Boundaries in a Virtual World.

So, today I've been thinking a lot about boundaries. Most of y'all know I'm a mom. I don't make a secret of that, or that I'm married to a dude named Mike. I'm pretty transparent, and also, it gives me something to talk about (because my babies are awesome!).

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll get random updates about housecleaning and kids mixed in with books and writing and #revisiontips. It's just part of my life.

But what about boundaries? I'm sure a lot of you heard about the attack on agent Pam van Hylckama. I didn't address this then other than a general, 'WTF, dude??' tweet.

But let's face it. There are crazy folk out there. In our industry, as nice and sunshine and roses as we like to think it is. So what do you do to protect yourself and your family while still being real and accessible?

Wait, N, this doesn't apply to us. We're Rejects--no one cares about us right now.

Okay, that's not true--WE CARE!! But I get the point. You aren't an agent, you aren't a publishing professional, you aren't an author with crazy fans (or haters) filling up your inbox. Your just an aspiring writer. Who cares if you tweet about your kids or post pictures from your babies daycare on Facebook?

Fun fact: I so rarely use my childrens names on facebook that my sister-in-law actually addressed a Christmas present to my youngest by her internet name. (Bug). Amusing, yes? But also, it means I'm doing what I want. Because sure, I have lots of family on Facebook. And I post pictures of my kids there.

But I have lots of writers there that I've never met, and probably never will. Some of them--Auzy and Liz, for example--I wouldn't care if they knew my kids names and fun stuff like that, but the fact is, I'm not comfortable sharing that kind of personal details with the general public. It's not need to know information.

Okay, but why can we know Mike's name. Don't you care about him?

Well, duh. But dude, he's an adult. He can take care of his own self.

That's my line--I don't share personal details about my kids, like names and where they go to school. Same goes for my nieces and nephews. Everyone else is fair game.

What boundaries do you have in the realm of social media? What aren't you willing to share?

Six Reasons Why Twitter is Still Relevant

So many ask themselves what that little blue bird known as Twitter can do for their brand or company. Why follow the craze, it’ll be gone just as quickly as MySpace was. Many use the excuse, but we have a Facebook. Isn’t that enough?

Here’s the thing, Facebook can only get one so far. One needs multiple online platforms when trying to reach a broad demographic. Facebook has made improvements with its share tool, among others, but Twitter is still valid. Here’s why:

1.     Some writers and potential readers may be Twitter fiends, others may only use Facebook. In order to reach both, you must be a part of both.

2.     Using hashtags can put your author self in front of new and potential readers or publishing connections without having to be shared or “liked” via Facebook. Anyone can see a hashtag as long as your tweets are not private. In this way, no one has to go out of their way to find you.

3.     The retweet, similar to Facebook’s share tool, allows those who like what you have to say to spread the love to their own followers.

4.     Twitter is the gateway. When someone stumbles upon your tweets via either a retweet or with the help of a hashtag the first place they will go is your profile and they will immediately read your bio. If they like what they see, you’ve instantly gotten a click-through to your website and/or blog.

5.     The format: Twitter’s format is appealing to the eyes. People expect to see quick snippets of interesting topics, instead of having your posts squished between the statuses of a potential reader’s friends.

6.     Twitter is best utilized for professional contacts and readers while Facebook can be more personal in nature. Twitter is the place one goes to in order to find like-minded individuals or organizations.  Ergo, the need for hashtags. Interested in finding writers? Check out all who use the hashtags #writer and #amediting and see what you find.

~Liz