kind of opposition, if you will, between online and offline realities. Many construct this virtual world and become convinced that it is “just like real life”. Nuh-uh! The personal pics and vids shared are, for the most part, pleasant. Indeed, they capture the moments of beauty. But, how many folks post pics and articles of ugly details of what’s happening to “others” in other countries or wherever and do/would do the same detailing the awful moments of their own lives? They may personally experience brutal and ugly moments, but those are not gonna make it to Facebook; not even in private albums. And even if some folks talk about it, sorta, they mightn’t touch the matter directly but kinda talk around it.
Offline, attention and popularity may wane; the 500 friends mightn’t show up at the barbecue (love this "Throw'd TV" clip). I see it as a space where folks enter, do stuff, then leave. I don’t know anyone who is “always on” Facebook, but I’ve heard that "they walk among us." And when the "book" is closed? When the site goes down at any time? I imagine there are shrieks of horror heard around the world. And, just imagine, those shriekers have to talk to other people now? Either that or scream at the computer until it gets back up. Not to worry. These addicts, well, they haven't lost their minds. They have them backed up on Facebook. Good thing FB allows you a zip file of your FB life - according to that site and a few others.
HEARING VOICES
As one of my sisters put it, when you get into Facebook, it’s like entering a huge space where everybody’s chatting and you’re hearing all these voices and some are talking with you and others are within earshot so you join in, if you feel like it, and you may be interrupted by someone who wants to chat when you’re trying to complete a move or a thought but, it’s organic and, like Hammy the speedy squirrel said in “Over the Hedge”: “It never ends!!!”
So, I’m in. Back. On. Into. On top of… (whatever) Facebook. I understand that there’s so much more to Facebook – groups, organizations’ pages etc. – a whole ‘nother’ world I have yet to explore. No, I don’t have a FAM – it’s just me. As I proceed, however, I’m ever careful. And, I’d ask you to exercise due care in building your online presence as well. To parody that Ontario Lottery and Gaming ad (and, I don’t play the lottery; I just think it’s a neat line): “Know your limit. Post within it.”
AND HOW DID THAT MAKE ME FEEL?
Last week, a former CFB Trenton Commander was sentenced to life with no possibility of parole for 25 years. I honestly don’t want to repeat the atrocities and perversions he committed. I’ve thought about posting a link…OK. Here’s one.
For a while, as this unfolded, I realized that, just given the graphic details that reporters provided, I could only read two accounts. I came to the realization that I did not want these things to be repeated to me over and over and over. Not once did I tune in to a TV news item or special coverage of what was unfolding. It was just too horrible. I read a part of a report after he had been sentenced. I made my last tweets on the subject – no more than two.
The crimes he had committed, the ways in which he had committed them (he pleaded guilty) and the reality that all this was embodied in one person who, on top of it all, held such a prestigious position, made me feel sick. And angry. And awful. So much so that, for a while, I could not get to that place where I could forgive him and have compassion on him. That’s not something that I could reconcile with my Christian beliefs and practice where forgiveness is everything! It eluded me. And, in a way, it still kinda does. But, I’m working on it. Honest.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Well, there’s a good place to start. Feelings. I dare say, too many of mine were being engaged in the idea of making “Facebook friends” (quotation marks intentional) and connections. One of my girlfriends, whom I’ve known for more than 25 years, heard a smidgen of my angst the other day and summed it up quite nicely, “You are too weird!” All I could say was, “Yeeaaah.”
I joined Facebook sometime in early 2007, I think. My Facebook friends count now? About 46ish – in any case, it’s under 50. Essentially, three groups comprise the count – High School Alma Mater; the Alma Mater where I did my BA and the Alma Mater where I did my MA. The remaining connections are family, relatives and a few offline friends I’ve known since childhood.
THE GAWKING
I get that many people are interested in looking at pics of friends from Adam. The whole picture/thousand words thing does make sense. And it is fun to look and reminisce and all that. No substitute for going way back and enjoying it together. What I don’t get, though, is the gawking. People connect with others and simply comb through their pictures (yes, ‘cause they let ‘em!) clicking through album after album, without making a single comment. How do I know this? I found myself doing it. And I am 100% sure I’m not the only one who’s dunnit. And my doing that scared me that I could be that person – taking a kind of warped interest in the life of someone whom I hadn’t talked with in ages. Warped, because, after the gawking, I’d have no inclination, whatsoever, to exchange even two words! #EverGetThat? Not to mention my "Wait! Who's that living my life?" stares. Ouch! That musta hurt God's feelings.
