DISQUS

Nick, I wish I were a more regular reader than I am, because it is post's like this one that I particularly enjoy. They show a maturity and wisdom that comes either from experience, age, or both, but in either case, nicely said. I recently attended one of the social media rockstar events here in DC where one of the speakers made some equally compelling points about real way to build community through blogging. He described it as a process of community rather than broadcasting, which may seem obvious and yet it is sadly overlooked by me and most of my neophytes in the social media space.

In other words, it is about dialogue about learning and advancement of knowledge, rather than showing off how well (or badly) you write simply for the sake of having (your words) "volume". I never actually thought that you were in danger of becoming a "volume" hound, but I'll defer to you on that one. I really always thought you had something interesting and worthwhile to say, which is why I periodically like to come back to you - albeit more on socialtimes than on allfacebook, for me.

I can only look at this as an improvement of an already worthwhile read and social community for learning and feedback and engagement.

Andy

Great post Nick. This reminded me of when I was in college (back in the day) and we used to rate people on how many parties they knew about on a saturday night. Yes, seriously. I got this amazing reputation among my friends for, just ONE weekend, knowing about 4 parties. But it also reminds me of the people I know who are always looking around when you're talking with them. Ok, I'm sometimes guilty of this, and it's a terrible thing. You're so concerned with what ELSE is going on, that you don't see what's right in front of you.

No, this isn't an old-man rant against "you kids, you don't know how good you have it!" No, not at all. I am aware, though, of an inability to take advantage - to good ends - of having such a large network, be it online or offline. Facebook friend-making ability makes this just more of a problem than previously in magnified ways. My friends and I have taken to distinguish between "friends" and "facebook friends", to make the same point.

But like so many evolving technologies and social customs - and social networking definitely is still very much evolving - this is still really wild, wild west, as noted by your quotes ("“We have to do it in the Facebook, with the Twittering.”). That's hilarious!

What to make of all of this? Well, that's really the question, still.

Martin, thanks for this perspective. This is very interesting, I was actually not aware that the type of service you provide even existed!! Makes sense that it would be out there, of course. Also makes any serious reliance - by the posters, for example - on the EULAs of sites like Facebook somewhat risky. Although I guess that was my larger point, but you added a really excellent practical perspective. Andy Mirsky