Comments on: What is this thing called “social networking”?

By: Geri

Geri — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:23:55 +0000

Hi Kate,

I understand why you like LinkedIn and Facebook. I also agree about technology keeping you “close’ to some people. I still prefer one-on-one emails, for pics too. But I prefer hearing their voices even more. That ole phone technology still appeals to me.

Geri

By: Kate Putnam

Kate Putnam — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:51:06 +0000

I have learned a lot from my LinkedIn connections. They give me answers to business questions and a chance to discuss things important to my business with people I am not going to see face to face soon. It is just another way to connect and sometimes to help or be helped. It is not the same as face to face.
That said, I keep LinkedIn for business and Facebook for family and friends. On Facebook, I can share pictures of my grandson or a trip we took with friends who are scattered all over the globe. I can also see their pictures and know a little of what is happening in their lives.
Technology keeps me close to some people who are no longer physically proximate.
I think you are shortchanging yourself and Mitch, Geri.

By: Linda McCoy

Linda McCoy — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:19:57 +0000

I’m not a fan of Facebook, but I think Linkedin does have value for those who are unemployed. It is a way to post your previous experience or endorse a former co-worker. Maybe for some desperately seeking jobs in a really tough economy, joining these groups gives them a purpose to get up in the morning and do something regarding their job search. A little hope never hurt anyone.
I like the Linkedin updates, it let’s me know when good things happen to people, or they have a business announcement to make. If I was starting a new company or hiring where I presently work I would use it to reach out to talented people I was connected to.

By: Geri

Geri — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:07:31 +0000

Hi Duchesse,

AH-men!

Geri

By: Duchesse

Duchesse — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:14:46 +0000

I don’t believe that a Linked In invitation necessitates a reunion. Just ‘found’ someone like your Mitch, after at least a decade. Learned he lost his exec job in the recession. He would never have contacted me to tell me, and it occurs to me that these online networks are a way for men to reach out and connect as women ALWAYS have.

IMO, most men do not cherish and nurture their friendships with the care seems more natural to women. They leave it to chance or their partners.

By: Geri

Geri — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:55:18 +0000

Everyone is making such great points. I love it!

By: Lois

Lois — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:33:21 +0000

The thing about Linked In that annoys me, is that people seem to be trying to rack up as many connections as they can; they don’t really care about you, just that they have added you to their list. I have emailed several people who have asked me to join their network, and have not had a response from a single one. If you don’t care enough about me to respond, how do you expect me to care about you?

By: Geri

Geri — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:00:51 +0000

Deb,

You always put things sooooo beautifully.

By: Deb Kent

Deb Kent — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:47:13 +0000

I feel compelled to add: I’d be ignoring you – not because I don’t like you, but I don’t know you. At all. You sent me a FB friend request and I accepted because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings but now that we’re both online at the same time I realize I have nothing to say to you, but I feel oddly and inappropriately intimate with you because we’re now inhabiting the same small square of digital space on my computer screen. And it feels weird.

By: Geri

Geri — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:41:41 +0000

Hi Someone,

Your point is well taken. I have no problem with change and I’m 15 years older than you are. (I used to publish magazines and now I’ve launched a website). I turned my back on some things back in the day, too. I love the internet. But not every part of “current” is everyone’s cup of tea.

Geri

By: Deb Kent

Deb Kent — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:28:53 +0000

And then there’s the problem of “friending” all these people on Facebook only to discover that you’re as uninterested in them now as you were in fifth grade. I’m on Facebook looking at updates on the small handful of people I actually like, and notice that sixteen other people are also online, ready to chat, and I think: Oh God, please don’t start chatting with me. If I saw you in the supermarket I would be ignoring you.

By: Someone

Someone — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:41:29 +0000

(Actually, it’s “hear, hear…” as in “that’s something you should listen to!”)

But umm…I’m not -quite- 50 (I’m 46) so I’m not exactly qualified, but I will point out that it doesn’t have to be either-or.

I don’t understand the pitting of online networking against the old fashioned kind. You can do both, and they can enhance each other. Online connection can make real-life networking easier, less small-talky by getting the little stuff out of the way fast, and you can find people that you never would have otherwise, who you THEN can meet in person if you want.

What’s the upside to turning one’s back on a current tool?

I may be getting older, but I don’t have a problem with change.

By: Geri Brin

Geri Brin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:23:58 +0000

Thank you, my dear Maureen.

By: Maureen@IslandRoar

Maureen@IslandRoar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:04:08 +0000

Here, here!