I stopped gawking.
THE STALKING
Round about September of 2009, when I had about 50-something Facebook friends, I posted a kind note on my wall to inform that I was going to unfriend (or de-friend – whatever the term I used) a few people. I explained that I found we didn’t talk much and whenever I was on Facebook, I’d feel like I was stalking (!)
‘Cause I did feel that way, man!
I’d go on and check their walls and comments and what-not. I’d catch-up with their lives – as much as they cared to share – tracking their moves (?!) I mean, what was the point? Surely, there had to be more than that to Facebook. (Occasionally, one or two persons would say hi – they never gave up on me.) I convinced myself that I wasn’t using the space to its fullest potential; wasn’t making the best use of it at all. So, with plans to return after appointing an FAM (Facebook Account Manager – yeah), I took a hiatus. I recall one person saying that they (the un/de-friended) really weren’t going to like it (she wasn’t one of them). But, alas! The deed was done. I also opened my mind to the probability that some of those who’d remained would probably un/de-friend me. I was prepared.
Long after, I’d pop in – rarely – to post a vid I liked or an article I thought was worth sharing. That kinda thing.
THE NON-TALKING
I just wondered why folks would send invitations, and then not talk to me. Couldn’t see through that. Was an Facebook friend not a friend? Don’t friends talk to each other? Another aspect was just as puzzling. Friend request when we barely say hello offline? Even though we might cross paths every so often?
It took me a while to get it. Facebook friends are not necessarily friends, per se. No deep analysis required. They may be friends; associates; colleagues; someone you met once; third cousin twice removed; friend of a friend of a friend – you catch my drift. (I just recently caught that drift.)
Even though we had connected – after years and years of not knowing what each other had been up to; where each other’s beliefs now lie and so on – what we cared to share would, clearly, not tell the whole story. And the truth is that we really might not have much in common after all! Really might not have anything of such substance to glue a decent conversation together. To my mind, that explained a lot! That’s why we weren’t talking!
“Yes, Claudia,” you say. “That there is one of the mischiefs that Facebook tries to cure.” Get reacquainted and what not. I say fine, but, am I the only one who gets even a little bit queasy about reconnecting with long time friends/folks?
The big omission in all this? That thing that you’ve been waiting for me to admit? I wasn’t initiating m/any conversations myself. Of course, I’d go on about not talking and so on, but hardly ever said hello.
OUT OF HIATUS
Before coming out of hiatus, I got into Twitter more (@cyopro - see previous post for how that all went down.) I then permitted the app to run on Facebook and, Voila! I was instantly increasing posts and presence on Facebook! And, little by little (never “mis-underestimate” the power of baby steps), a few friends began to take note and the conversations began to grow more frequent. Then, a few old-new friends connected, and I accepted – without the level of queasiness I used to experience. (I tell you. Waaay too much thought.) As I lightened up a bit, for some areas, I started permitting “friends of friends” and, cautiously, in others, “everyone”! Mmhm! We’re cookin’ now!
ONLINE AND OFFLINE OPPOSITION
As with any online social network space, participation in Facebook highlights a kind of opposition, if you will, between online and offline realities. Many construct this virtual world and become convinced that it is “just like real life”. Nuh-uh! The personal pics and vids shared are, for the most part, pleasant. Indeed, they capture the moments of beauty. But, how many folks post pics and articles of ugly details of what’s happening to “others” in other countries or wherever and do/would do the same detailing the awful moments of their own lives? They may personally experience brutal and ugly moments, but those are not gonna make it to Facebook; not even in private albums. And even if some folks talk about it, sorta, they mightn’t touch the matter directly but kinda talk around it.
Offline, attention and popularity may wane; the 500 friends mightn’t show up at the barbecue (love this "Throw'd TV" clip). I see it as a space where folks enter, do stuff, then leave. I don’t know anyone who is “always on” Facebook, but I’ve heard that "they walk among us." And when the "book" is closed? When the site goes down at any time? I imagine there are shrieks of horror heard around the world. And, just imagine, those shriekers have to talk to other people now? Either that or scream at the computer until it gets back up. Not to worry. These addicts, well, they haven't lost their minds. They have them backed up on Facebook. Good thing FB allows you a zip file of your FB life - according to that site and a few others.
