I haven’t mentioned the social media break in over two weeks.
That’s because social media really isn’t much of a thought anymore. It seems like a distant memory.
There’s no strong desire to take part, but there’s also no disdain for it. It’s like golf, scrapbooking, or cup stacking (commentary at :24 seconds in) — I can see why people like these things, but they are not something I do.
A Quick Peek
My wife joined me on the original social media break of 30 days. She expanded that to 50 days when I did, but chose not to go 101 days. She went back a couple weeks ago.
Even with occasionally hearing what’s going on online or being next to her on the couch and sometimes glancing over to see an update or two, I don’t really miss it.
Facebook is pretty much, “Yea, Texas Rangers!” over and over and over and over right now. (While by proximity I hope the Rangers win the World Series, like golf, scrapbooking, or cup stacking, it’s not really my thing.)
I didn’t really miss Twitter during Podcamp Dallas last weekend, even though that’s how most people communicate last-minute changes in schedule or share information at conferences.
Aside from wondering if ebook sales will pick back up when I return to Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, I don’t have a burning desire to get back — other than to see what’s up with some friends I don’t hear from as much.
I really think I could go without it.
The Inevitable Return
I don’t see being like Hugh MacLeod and totally giving it up for good. But when I return, I see some changes.
With Facebook now making something similar to Google+ circles available, I’ll probably keep things much tighter, focusing on the people I truly know. Facebook has always been a place where I meant to stay in touch with just people I know in real life for years. But over time, people I’ve become acquaintances with online wanted to add me, and there was a feeling that I had to add them back. People I knew years ago wanted to add me, so I let them in, even though we didn’t have anything in common then, and even less in common today.
Twitter was always something I used to feed me quick links to specific publishing news. I’m not a fan of using it for real communication, other than its valuable use at conferences.
Google+, if it’s still the same thing I left 65 days ago, is where I’ll probably spend most of my time.
But I don’t see spending as much time as I once did with social media when I return on Thanksgiving Day.
To be honest, you’re not missing much. I mean, don’t get me wrong… I missed some people since that’s the only place I actually hear what they’re up to… but really, it’s just a bunch of noise and when you try to reach out, you are lost in the flood of information.
With Twitter, I tried to communicate there. Sometimes it works, most times not so much. I’ve met a few people there, but like you I mainly use it to get updates and information.
Google+ is my favorite, even though not as many people use it unfortunately. I don’t want it to be a huge flood of information there either, but I don’t think that will be a problem any time soon.
Facebook is my least favorite for several reasons. I only wish people didn’t insist on only using that one to keep in touch, even though in the past they swore they hated it and would never use it (I used to be a supporter and now almost wish I could just delete it). I’m not saying everyone does this, and I’m just as guilty especially lately because I just don’t have time to respond to everyone or every post, but it goes so quickly and there is so much traffic that it seems like no one hears you even if you comment directly to them.
I wouldn’t be surprised if your traffic or sales didn’t even improve once you come back. 🙁
Yea, Texas Rangers!