Thing #19-- Social Networking Beyond the Big FB

When I think about Facebook, I, think about the initial fascination I experienced when I friended my first contacts-- friends, family, people from high school-- how cool to see who was doing what, but better yet, to spy into the lives of others, the friends of friends that one would never friend personally. Hours spent stalking those people we would not actually click the add button for, knowing full well that they would probably accept a friend request anyway. 

I think about a few of my friends that I seldom speak with. Those that will post about what's in the crockpot, how strong the coffee came out today. How they are contemplating what color socks to wear. Really? Does America need to know? Do you think your friends love you so much that they care about these trivial things? Then I think about the crazy people out there, who have Facebook accounts for their cats. And those who still write from those accounts after their namesakes have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Freaky...

Then there are the good things. The amazing fact that the needle in the haystack half-brother I hoped to someday find messaged me one night last August. The favorite teacher of all time that my father told me 20 years ago that I should contact and thank-- who accepted my friend request yesterday. There are warm fuzzies that validate my favorite social media although there are silly addictive games that make it waste even more of my time. 

But, for more productive purposes, there are other social networking sites out there.  
Finding like minded people in similar situations from other communities, that is what it's all about. I see value in joining another social network that is based on one's vocation for the purpose of enriching oneself. Forums on  classroom2.0 supply a wealth of other information for teachers, beyond pedagogy, such as 8 tips for teachers who have a passion for not cooking and 5 of the biggest mistakes I made as a new teacher. These personal expressions of experiences are valuable. Likewise, there is an abundance of information on Google+ education community-- discussions, resources, success stories and a help needed section.  I joined both of these communities because I think they can be helpful in my future. 

I found both of these sites appealing because it would probably be quick and easy to find information on them. Members will probably be more concerned with sharing valid ideas than a play-by play of breakfast preparation. The purpose of these sites is to share insights and search for help. I expect to use both of these sites when I am stuck on something and need another opinion or two, or another perspective on an issue. 

I have never used another social media site other than a few message boards that I have  commented on or consulted for help with animals or other issues. What I liked about the two I discovered is that they are both fairly straightforward, no drama that I could detect, and information was fairly easy to glean. 

I do love my Facebook though. I don't spend as much time wasting time as I used to, and I try to be more careful about what I write, but I'm not giving it up anytime soon.