HEARING VOICES
As one of my sisters put it, when you get into Facebook, it’s like entering a huge space where everybody’s chatting and you’re hearing all these voices and some are talking with you and others are within earshot so you join in, if you feel like it, and you may be interrupted by someone who wants to chat when you’re trying to complete a move or a thought but, it’s organic and, like Hammy the speedy squirrel said in “Over the Hedge”: “It never ends!!!”
So, I’m in. Back. On. Into. On top of… (whatever) Facebook. I understand that there’s so much more to Facebook – groups, organizations’ pages etc. – a whole ‘nother’ world I have yet to explore. No, I don’t have a FAM – it’s just me. As I proceed, however, I’m ever careful. And, I’d ask you to exercise due care in building your online presence as well. To parody that Ontario Lottery and Gaming ad (and, I don’t play the lottery; I just think it’s a neat line): “Know your limit. Post within it.”
AND HOW DID THAT MAKE ME FEEL?
Last week, a former CFB Trenton Commander was sentenced to life with no possibility of parole for 25 years. I honestly don’t want to repeat the atrocities and perversions he committed. I’ve thought about posting a link…OK. Here’s one.
For a while, as this unfolded, I realized that, just given the graphic details that reporters provided, I could only read two accounts. I came to the realization that I did not want these things to be repeated to me over and over and over. Not once did I tune in to a TV news item or special coverage of what was unfolding. It was just too horrible. I read a part of a report after he had been sentenced. I made my last tweets on the subject – no more than two.
The crimes he had committed, the ways in which he had committed them (he pleaded guilty) and the reality that all this was embodied in one person who, on top of it all, held such a prestigious position, made me feel sick. And angry. And awful. So much so that, for a while, I could not get to that place where I could forgive him and have compassion on him. That’s not something that I could reconcile with my Christian beliefs and practice where forgiveness is everything! It eluded me. And, in a way, it still kinda does. But, I’m working on it. Honest.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Monday, 18 October 2010
"The Medium is the Message" for Twitter, too!
Several years ago, a professor of mine told our class: “The last word on anything hasn’t been said.” That stuck. Clearly. Occasionally, I think of that sage statement and tell myself that that would explain the plethora of views on any given topic – on any given Sunday.
Enter mine, about Facebook and Twitter. (I'm thinking, I might have a two-parter on my hands.) Now, before the yawns and ho-hums, bear with me as I explore what must be a like-dislike interest I have in both. They are both social networking sites – no argument there. But, as one top tweet observed, funny how social networking sites seem to make us more anti-social. So, we talk to each other but we don’t really talk; and sometimes - especially with Twitter, it's not necessarily to each other. It’s more like ‘at each other’. I’ve found, given my recentish immersion into Twitter – and I know it’s not too soon to tell – that quite a lot of tweets from individuals are spurts of opinions/observations/comments about a topic. Once in a while, there’s a tweet to (or @) someone, in a reply. Sometimes it's sharing via ReTweet. The majority, though, are those that betray…no, let’s use exhibit a kind of random stream of consciousness that makes its way into a 140-character post. I've noticed that many companies/organizations tweet, too. That should give an indication that the facility is relied upon as a communications and marketing tool.
(Now, at this juncture, some would begin to wonder whether they should take any of what I’m saying with a grain of salt. I say yes, indeed! At worst, shrug it off and move on to the next topic of interest and the myriad tweets. At best, trust, but verify. Much of this is from my own observation, anyway, and has little to do with my MA in Communication. Perhaps the desire to look more closely through my often-preferred trope of metaphor, has indeed been touched by formal training.)
So, here's the thing, as another top tweet pointed out about Twitter, people are constantly talking to strangers. It’s not so much the novelty of that idea, it’s the fact that the strangers are from all over! (Have I heard of satellite radio? Yes. But, think about it. Isn't it imaginable that the rate of subscription to SatRad eats the dust of Twitter's subscription rate? I'm sure of it.)
To proceed, the idea of novelty is lost when one thinks about an on-air announcer/broadcaster, getting into the minds, hearts and homes of, well, strangers, over a period of time. That's been done. People tune in, they listen, if they like what they hear, they tune in another time - "rinse wash repeat". So, the announcer would be the poster, the listeners the followers, whatever he/she says, the tweets. Sooo, it's alike in that sense.
