Social Networking

Some of us seem to feel the need to be heard :-) I am currently using four different social networking applications. I use each application for a different purpose. I suppose this my attempt at separating the different areas of my life.

Twitter
I use twitter like a custom news feed. I follow a few people whose opinions I respect as well as some topics that interest me. When I post a tweet, it is usually related to work. Perhaps about some techie thing that I just figured out or about some tool that I think is rather cool. I also post the occasional random thought. Having an iPhone makes it very easy to use. I also use a google gadget for when I am at my desk.

There appears to be some twitter etiquette. There are a lot of celebrities using it. While it is interesting to stay up-to-date with your favorites, I think it bad form to badger them to add you to their following list. I see a lot of this when browsing. Sure, throw the odd comment their way if you have something intelligent to say. Garrison Keeler summed it up in one of his monologues; he said something to the effect of you can say "Hey, like you work." and move on.

Blogs
I currently maintain two blogs. The one you are reading now and another more related to work.
I use this blog for personal expression, stuff I don't mind the world reading and to expand on subjects that require more than a tweet.
The other blog I use to sound off about work stuff, usually on a topic where I perceive misconception and I feel the need to set the record straight.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn is my on-line resume and professional network. I only include people I know through work and only if I think their presence in my network will add value. Another point of etiquette here; what to do if someone you don't like/respect/want in your network sends you an invite? I think simply ignoring it is safest. If they corner you at the water cooler you can say "LinkedIn? Man, I haven't been on there in ages.". Maybe LinkedIn should present a third option beyond "Add to your network" and "I don't know this person". How about "Politely decline this invitation"? Another approach is to accept the invitation, wait for a month and then quitely remove them from your network.

Facebook
I stayed away from Facebook for a long time. But it became clear that it was the most efficient method of staying in touch with my family in the UK. My little sister and cousins appear to have stopped writing e-mails, but they will keep their walls up to date.
I have set myself a rule for using Facebook. I'll only connect with family and close friends. No work stuff. Any posts I make here are not for public consumption. I turned off all the "freinds of friends" options and locked the security down to imediate contacts only.
I went camping with the children over spring break. Having an iPhone allowed me to let my wife & family follow our adventures in near real time. The children enjoyed reading comments from the family each morning.

James
April 2009

Bathroom etiquette

The bathroom is supposed to be a quiet place of reflection and contemplation. But recently I have been distracted from my meditation by work-aholics who click away on their blackberry/iPhone/personal communication device in the stall next to mine.

I am disturbed by this erosion of bathroom etiquette. (Although I could start marketing iPhone sanitizer.)

Where will this lead? Will "Hello, I am in the elevator I might lose you in a moment" be superseded by "Hello, I am sitting on the toilet. Hold on a tick I am about to flush".

And another thing. If I am at the urinal when you enter the bathroom, don't try and talk to me. It can wait five minutes. Seriously.

Twinkle Town

Twinkle town off the starboard bow
They live their lives
as we slip by
Children sleep
Husbands kiss Wives
My thoughts run home

Twinke town lost in cloud
We sip our drinks
the engines roar loud
But the spell has been cast
a seed planted a smile
To be home at last
and to stay a while

February 24th, 2006

Thirsty

"Please may I have some water?"
Asked the Andie-daughter
using her pleases just like she oughta
"'Cos I finished my milk like I was a drain
and I am really thirsty all over again!"

January 5th 2005

Offline

I am going offline for a while
My heads all a-spin
and I've forgotten how to grin
So, I'll be offline for a bit
It feels good just to sit
and to not have to think
Later on I'll drink some wine
But right now I'll be going offline

November 19th, 2004

End of Week

Heading Home, my wife to meet
Got children to hug
Sweet kisses Hello
and much tickling of feet

November 5th, 2004

Weekend

Dash, dash, crash and splash
Leap, leap, steep and deep
Quake, wake into the lake

Swim, grin, spin and swim
Dive, dive, feel alive
Cool green, fresh and clean

Laugh, play, cares away
Wine, dine, just feeling fine
Children & Wife, loving my life

August 1st, 2004

Herberts

Andie, get off his head
Duncie, put it back
Till my eyes see red
want to strap 'em to a rack

Oh, I need coffee
Yes, I could use a brew
And maybe a chewy toffee
No, Duncie you cannot have one too

Yes, its been a busy day
They drove me near to tears
Would not have it another way
Bless the little Dears.

July 29th, 2004

Grubby Little Git

"Oi! Squirt!" says Dad
"Stop playing with that dirt!,
and while you're about it
put on your flippin' shirt."

"Oh, Man!" says Son,
with a finger up his nose.
"I ain't no wilting flower
and I ain't no flippin' rose!"

"Indeed! No doubt" says Dad
"I did not mean to shout
but don your clothes this instant boy,
or I'll give your head a clout!"

July 29th, 2004