A Social Sabbatical – Sort of…
I’m back. Did ya miss me? (Don’t answer that.) Been off the blog for almost 30 days.
Where did the time go?
Well, I’ll tell you. I was still plugged in, but to a bunch of new stuff…spent some time exploring tools and technology I hadn’t before so as to expand my social repertoire. I invite you to walk with me for a minute to see where I’ve been, in case you’d like to go a-wanderin’, too.
Sailing Out Of Twitter
Would you believe I have Twitter to thank for reconnecting me to a love of sailing that I lost track of more than a decade ago? A Twitter contact put the idea back in my head. And, as these things do, the cosmic connections started to stir around me. Twitter sailors started popping up everywhere, and the next thing I knew I was back on a boat trying to remember my topping lift from my twing. Because of Twitter, I rediscovered a little piece of me I thought was gone forever. Cool, huh? (And people think it’s just full of people talking about what they ate for lunch.) And then…
CafePress
I needed a red shirt to wear for the next sailing race. So I figured, why not get one with the name of the sailing team with whom I was racing on the front pocket? 
Of course I’ve known about CafePress for quite some time, bought from it and recommended it, but I wanted to figure out how it worked from a creator’s standpoint. 
So I set up my own storefronts at www.cafepress.com/GrayMatterPress and www.cafepress.com/GrayPicturesLLC for no other reason than because I could. And then…
A Very Social Snow Cone
As serendipity would have it, I got together with an old friend and fellow entrepreneur to chat about life and biz and sailing-thanks-to-Twitter, and before I had finished my snow cone (coconut flavor with marshmallow in the middle), she had decided to start a new networking group and a blog to boot. The first event she hosted was a smashing success. It is my pleasure to introduce www.FreeBirdsUnited.com/blog, a blog for women entrepreneurs. (Go Betty, go!) As I scraped the marshmallow from the bottom of my cup, I suggested she set up a store at CafePress (having just done so myself), so we could buy FreeBird stuff to showcase our affiliation. And then…
Flip Mino HD
I thought I should go back in and actually add some products to my stores on CafePress, and that’s when I saw that you can put your logo on those cool little flip mino HD digital video cameras. So, naturally, I did. Then I bought one. And then…
YouTube
With my hot little (branded) flip mino HD cam in hand, I realized how easy it would be to shoot and post something to YouTube. So I did that, too. And it was fun. Fun, I tell you.
So much fun that I decided I could have even more fun if I had a little something (and I do mean “little”) to sail myself, from which I could shoot more fun stuff. And then…
Craigslist
As with all other things in my world, I realize that hands-on experience (whether you’re building a blog or sailing a boat) is the best kind. I was always a bit of an eBay snob, but search results for little sailboats kept churning up Craigslist links (anyone who has heard me talk about social media, has heard me talk about the power of “search”…this being a case in point). And, it turns out, I ended up having a very positive Craigslist experience. Saw a good listing, chatted with the seller by phone, met him and then bought a little tiny itty-bitty Sunfish. And then…
Audible.com
I had to go pick up the little itty-bitty boat, so I downloaded a book — a memoir — to my iPod to listen to on the drive that broke my heart and reminded me, yet again, that life is short and every day is a gift. It also reminded me that you never know where new connections may take place or where those connections may take you. It’s hard to put the power of this book in the context of anything else because it tells a story that is more important than anything I will ever say or do in my lifetime. I will carry it with me in my mind forever, count my blessings and continue on…
Facebook
I then posted a wall-to-wall “thank you” to the friend who recommended the abovementioned book, and then I joined a few sailing groups on Facebook in case I have questions while fixing up my little Sunfish. I also connected with the new sailors I have met racing so we can stay in touch on shore, virtually speaking. Facebook has helped me get to know each of them a bit better beyond our chatter between tacking and jibing. And then…
I realized it’s been a month since I posted to GrayMatter Minute!
