It has been awhile since I posted on this blog. To be honest, I have been busy with my own work and hadn't had much to say. That has changed and I want to just put a bit of a note about social networking for all of you.
I will say upfront, I don't have a cell phone (I like my downtime) but am pretty much attached to a computer both at home and the part time jobs I hold. I have been reading about social networking for some time now. It seemed overwhelming, but necessary. I bought books about the subject and read things online. None seem to get through my 'aging' brain. Finally I was at a luncheon where the topic was social networking. In 45 minutes it started to make sense.
With the dependence on computers, etc. it makes sense to stay in touch with people who are doing what you do. You can support and help others as they help you. For that reason alone it is worth the time. For business purposes it becomes a bit trickier.
You can use the network to build 'buzz' about you and your product. Is it fast? I think that for some it might be. For others it will take time. Is it worth it? That depends on what you want the end result to be. Placing 'free' information helps to build a brand name. Does it increase sales? For writers, the votes are still out on that one.
In the end, it seems social networking, with all the ins, outs and time consumption, is a personal choice. We write all the time. With social networking it looks to be what are we going to write. Build our name or write our book. We can do both, but one will take time from the other. It is a personal choice. Which ever choice you make, don't worry. The one thing that is sure, social networking is to here to stay. You can always join the madness later.
