I’m currently tweaking a talk I’m giving on platform & online presence next week at the Scribblers’ Retreat Writers Workshop in St. Simons Island, Ga.
It’s intended to be “the basics”/making these things accessible and “easy,” and I’m just wondering:
What are, say, the top 3 things you’d expect to learn from a session like that?
Would love to hear your input.
Ricki Cardenas 
Realistic expectations, for one. For ex. I think in our fast-paced society, people expect instant popularity. Perhaps you could share some of your experiences (and those of others you know) to show this.
Time involved. Building platform and taking advantage of social networks is soooo time consuming. I think when people start out, they have good intentions, but don’t always realize the work involved. Sort of goes with the first suggestion.
Etiquette. Not bashing agents and editors online, how to conduct oneself when typing responses, being professional, etc.
Also, how to build a network of friends online. Goes w/ the above etiquette, too.
If I think of anything else, I’ll share it.
Can’t wait to catch up w/ you there!!!!
Oops, to correct my above comment in the first para.: I meant examples to show why instant popularity is not realistic.
(you probably knew what I meant, but thought I should clarify :-))
These are great — thanks! Looking forward to catching up with you there — too! I will e-mail soon!!
J.M.’s suggestions are great and with the time involved, there’s also the question of balance – what is too little or too much? For example, on Twitter and FB, it’s nice to have regular updates, but no one wants to read something new every 15 minutes.
And no one wants to just read about “me, me, me,” because it’s not interactive. New users have to get out there and comment and engage to make connections. Which ties into another point J.M. made – etiquette is a major thing to remember.
Good luck with your talk!
Thanks!! Yes — etiquette is MAJOR and it incorporates so much!
Great suggestions so far! I would also suggest time limits. Like… allow yourself an hour a day for social networking. It’s SO easy to get wrapped up in, that you end up social networking for hours and NOT writing!
Also, tell them NOT to get discouraged. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the popularity thing, but at first it can be really discouraging when you start following all these fabulous people (blogs, twitter, etc) and they don’t follow you back. It’s a SLOW SLOW SLOW start.
Also, social networking is a GREAT way to meet future critique partners and beta readers. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I thought I replied to this, but I didn’t. I’m so inept!! Sorry, McClinginstizzle! The talk went well — and I incorporated all this fab info. Time limits — scheduling the time for it.
And yes! Social networking is FAB for that! 😉