Over the past few months, I've been wondering about the popularity of blogging and if it has decreased a little. I get the impression that fewer people follow blogs now and that many prefer to interact on Facebook these days. Have to confess to feeling that way myself sometimes. I still enjoy posting when I can think of something to say or have new information, and I still enjoy reading the blogs of those I follow. Yet I don't seek out new blogs now, unless someone has recommended a link. Maybe I just need a break from it every now and then!
I enjoy Facebook for the regular interaction with friends and writing colleagues, and Twitter for the short, concise messages and making new contacts. I haven't signed up for LinkedIn yet and still can't decide if it's necessary (let me know what you think!). Goodreads I visit infrequently but use it both as an author and reader. I do like Pinterest as it's a fun, visual media - great for creating boards for writing projects or anything else of interest.
This past week, however, I was at two real book launches (as opposed to online) and there's still nothing like social interaction in person. As well as hearing a few excerpts read by the authors from the books in question, it's good to get a signed copy of the paperback and then to mingle amongst other guests while enjoying a glass of something or other and a few nibbles. I'm glad such events still happen and I'm looking forward to another one in November.
But the world has certainly changed and I'm happy to embrace as much of the online technology and activity as is comfortable and useful. One advantage of a virtual book launch is that no one has to leave home and people from all over the world can interact on Facebook or wherever. I'm really glad to have a number of choices these days and I hope that long continues.
What does everyone think about social media and what do you find the most useful as a writer?
Rosemary
16 comments:
I have fallen out of love with Facebook, Rosemary. It has been great for reuniting lost pets with their owners and raising awareness on issues, petitions etc, but I have become so fed up with it in recent months for a variety of reasons, I tend to stay away as much as possible.
I joined Linkedin a while ago, but closed my account as I couldn't really see the point of it. I like to dip my toe in Twitter occasionally.
I prefer Blogland I think - it just seems so much friendlier :-) x
Thanks for your valued comment, Teresa. I can understand how you feel and I'm really glad you still like blogging! I think it's lovely when we have 'regulars' that we can get to know a little online. And thanks for the LinkedIn comment - confirms what I suspected to some extent!
I like facebook for keeping in touch with friends, and for arranging meet-ups. I fell head over heels in love with pinterest when I first joined it, and I use it for story-boards, research, pinning articles I want to re-read...and collecting pretty pictures. I've had various blogs for a while and don't tend to use them as 'social media' (apart from commenting), more as an online notebook that others can access. I used Twitter quite a bit when I was working, but I don't really see the point of a personal Twitter as such, unless you are using it for self-promotion, e.g. as a professional writer/journalist/actor. I do think blogs are the friendliest, but that's maybe just because they allow more time for measured thought and discussion.
This is really interesting. I met you, Teresa and many other lovely people via my blog and, like you, I still read the blogs that I am following. I haven't followed many new ones though for a while -partly because it's so hard to keep up with them all (especially as I like to interact with the blog owners). I really like writing my blog though, and having guests. I only joined FB in April and Twitter a couple of months ago. Prefer FB and have found it really useful but still getting to grips with the latter. All social media saps time though.
Many thanks for commenting, Becca. It's so useful to have people's points of view and I can see what you mean about each of the methods you mention.
Thanks, Wendy - yes, this is one of the reasons I've enjoyed blogs as it's a good way of making new online friends. And they all do indeed sap time, though I sometimes enjoy the distraction!
I use facebook and twitter as well as blogging and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Real interaction too - it can be better or worse than the virtual kind.
I quite enjoy FB and Twitter in moderation, but I prefer reading other people's news than offering my own, because I don't do very much except write and read. I love reading and commenting on the few blogs I follow, but I haven't time to follow any new ones now.
FB has been useful for re-establishing contact with some old university friends and Twitter is handy for seeing what's new and for spreading the word about my writing projects.
As for real socialising, I rarely do any these days, so I guess the internet is the best way for me to make connections. I did go to the Cheltenham Literary Festival the other day, though, and met an author I admire, which was really exciting and reminded me that it can sometimes be good to leave the house!
A very balanced reply, Patsy!
Thanks for that, Joanna - I think they all have their uses in moderation and I guess we have to find what works for us without taking up too much time!
I think blogging is becoming less popular. Many of the bloggers I follow post less frequently but I still enjoy reading them. As you say, it can be difficult to find new subjects to post about. But isn't dreaming up ideas what writing is all about?
Hi Rosemary, now I am fixed in my thoughts that I prefer my blog and website to facebook. I like twitter as it's great for little newsflashes, and to link your blog and website to. I find, like Teresa says, that Facebook is a bit silly. If I'm on there for more than five minutes, I've had requests to play papa bear, with complete strangers, or asked to fill in a survey for some random question. Or some strange bloke is asking, 'why aren't you messaging me' creepy. It's far too time wasting. Except if I'm looking at what you're doing of course:))))
Hi Rosemary, now I am fixed in my thoughts that I prefer my blog and website to facebook. I like twitter as it's great for little newsflashes, and to link your blog and website to. I find, like Teresa says, that Facebook is a bit silly. If I'm on there for more than five minutes, I've had requests to play papa bear, with complete strangers, or asked to fill in a survey for some random question. Or some strange bloke is asking, 'why aren't you messaging me' creepy. It's far too time wasting. Except if I'm looking at what you're doing of course:))))
Hi Rosemary, now I am fixed in my thoughts that I prefer my blog and website to facebook. I like twitter as it's great for little newsflashes, and to link your blog and website to. I find, like Teresa says, that Facebook is a bit silly. If I'm on there for more than five minutes, I've had requests to play papa bear, with complete strangers, or asked to fill in a survey for some random question. Or some strange bloke is asking, 'why aren't you messaging me' creepy. It's far too time wasting. Except if I'm looking at what you're doing of course:))))
I think social media is great if you limit it. I use facebook in a much more personal way than twitter, as it's a quick way to stay in touch with friends. I don't use twitter as much but am slowly building up some good writing contacts on here, as well as finding out about interesting online journals. I only tend to blog once a month and only follow a limited amount of people as that's all I have time for. I enjoy using blogging to explore a different side of my creativity, and think a lot of blogs can be inspiring. I love the visual inspiration of pinterest!
Hi Rosemary, I've never got on well with Facebook, and have recently closed my account.
Twitter is great for connecting with new people, but I like blogging best. As someone said, you can take more time with it and consider what you are saying.
But to be more balanced, like another commenter said, I also like to meet people face to face at RNA lunches and conferences!
Hi Rosemary, not only am I fixed, but 3 times over... could you please delete 2 of my replies, and this one if possible please??
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