Testing the Waters of Social Networking

They say it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks and many times this holds true. However, I decided to test the social networking waters. At first it was very confusing and I decided that you have to start somewhere. For months I experimented and tried to fathom all the different rules and applications. As you probaly noticed, I am still treading water and the learning experience continues to evolve. But, I have made progress.


 I have some old cantankerous friends that think I am crazy to pursue this. Yet they all own cell phones, with texting and other apps. I have to smile when I mention the hypocrisy in there beliefs and the excuses they present. "Oh I need this for my job" or "I have this in case of emergencies" also "I only have this in case my children try to get in touch". 


How does one explain the old driver in front of you, sitting at a stop sign while traffic backs up, only to realize that they are indexing? Oh, they are probably checking to make sure there are no family emergencies. On the other hand, the younger generation abuses this also. I remember a young employee that constantly stopped working and focused on the cell phone. It became a problem and I finally asked what the problem was. They replied that it was family trying to get in touch. 


Why are you texting and not using the phone I asked? Well they like to text was the reply. I curiously grabbed the phone and read the important message. "I am sitting at home and bored so  what  are you doing?" I did not realize it was a dire call for help. :-). I told the worker to reply that they were supposed to be working and to turn the cell phone off. The young worker looked at me wild eyed and replied "What if someone wants to get a hold of me? "Well I am sure they can wait until you get home and log unto Facebook or chat."


 On the flip side, it does have advantages. It brings lost or distant friends together, promotes a cooperating comaderie between people of similar pursuits and beliefs. It seems that social networking is here to stay and although there are many positives, we must also endure the negatives. Therefore, my quest continues, to learn and become proficient, in the well known secrets of social networking.