I will be the first to admit I am a tech geek. Been on and around computers since my dad and I build a computer from a kit in 1982. Online a long, long time. Communicated just like I am talking to you now in forums with things like Gopher before there were even any browsers.
I say this cause I like technology. I like the Internet. I love the social interaction possible in this day and age.
With that said I have also been on the major social networking sites since like day one, cause at some level that is my job. I sell social networking services to folks that pay a fair amount of money hoping I got a clue what I am talking about. But not a huge fan of them when I am not working.
When I explain to folks what I just said face-to-face and they ask, "hey why are you not a fan," he is often hard for me to explain. I now have the perfect, I mean perfect example. Follow me below the fold. It might be worth it.
I use a free desktop application called Yoono to manage both my personal and my clients social networks. Through one application I can work with Twitter, Facebook, MySpace (not so much anymore -- OK never), and LinkedIn. I see a post in Facebook from this lady I knew in college. It said something like:
I need some hammers, nails, and help to finish this co-op I am working on.
I clicked over willing to give a donation. That was when I could see the complete post and it was a request for help to build a co-op in Farmville. I almost lost it.*
WTF. This women is very successful and married to an equally successful person. Worth millions. She is building a co-op in the "virtual" world, but would never think to do so in the real world. I can't even wrap my mind around that.
If I sent her an email asking her to donate either a little of her time or a few bucks in a "real" co-op she'd laugh at me. I've met two wonderful folks here in two different cities that have been working 24/7 for a year plus to create successful co-ops in their cities. One quit his job to do it.
I love Malcolm Gladwell. Well I just reached my "Tipping Point."
I come back in from working in my garden. Dirt under my fingernails. See a post thinking somebody is working on setting up a co-op, only to learn it is in the virtual world.
Something is fucked up here ................
I will end with this. I started saying how long I've been online. It takes like 3-4 mouse clicks from this Diary to find out my name, phone number, and home address. That is how I roll. My online persona is the same as my offline persona. I also know all the stuff I need to reach out and touch all the folks I know on Facebook.
That women I mentioned here, not talked to her in 20 years verbally. Monday going to call and ask some questions .....
* I should note I know what Farmville, Mafia Wars, all that junk is. (1) My business clients don't need this stuff and (2) All my "friends" on Facebook (a static group going back years) only get one message from me when I first get a request for help in some game. Send me another request and you will no longer be my friend. I don't have time for it.