I’m really not active on social media anymore. I used to have a ton of fun on it and the side effect of enjoying it was some pretty good marketing for my books. Then one day, I just stopped. Some people think it’s laziness.
It’s not. It never was. In fact, the reason I left is simple. It wasn’t aligning with who I am choosing to be at this point in my life. Simple. Social media can be wonderful. I love seeing pics and updates of friends and family. Some posts crack me up and brighten my day. But the other side of social media, is a dark and treacherously slippery path. One that is filled with others who cheer us on as we shed civility, choose up sides on any subject and proclaim anyone who disagrees is wrong and stupid and worthless. And sometimes we call them criminals or worse. And it seems that we get more and more okay with doing that.
That’s not a path I choose to navigate most days. And that means I absolutely miss out on the information, sense of community and bright moments of hilarity for sure. But who I am, how I’m showing up in the world and to my family and friends means more to me right now.
A lot of time I do think I miss out. And yet, lately, finally, I’ve begun to find a freedom of thought that I’m really enjoying. I have the time to explore topics and delve deeper into things that interest me. I read non-fiction more and more because I enjoy the process of delving deeper into subjects and learning without so much exterior noise that can come from social media.
On the other hand, that may change and I’ll pop back up on social media. This isn’t a hard and fast rule for me, I’m just doing what I think is best at each moment in time. Maybe I’ll even start my own platform just to cause trouble (I’m joking!).
Do you have any ponderings today?
November 6th, 2024 at 7:08 am · Link
I wondered why I hadn’t seen you around FB lately, but I thought it was just FB being FB. They hide so much that I want to see in favor of crap I don’t need to see. :hugs: I spend time on FB hiding and unfollowing and blocking so that I get to see what I want to, from who I want to, so that my experience is less annoying. But I totally get it. You do you, because you are awesome. It’d be a hoot if you had your own platform, but who’s got time for that these days? LOL
We went to bed last night at 8, so of course, I woke up at like 4. I tried to go back to sleep but between the kitties and my bladder, it wasn’t to be. I’m just sitting here pouring coffee down my gullet, trying not to breathe wrong and accidentally inhale the liquid. Pondering will come later. ;o)
November 6th, 2024 at 10:56 am · Link
I second everything B.E. said.
This is not surprising given we are sistahs from different mistahs. 
Please don’t give up the blog! I love checking in on you and yours MWF. I do my blog, which feeds to my FB author page. I sadly ignore my personal page and I miss a lot of stuff from real friends because I don’t check my feed. As y’all both said, too much BS on the flow chart there. I’m not entertaining enough (on video at least) for the ticker-tocker (and I don’t trust the parent company) and the same for the instant gram thing. I’m probably missing out on a lot of sales by not figuring out how to be entertaining. Ah well. At this point, I’m mostly writing for myself and a few select fans. 🤷🏼♀️
That said, I am feeling more hopeful this morning, despite the lack of sleep because yeah, I was tuned in. I’m gonna need a nap but I have cookies to make! 🍪🍪🍪
November 6th, 2024 at 5:40 pm · Link
B.E., that’s a good way to do it. I just saw that someone tagged me in their political post, and it made me frustrated. But those are small irritations. Curating is as good a solution as any other! I’m not ruling out a return, I just need to be in a little different headspace than I am today. And that’s possible as I’m getting all the medical drama behind me now.
It would be fun to do an off beat platform if I was a billionaire
I’m not so I’ll have to figure out other ways to entertain myself!
Ohh, sorry for the early wake up call by the kitties and call of nature. Hopefully the coffee did it’s job and sent you onto a good day!
November 6th, 2024 at 5:54 pm · Link
Silver, I’m not giving up the blog
I was thinking more of platforms I visit and don’t control (I own the blog) and pay for hosting fees. And so far, everyone has been very respectful here. I love that. I want everyone who shows up to feel seen and safe. Not attacked or demeaned.
Marketing is a whole different thing than just me hanging out on FB and whatever Twitter is now. That said, I’m with you on feeling I don’t shine of vlogs, nor am I good at communicating in photos. I so get that! But don’t give up on marketing. I’m no longer in the loop to help you, but other resources are out there. Get creative in the things that do work for you! There may be a big break out there, you just have to be there when it happens. Above all else, though, love what you do and those who appreciate it.
I’m glad you’re feeling hopeful, if tired. We all need that sometimes. And cookies are a good way to shake of any lingering stress and fatigue
Happy Wednesday!
November 6th, 2024 at 7:12 pm · Link
I also agree with B. E. and Silver. I sill do X and some FB. FB is terrible for blocking the craziest stuff. They won’t let me post photos of rock art. That’s right, they pull it and say I’m trying to get clicks. So you aren’t missing a thing.
I was up like I normally am all night. I got tired of all that was happening so I put on QVC and they had these HUGE cookies. Four cookies for $30. I nearly fell off the couch laughing at whomever would buy them 🤣.
I’m glad you got your wallet 🥰.
Have a great day!