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5 Misconceptions About Social Media

Tech meta

Originally published at The Social Path

Yes, I
know. We’re all tired of lists. But studies have shown that they’re
still the most effective way to list things, and I can’t argue with
science.

Myth No. 1: This is all just a fad.

We could talk about how
socializing goes back thousands of years, blah blah blah, but let’s go
ahead and skip to the modern era. Social networking online has actually
been going on a lot longer than most people think.

I got started as a teen in the early 1990s, when I was running a
BBS. If you’re not a nerd, I should explain that a Bulletin Board
System was like a prehistoric Web portal, except without the Web. You
would dial in on your modem, then be able to e-mail or play games with
other folks who used the same BBS. Some were even networked, letting
you communicate across the whole nation. Yes, hard to believe there was
a time when that was impressive.

So why does social media feel like such a new trend? Well, the
technology has gotten a hell of a lot better in recent years, making it
easier than ever to join or even start a new network. Faster Internet
connections have also made it possible to share more than just words.
High-res pictures, podcasts, movies — you name it, it can finally be
passed around without hours of wait.

(click title for more)



The 5 Levels of Competitiveness in Social Media

Tech meta

Originally published on Social Impressions

As you become increasingly active in social
media, you will find a wide variety of competitiveness across the
board. Some want to be regarded as A-list bloggers, to reach a top
status on social bookmarking sites, and to have the most number of
friends on Facebook. While some can maintain genuine relationships with
people, others see them as part of their massive network. Competition
is usually healthy, depending on the amount of competitiveness involved.

Although there are many gray areas between each level, I have
observed roughly five main levels of social media competitiveness and
involvement.

Levelsofcompetitiveness_2

Lurker

Lurkers exist online; they just aren’t visible. These people don’t
actually participate. They quietly watch the activity on their favorite
sites. They may identify core sites and users that they admire or enjoy
and follow them religiously. Even the most offensive of posts won’t
incite a comment from them. Although these lurkers might sign up for an
account on a social site, they are usually the users without an avatar.
Their activity on these sites is minimal, and their contribution is
non-existent.

(click title for more)



Do Moms Need Social Networks?

Techmetab
Originally Published on Sally Walker

With all the fuss these days about social media, social networking,
twitter this and plurk that, are all these ‘ways of communication’
actually needed by Mums?

There are a host of social media and networking sites these days,
ranging from simple ideas like Twitter to full on website making
profile page ideas such as Facebook or MySpace.

However, as a Mum, do you need them? Will they benefit you?

As Mum’s we have enough on our plate with housework, being a taxi
for our children, cooking, cleaning, working out the weekly menu, doing
the shopping, washing etc. We might also have a full or part time job
on top of all that, so do we really need endless websites to try and
keep track of too? Well maybe…

(click title for more)