The points of departure then? For one, the followers get to keep a copy of what was broadcast and, if they “called in”/tweeted in response, they keep a copy of that too. Another is that these updates come in from several sources (all whom you follow) all within seconds. Try getting that done even by SatRad. Maybe I’m slow on the uptake here, but, I haven’t yet learnt of any broadcaster that gives up-to-the-second news/bulletins which the listeners get just a few seconds after and keeps this up 24/7. So, joined by mutual interests and hashtags (#), the broadcaster enters the mind, hearts and homes of those who’ve opted to tune in. This is an important point, because, unlike an on-air feed that you are inevitably tuned into (unless you’re plugged into your hand-held or something) when you’re at a store or the hairdresser or wherever, the broadcast/posts are by choice.
Would it be fair to surmise, then, (and I'm on to another idea here) that every single solitary tweet that you receive is borne out of the decision to be fed by that poster? If so, then it lends itself to the crux of the next question: Is there an underlying messiah complex that begins to take form after one acquires a certain number of followers? Just asking. I honestly wouldn't know - unless I did some research - as about half of my current eight followers are family, and, of the rest, I'm pretty sure two are marketers.
But, how does having a large following impact an individual, or the subsequent postings of that individual, who was (or would otherwise be) not-as-well-known? Does it even? Is that why some tweets come off as "wisdom from the oh so wise one"? Because there are followers who are (probably) hanging on every word? Do they? Sometimes I tweet stuff that would make my sis go, "Okaaaay. Right." Other times, "That's so true." Hmm. Without fail, we write/share from our different frames of reference, experiences and what not. Sometimes, though, you can tell the ones that are overreaching...
Maybe I'm over-thinking it, for, to be honest, I don't read every single tweet from those I follow. Still, even the term "follower", lends itself to this leader-follower duality, so I really can't be that far off base. That duality is certainly touched by the medium of choice (Twitter) and, according to Marshall McLuhan is the message: "The medium is the message" because it is the "medium that shapes and controls the scale and form of human association and action."
So, the fact that I tweet or I'm on Twitter, or however else it's articulated, communicates an intrinsic message in and of itself. (Not tweeting? Well, I never! I don't speak to people who don't tweet!) There is also an intuitive understanding of how the participants should (or should not) associate and interact with each other.
McLuhan was right on the ball, too, when he coined, "Invention is mother of necessity." So many things are now needed - online social networking etiquette; policies; leglislation. Read, just today, an article refering to Thompson Reuters and its decision to ban anonymous comments citing "legal risk" etc.
I shall continue this like-dislike interest, I imagine. My take at this point? If it's working for you, keep it going. Define working? Meets your needs and/or the purposes for which you indulge.
If not, don't take a trip to where the guilt is if you wish to hop off this train. Leave - guilt-free - the microcosm that is Twitter and join the other billions of people on the planet for whom satisfaction to express observations and communicate with others is derived through dozens of other non-Twitter ways.
Next up, why I was on Facebook but not on Facebook.
Her space :-) Happy Birthday to my niece. All of two today!!! You are my sunshine... la la la la la.
AND HOW DID THAT MAKE ME FEEL?
Several years ago while living in the USA, I took a trip to visit a friend in New York City. (New York, New York - city so nice they named it twice:-) Anyway, we decided to do some last stop shopping - on the way out (she was gonna find her way back home). I parked about two blocks away from the store, fed the meter for an hour, and we were off. After about forty-five minutes, I noticed the time and beckoned to my friend...oh yes! My lil sis was there as well. So, I beckoned to them both that we'd have to finish up 'cause the cashier lines weren't all that short. My friend decided to stay on a while and so sis and I practically high-tailed it out of there! It was now a mad rush trying to beat the meter. All I could think about was getting a ticket and how much I didn't want to get a ticket! It was about two minutes to expiration and by this time we were running down the sidewalk, past the stores that had set up 'sidewalk sales' when, the next thing I knew, I bounced right into her!
She was a little girl, no more than five, could be six. And there she stood with her ice-cream cone ice-creamless! She looked down at it, then up at her mom who was walking just ahead. She'd stopped and turned when I'd stopped and flashed me a look like I was something horrible. I apologised to her profusely and sincerely but briefly. I still couldn't get the pending expiration out of my mind - no ticket under my windscreen wiper, please! And I hurried off.
