So I jumped into the Twitter revolution and like it. I have learned that you can use Twitter for simple concepts – brushing my teeth now, taking a week, etc – or for sharing ideas. I use Twitter for microblogging – linking articles rather than devoting an entire rant and for the occasional personal update – currently listenting to the Unincorporated Man – thus far very interesting concept.
The other big social networking site that I have avoided is Facebook. Should I go there? Please provide some pros and cons.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Negatives:
Private, closed network: others have to be on facebook to see you and talk with you.
Passe: facebook has run out of utility. Before it was a tool to find friends from school. Now it is just another version of the internet with messaging, photos, et cetera. They even copied Twitter with the use of “status updates”.
I would just stay away from facebook entirely.
I avoided Facebook on principle for a long time. Hated the idea. But my wife started using it, and pretty soon she was up to date on the goings-on of all our old med school classmates and friends from college–people we had lost touch with, sadly. Reluctantly, I signed up for an account and am now glad I did. I am now in touch with most of my friends from med school, from my Navy years, and from people I know from residency, as well as family members who are now scattered across the country. Where once I might hear from old friends and distant (spatially) family once a year in a Christmas card, I now have running “virtual” conversations with them.
Try it, even if reluctantly. I think you’ll end up loving it.
I agree with Patrick B. I avoided Facebook for the longest time because it seemed like a “college kid” thing, but a few months ago I joined because so many of my friends from college/med school were on it, and I didn’t have another good way of keeping up with them. Now, I’m in contact with friends from elementary school who I haven’t seen (or heard from) in over 20 years. I’ve also “met” family members I haven’t seen in decades, and their kids, etc. I don’t know if it would benefit your blog directly, but in general, Facebook has been a great thing for me.
I like Facebook, but I think it’s more for friends than for professional discussions, at least I use it more that way.
It’s amazing how familiar people you haven’t seen for 30 years look when you see their faces! It’s like they haven’t changed a bit.
Yes. Please. Seriously.
I joined FB a few months ago and found a few old friends, some relatives and a few self-promoting politicians. I use it to chit chat as well as to promote my blog and link to interesting articles and blogs.
What’s interesting is that people sign up for FB, post a few times and disappear. They think it takes too much time. Guess they never blogged.
Some 2% of folks over 65 use FB and Twitter. I’m in another minority. My wife’s just 4 years younger than I am and she’s found many more friends are on FB than I have been able to find.
I don’t think FB is much good for professional interactions. Twitter seems a bit better.
Your blog certainly looks slick and modern. Congrats.
Hi Bob,
I realize I'm a late to this question but i just saw it linked to your newest post and felt compelled to comment as someone who encouraged you on Twitter. I joined FB after Twitter too – which is not the norm since Twitter was like my "gateway" to FB as opposed to the other way around.
I would say FB is to keep in touch with ppl you know and Twitter is to discover, connect and learn from ppl you don't. Since FB is more personal, you'll also have to decide who to friend and who to "not friend" to keep your relationship professional (i.e. students you are supervising etc).
That said, you could develop a fan page for MedRants and repost your blog there since its another way ppl to interact with your blog…That is not as personal since if people are a "fan" they can receive your blog/twitter updates and comment on your posts.
Let me know what you decide(d) and Happy New Year!
{ 2 trackbacks }