as far as the “elitist” statement goes, i couldn’t disagree more. i don’t think you’re thumbing your nose at anyone or singling out any particular generation, rather simply saying social networking can be a tool, but shouldn’t be a crutch.

anyway, keep the opinions coming!

However I do think that social media can be useful as a tool to branch out, for making connections and finding great content

I found you through twitter and I live in a small island in the southern mediterrenean, thanks to your blog and a link on your blog (actually one of the blogs on your blog rolls) an unemployed sicilian web designer I know was able to find work in London. This was great and this woman is so grateful to you eventhough she doesn’t know you.
Have a great weekend :) Dea

I work as an communication advisor at the Mayors Office in Kongsvinger, Norway. Because of our work with internet and social media we actually have won alot of prizes and got alot of attention in the norwegian press.

I work alot with the use of social media and I’ve spent alot of time on seminars regarding this subject, with the socalled social media experts.

What we use social media for is to be where everyone is. We are currently on Facebook, Twitter and have blogs. Now I totally agree with what you are saying about not adding alot of random people and dilute the message. I don’t believe in forcing people.

But here’s my take on it. Using social media for exposure in this day and age is quite necessary. When it comes to most social media networks adding a organization/individuals art page is always a choice. We’re not forcing anyone to add us, but we do add people we find interesting on Twitter, I personally have you and some other favorite designers/bloggers on mine, because it’s a fast an easy way to stay updated, and I’ve added them because I think what they have to say is interesting. Same with Facebook, if there’s an artist I like I’m glad to be a fan of his page, because it keeps me updated. I don’t expect anyone to add me back.

I’m all for nurturing friendships and relationships, with social media this has gotten even easier. And being there has also gotten me some new friends, people I didn’t know but who enjoyed my works and started chatting with me. As an example, through social media, I’m now collabing with an artist that is one of my biggest inspirations since I started designing back in 98.

While social media never should replace personal relationships like face-to-face and even phone it’s a great tool to stay updated and keep in touch. And even reach possible people of interest, because they find you interesting. I might have went abit off-topic now, but from my experience with social media experts they don’t tell you to add as much friends as possible, they tell you to use it as a tool to get more personal with your people of interest, be it customers or others. They tell you to be there and communicate, because it might benefit you and others.

One of these experts said last seminar: Never stay on the first step of the ladder, which is being there and just spewing out information to everyone, take the next step: Communicate and listen.

I use Twitter to communicate and get help. I use facebook to reach my friends and get comments on the stuff I do and I’ve gotten freelance work here as well, I use blogs because I have something I want to share or talk about. And all these are under the term social media.

Anyhow, keep up the good work, I’ll be reading!

I also found that I put more detailed effort into maintaining my friendships – calling on the phone, emailing or, heaven-forbid snail mailing…!

That being said, I feel there is a huge and growing deficiency in face-to-face social skills for those who have been overexposed to technology as a placeholder for literal communication. But I do feel that there is a positive move towards willingness to collaborate. So that’s something.

I just wonder, as technology evolves how it will impact social culture even more.

s

ps – I love the fact that you said ‘wanker’ and meant it. Made my day..