[Ailist] Social Networking

[Rochelle Y. Melander, Right Now! Coach]

Hi Gretchen,

A few answers.

I think of Twitter as social networking--so I would lump it in with  
all of the other sites you mention. It just takes place in a different  
way. A new study puts most of the 6 million Twitter users as younger  
and more engaged online:
http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/02/study-twitter-users-are-mobile-urban-and-engaged-online.ars

I belong to a ton of these sights (Plaxo, LinkedIn, etc) but I prefer  
Facebook and Twitter.

I love Facebook. Personally, it has reconnected me with acquaintances  
from the past. Professionally, I get to connect with clients and  
colleagues. But the best thing about it professionally is that it  
allows me another venue to let people know what I am up to and  
"attract" them to my work. Sometimes this leads to deeper  
conversations, which has been fun.

Twitter is a bit different--in that it is harder to really get to know  
people. But I have found it helpful for learning about new information  
and connecting with people who are colleagues. In addition, it can be  
a good promotional tool if you have a book or a resource like a blog.

I set limits on how much I use each--and when. I usually do not allow  
myself to go on Twitter or FB until I do my writing for the day. Then  
I limit my time.

I love how much the social networking increases my network--and  
learning. When it gets overwhelming, I take an Internet "Sabbath" and  
turn it all off.

I hope this helps!

Best,
Rochelle
Rochelle Y. Melander,
Author and Writing Coach
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