So as I settle back down into blog business, I’m looking forward to refocusing my efforts on Social Gets Local, where I am sharing case studies about how local Baltimore-Washington-Annapolis area businesses are using social media successfully. (Ping me if you’d like to be added to the directory.)
Why do I think any of you care about what I’ve been doing over the past 30 days?
Well, I don’t. However, I do think my adventure presents an interesting example of how social media connections you make online can move offline and then back online again and take you to places you might not otherwise have traveled.
Meet online. Move offline. Maintain your network.
Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming or all-consuming. It’s what you make it. All of these social tools are there to make it easier for you to connect to the things that matter to you — from business to blogging to boating to books or whatever moves your needle. I LOVE being plugged in because doors keep opening all around me. So if you aren’t getting anything out of Twitter or you think Facebook is stupid (and that’s cool if you do…it’s your dime), I just want to suggest that if you explore them in earnest you can learn a lot about whatever you want.
I was in this for the FYI, not the ROI.
We’re each the skipper of our own little boat and that can be rather empowering. I’ll save the “ROI of Social Media” discussions for Social Gets Local. In this post, I just wanted to make the point that when you make the investment in filling your own social sails, you may be surprised (and delighted) to see where the wind might take you.
Sometimes the journey itself is the destination — and the reward.
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Tags: facebook sailing groups, flip mino HD, how to use cafepress, sailing on youtube, social media sabbatical, Sunfish Sailboat
August 12th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I love this post. What a nice reminder about all these nifty tools being a gateway to the world rather than the world itself. Thanks. I needed that!
August 12th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Loved this as well! Great way to encapsulate the social media experience.
Thanks Renee, and keep up the great posts!
August 12th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Thanks, WRENee….you’re a bird!
August 12th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Good post… I was wondering where you were…
I’m curious, Renee – what is your opinion about privacy?
For example, two recent national stories – Lee Landor, deputy press secretary for Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer, “resigned” (was fired) for posts she made on her Facebook page about the controvercial Gates arrest and Obama’s comments about it.
And a Boston police officer suspended for using a “racial slur” to describe Gates on his Facebook page.
And a banker in California that I know personally has a “file” kept on him at work citing comments he made on his Facebook page.
And then there’s the Facebook panic that happend a couple of weeks ago where a post was going around that Facebook was allowing third party advertisers to use your posted pictures without your permission – which turned out only to be partially true (even though anyone can copy and paste your pictures into their own files just by right clicking, regardless of what privacy settings you have on your page).
My point is, when we put ourselves out there so much, aren’t we just begging someone to steal our identity, our pictures, our privacy? I found myself on a google search on a website called 123People (who buys “public” information on people from UnitedShare). They had my maiden name, married name, middle name and my age, my personal addresses and phone numbers current through 20 years ago. They had my business website, my LinkedIn page, my Facebook page – they even had a link to when I posted on your blog last, hence not using my last name this time. They were offering to do a background check to reveal all of this information on me, or anyone, for a fee. When I called to ask to be removed from their website, they hung up on me. The second time, they transferred me to a call center in India who said I could be removed for $10 a year. Conveniently, no manager was available – ever.
I, for one, am concerned about privacy. I pay extra on my phone bill every month to be unlisted and I don’t publish my address anywhere. Yet for a small fee, someone with whatever intentions can find out where I live and all about me because I am out there in cyberspace for the taking.
Maybe my husband’s paranoia is rubbing off on me.
August 12th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Thanks, Wendy! A gateway indeed. I know a few people who think all i do is sit and talk to a computer…but, for me, this online world we spend time in is absolutely a gateway and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the new people and experiences it has opened up for me OFFLINE.
Including, meeting up w/ you! TTYS. -R
August 12th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Thanks, Chris!
Thanks, BettyBird.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Hey Shannon,
Funny thing, I’ve been conjuring up a “privacy post” in my mind for a few months now…may front-burner it to further share my thoughts in this area.