We made it before the expiration but I felt like crap. And every time since then that I remember how I knocked off a little girl's ice-cream from her cone, that feeling comes over me. Of course there were more mature, less selfish actions I could have taken in that moment. But I didn't. What I did do, however, was learn one of my life's biggest lessons. In a moment when I knowingly offend someone, I try to do the right and selfless thing. Even if it feels difficult.
For I absolutely detest that other feeling.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Enter mine, about Facebook and Twitter. (I'm thinking, I might have a two-parter on my hands.) Now, before the yawns and ho-hums, bear with me as I explore what must be a like-dislike interest I have in both. They are both social networking sites – no argument there. But, as one top tweet observed, funny how social networking sites seem to make us more anti-social. So, we talk to each other but we don’t really talk; and sometimes - especially with Twitter, it's not necessarily to each other. It’s more like ‘at each other’. I’ve found, given my recentish immersion into Twitter – and I know it’s not too soon to tell – that quite a lot of tweets from individuals are spurts of opinions/observations/comments about a topic. Once in a while, there’s a tweet to (or @) someone, in a reply. Sometimes it's sharing via ReTweet. The majority, though, are those that betray…no, let’s use exhibit a kind of random stream of consciousness that makes its way into a 140-character post. I've noticed that many companies/organizations tweet, too. That should give an indication that the facility is relied upon as a communications and marketing tool.
(Now, at this juncture, some would begin to wonder whether they should take any of what I’m saying with a grain of salt. I say yes, indeed! At worst, shrug it off and move on to the next topic of interest and the myriad tweets. At best, trust, but verify. Much of this is from my own observation, anyway, and has little to do with my MA in Communication. Perhaps the desire to look more closely through my often-preferred trope of metaphor, has indeed been touched by formal training.)
So, here's the thing, as another top tweet pointed out about Twitter, people are constantly talking to strangers. It’s not so much the novelty of that idea, it’s the fact that the strangers are from all over! (Have I heard of satellite radio? Yes. But, think about it. Isn't it imaginable that the rate of subscription to SatRad eats the dust of Twitter's subscription rate? I'm sure of it.)
To proceed, the idea of novelty is lost when one thinks about an on-air announcer/broadcaster, getting into the minds, hearts and homes of, well, strangers, over a period of time. That's been done. People tune in, they listen, if they like what they hear, they tune in another time - "rinse wash repeat". So, the announcer would be the poster, the listeners the followers, whatever he/she says, the tweets. Sooo, it's alike in that sense.
The points of departure then? For one, the followers get to keep a copy of what was broadcast and, if they “called in”/tweeted in response, they keep a copy of that too. Another is that these updates come in from several sources (all whom you follow) all within seconds. Try getting that done even by SatRad. Maybe I’m slow on the uptake here, but, I haven’t yet learnt of any broadcaster that gives up-to-the-second news/bulletins which the listeners get just a few seconds after and keeps this up 24/7. So, joined by mutual interests and hashtags (#), the broadcaster enters the mind, hearts and homes of those who’ve opted to tune in. This is an important point, because, unlike an on-air feed that you are inevitably tuned into (unless you’re plugged into your hand-held or something) when you’re at a store or the hairdresser or wherever, the broadcast/posts are by choice.
Would it be fair to surmise, then, (and I'm on to another idea here) that every single solitary tweet that you receive is borne out of the decision to be fed by that poster? If so, then it lends itself to the crux of the next question: Is there an underlying messiah complex that begins to take form after one acquires a certain number of followers? Just asking. I honestly wouldn't know - unless I did some research - as about half of my current eight followers are family, and, of the rest, I'm pretty sure two are marketers.
But, how does having a large following impact an individual, or the subsequent postings of that individual, who was (or would otherwise be) not-as-well-known? Does it even? Is that why some tweets come off as "wisdom from the oh so wise one"? Because there are followers who are (probably) hanging on every word? Do they? Sometimes I tweet stuff that would make my sis go, "Okaaaay. Right." Other times, "That's so true." Hmm. Without fail, we write/share from our different frames of reference, experiences and what not. Sometimes, though, you can tell the ones that are overreaching...
Maybe I'm over-thinking it, for, to be honest, I don't read every single tweet from those I follow. Still, even the term "follower", lends itself to this leader-follower duality, so I really can't be that far off base. That duality is certainly touched by the medium of choice (Twitter) and, according to Marshall McLuhan is the message: "The medium is the message" because it is the "medium that shapes and controls the scale and form of human association and action."
So, the fact that I tweet or I'm on Twitter, or however else it's articulated, communicates an intrinsic message in and of itself. (Not tweeting? Well, I never! I don't speak to people who don't tweet!) There is also an intuitive understanding of how the participants should (or should not) associate and interact with each other.
McLuhan was right on the ball, too, when he coined, "Invention is mother of necessity." So many things are now needed - online social networking etiquette; policies; leglislation. Read, just today, an article refering to Thompson Reuters and its decision to ban anonymous comments citing "legal risk" etc.
I shall continue this like-dislike interest, I imagine. My take at this point? If it's working for you, keep it going. Define working? Meets your needs and/or the purposes for which you indulge.
If not, don't take a trip to where the guilt is if you wish to hop off this train. Leave - guilt-free - the microcosm that is Twitter and join the other billions of people on the planet for whom satisfaction to express observations and communicate with others is derived through dozens of other non-Twitter ways.
Next up, why I was on Facebook but not on Facebook.
Her space :-) Happy Birthday to my niece. All of two today!!! You are my sunshine... la la la la la.
AND HOW DID THAT MAKE ME FEEL?
Several years ago while living in the USA, I took a trip to visit a friend in New York City. (New York, New York - city so nice they named it twice:-) Anyway, we decided to do some last stop shopping - on the way out (she was gonna find her way back home). I parked about two blocks away from the store, fed the meter for an hour, and we were off. After about forty-five minutes, I noticed the time and beckoned to my friend...oh yes! My lil sis was there as well. So, I beckoned to them both that we'd have to finish up 'cause the cashier lines weren't all that short. My friend decided to stay on a while and so sis and I practically high-tailed it out of there! It was now a mad rush trying to beat the meter. All I could think about was getting a ticket and how much I didn't want to get a ticket! It was about two minutes to expiration and by this time we were running down the sidewalk, past the stores that had set up 'sidewalk sales' when, the next thing I knew, I bounced right into her!
She was a little girl, no more than five, could be six. And there she stood with her ice-cream cone ice-creamless! She looked down at it, then up at her mom who was walking just ahead. She'd stopped and turned when I'd stopped and flashed me a look like I was something horrible. I apologised to her profusely and sincerely but briefly. I still couldn't get the pending expiration out of my mind - no ticket under my windscreen wiper, please! And I hurried off.
We made it before the expiration but I felt like crap. And every time since then that I remember how I knocked off a little girl's ice-cream from her cone, that feeling comes over me. Of course there were more mature, less selfish actions I could have taken in that moment. But I didn't. What I did do, however, was learn one of my life's biggest lessons. In a moment when I knowingly offend someone, I try to do the right and selfless thing. Even if it feels difficult.
For I absolutely detest that other feeling.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Profile updates - preceding the story
Recently, I linked my Twitter account, to this blog and to my Facebook page. To me, this was the logical step, given my new thrust into maintaining presence in the online social networks - for the most part.
Followed, then, that I updated the bio on Twitter; started following a couple more Tweeters (to start) and began giving some serious thought to what I wanted to share in these networks.
There's the story a-lurking in the back of my mind. Actually, I've brought it to the fore and shared it with lil sis. She thinks I should "hurry up and write it."
All this writing and (self-imposed) obligation is keeping me disciplined.
And I need that. For, it has started to "hurt bad enough."
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Followed, then, that I updated the bio on Twitter; started following a couple more Tweeters (to start) and began giving some serious thought to what I wanted to share in these networks.
There's the story a-lurking in the back of my mind. Actually, I've brought it to the fore and shared it with lil sis. She thinks I should "hurry up and write it."
All this writing and (self-imposed) obligation is keeping me disciplined.
And I need that. For, it has started to "hurt bad enough."
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Deconstructing the deletion: In defense of the decison to discontinue the inadvertent "stalking"
So, I’ve been doing the Facebook thing for about 2-3 years – it’s all a blur. I think it was in about April or May this year that I posted a message on my wall, stteo: I’ll be taking a break from fb, until I appoint my FAM (facebook Account Manager). I’ve popped in a couple times - doing nothing to write home about, really.