Until then, I think that this issue is like anything else in life – one needs to use common sense. (And, per your above examples, not everyone does.) I, too, am occasionally surprised at what I see people posting (on facebook, in particular).
In a post last month, I talked about how important it is to monitor your own digital trail, http://www.graymatterminute.com/2009/07/14/social-media-sidestep-3-step-strategy/ . In that post I mentioned the importance of setting up google alerts so you know where your name is popping up online and also how important I think identity protection is (I use LifeLock.com … there are other services out there, I know).
As for the people who have found themselves in trouble for what they’ve posted…well, people need to use their heads when posting anything. I am acutely aware of the trail I’m leaving online and I always consider the ramifications of anything I may post on facebook or twitter or anywhere as related to my work and my reputation. I try really hard to strike the balance between “transparency” and “privacy” and that’s no easy task…especially when you’re blogging about social media!
I’ve made mistakes in this department and I’ve learned from each which has helped guide my own personal posting policies. Many companies are setting up social media policies to help guide employee behavior, as well, (as they should). But there are always people who are going to post the inappropriate just as there are always going to be people who break laws. What can ya do? As you describe above, those choices to publish uncensored comments will have consequences…especially for people in public office. The social webs make us all our own editors and not everyone takes a minute to edit. I think people in the healthcare and financial industries, in particular, will have a tricky time navigating the social site culture due to the litigious environments in which they do business.
I, too, am concerned about privacy issues in today’s online environment which is why I have taken a number of precautions. I’m particularly careful about posting photos…that’s where I start to feel my boundaries tested. (Ironic, given the industry we’re in, eh?)
Anyway…I think I’m as at risk of incident or malice just about any time I walk out of the door, get in a car, go into a major city, leave a venue late at night…there’s a million ways we place ourselves at risk. The fact is, even people who try to stay offline have a digital trail accessible to people who are online, so by opting out I’m not sure you’re any “safer” than those who choose to “opt in” to online activity.
In my life, I have been at home during an attempted burglary (twice!), I’ve been a victim of vehicle theft, I’ve been held up at “knife point” and I’ve come out on the other side a few other unpleasant events…but I’m not going to stop living my life — or “they” win.
I think your concerns are valid and relevant, but the use of computer technology isn’t going to slow down…so I’m forging ahead, cautionary eyes open, doing what I do, carefully and thoughtfully, to stay informed of what’s out there and what’s possible (the good and the bad).
For all the upsides of being engaged online, I suppose I’m willing to risk the potential downsides.
Those are my thoughts. Thanks for commenting about this important issue as we all work to figure out how to address and adapt to the questions and culture of personal privacy that new technologies are bringing forward.
More to come…
-Renee
August 13th, 2009 at 3:31 am
@Shannon Hi, this is Bernhard from 123people. We are not buying any information or looking behind closed doors. 123people just gets information from publicly available sites on the Internet by performing a real time search. There´s nothing we can find that is not already out there when you look for it.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Hey Bernhard,
Thanks for poppin’ in. (And for providing an example of why “monitoring” the web for any appearance of your name is so important!)
I have actually had your service listed under my blog’s resources page, http://www.graymatterminute.com/resources/ , (under the subhead “Search, Monitor & Measure”) for quite some time as a valuable search tool.
Would be interested to hear your take on “privacy on the web” as I do meet people all the time who raise concerns about it. My rationale/response is stated above, but I’d welcome your additional input as I begin work in earnest on a post about it.
Appreciate your time.
Best,
-Renee
August 13th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
A posting tour de force! Nicely done, NeeNee.
August 14th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Renee …
What a great reflection! I enjoyed reading how you still managed to weave in your technical/connected side into who you “really are.”
I shall think about similar things while on vacation, be curious what bubbles up.
… KJ
August 17th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Much appreciated comment, RR. Always nice to hear from you.
Thx for the feedback, KJ. Enjoy the vacation. Let me know how “unplugging” works out.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Wonderful post, Renee — very well written and full of great information.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
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