At some point, I began receiving messages in my Hotmail account from friends wanting me to send a friend request. Of course, I didn’t remember that I’d adjusted my settings to remove the FR link. But, that’s beside the point. It took me a while to respond to one of them – that of a very dear friend – ‘cause, well, our friendship exists outside of fb! Come Labour Day, with a bit more time on my hands, by the time I was to respond to her, I saw another request from someone else. It’s been years upon years that that person and I have had dialogue, but, I decided to send the FR anyway. In both instances, I let them know that I don’t use fb often and, in the event they don’t see me on it after a while, no worries. They have my contact info.
As a matter of fact, being now in ‘da mood’, I decided to take stock. Whom did I have on the Friends list that, well, hmmm …you know? I mean, since accepting the friend request 2 or more years ago, we hadn’t even exchanged a hello. So, after posting to my wall, stteo: I’ll be deleting a few contacts from my list ‘cause we don’t talk, really, and when I do pop in to fb, I feel like I’m stalking you… I went ahead and did just that.
My sis called to let me know that one of those who’d remained responded to my message. Something about the possibility of those affected not liking it. Oh well. As my other sis said, at least I gave a heads-up. Others simply go right ahead and delete – no compunction, no angst – just delete.
And it’s not that I think fb is evil or anything. I just don’t see the sense in looking at and absorbing what’s happening in the lives of others. It’s like watching a long-running (so-called) reality TV show. While they’re living their commercial-ridden lives, you’re spending yours watching them living their lives.
The point of the class reunion now would be what, exactly? Oh! Fewer pics that would make for a less bulky wallet and, of course, you get to see your friends ‘live’.
While having a truly enjoyable time at my lil sis’ place over the long weekend, she showed me a particularly funny youtube vid about the possible effect of fb on relationships. Apparently, there are those who regard fb to be more than a social networking site and whatever happens on fb, doesn’t stay on fb, but impacts (heavily) on the real-world relationships.
As we say in our family sometimes, “This isn’t funny ‘ha ha’; it’s funny ‘peculiar’.”
Who knows? A few of those I’d let remain might decide to remove me as a friend.
Oh well.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
At some point, I began receiving messages in my Hotmail account from friends wanting me to send a friend request. Of course, I didn’t remember that I’d adjusted my settings to remove the FR link. But, that’s beside the point. It took me a while to respond to one of them – that of a very dear friend – ‘cause, well, our friendship exists outside of fb! Come Labour Day, with a bit more time on my hands, by the time I was to respond to her, I saw another request from someone else. It’s been years upon years that that person and I have had dialogue, but, I decided to send the FR anyway. In both instances, I let them know that I don’t use fb often and, in the event they don’t see me on it after a while, no worries. They have my contact info.
As a matter of fact, being now in ‘da mood’, I decided to take stock. Whom did I have on the Friends list that, well, hmmm …you know? I mean, since accepting the friend request 2 or more years ago, we hadn’t even exchanged a hello. So, after posting to my wall, stteo: I’ll be deleting a few contacts from my list ‘cause we don’t talk, really, and when I do pop in to fb, I feel like I’m stalking you… I went ahead and did just that.
My sis called to let me know that one of those who’d remained responded to my message. Something about the possibility of those affected not liking it. Oh well. As my other sis said, at least I gave a heads-up. Others simply go right ahead and delete – no compunction, no angst – just delete.
And it’s not that I think fb is evil or anything. I just don’t see the sense in looking at and absorbing what’s happening in the lives of others. It’s like watching a long-running (so-called) reality TV show. While they’re living their commercial-ridden lives, you’re spending yours watching them living their lives.
The point of the class reunion now would be what, exactly? Oh! Fewer pics that would make for a less bulky wallet and, of course, you get to see your friends ‘live’.
While having a truly enjoyable time at my lil sis’ place over the long weekend, she showed me a particularly funny youtube vid about the possible effect of fb on relationships. Apparently, there are those who regard fb to be more than a social networking site and whatever happens on fb, doesn’t stay on fb, but impacts (heavily) on the real-world relationships.
As we say in our family sometimes, “This isn’t funny ‘ha ha’; it’s funny ‘peculiar’.”
Who knows? A few of those I’d let remain might decide to remove me as a friend.
Oh well.
Claudia
www.cyopro.com
www.twitter.com/cyopro
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