William Barrett, Professor of Philosophy, wrote back in 1979:

“…our modes of communication and expression take place within the framework (of an increasingly complex technology) and are increasingly shaped by it … the task … in this situation becomes neither the meaningless rejection of technology nor the equally meaningless affirmation of technology, but to try to see where technical and technological thinking, with no other principle but itself, must lead us; and whether some countervailing mode of thought may not be called for.” —Barrett, William, The Illusion of Technique, (Anchor Books: Garden City, New York, 1979) p. 230″

I was just going through my email — clearing the box — while having coffee at one my favorite local community coffee shops (as is my morning ritual). As I read the message (excerpted below) from a new client, it occurred to me that his request contained something that I have been pondering all last week… how do you really “use” social media? Well, first of all, to “correct myself”, one doesn’t “use it”… one participates… it is simply a conversation. Use beyond that, can quickly just become annoying noise. Recently, I have been more than impressed and humbled by being able to participate in personal and direct messages and conversations with the likes of Chris Brogan and Danny Brown. These guys (”guys”… they are figurative “giants” really! -personable, nice, “gentle giants”, but giants nonetheless) …find a way to organize their daily lifestyle, moments… precious time to directly answer and converse on a personal level with many, many people… constantly… every day…. It is after all “Social Media”. They literally have 100′s of thousands of “followers”…but, somehow they find a way to “have the conversation…” And, this is what I find to be most impressive and confounding… and, am observing to be the “Secret” to theirs and others like themselves’ success. I like many, am still learning and trying to figure it out? I suspect and am also learning… that part of it is just to relaxing into the practice…. that is… one must “just be”… and become a willing and calmly active participant in the happening… In other words, don’t “try” so hard… One thing that is certain and very obvious… The example and model is there — being personal is not optional! My email conversation:

“Hi Jay, I apologize for my confusion….I’m not the “brightest bulb in the box” when it comes to Facebook…or computers!! Can you give me an idea of exactly what to do with each of the names and addresses you gave me? Once I understand it I will never forget..it’s just….understanding it?? Maybe just take one of the addresses like ______and tell me step by step how to get them on my Facebook? Sorry for the request… but computers and I have not been very close friends….arrrggghhh!!! Thanks Jay – For Everything!! ======================================== “J, -no worries… and, I strongly disagree! You are refreshingly one of the “brightest bulbs” that I have met in a long time… I am thankful to be in the company of the likes of you, L, and “Dr. Pat”! re Facebook You are naturally very social, so once you get “it”…the learning curve will be short… Think of “it” as just talking…having a conversation… -that is the true heart of “social media”… -there is a lot of “noise” out there as “marketers” try to flatten the learning curve… -and, many are mistakenly just applying old practices to the new medium (including me…I have been guilty…) …but, this one… “Social Media” is different… …and, alas, I blab… one step at a time… step 1: simply “join”…ask for a “friendship“, become a “fan”, or join the “group” -whichever applies… step 2: introduce yourself step 3: join the conversation…or start one… step 4: post “helpful links”… items of “mutual interest” and incl your own… step 5: coming soon…. “Earning the right to ask a favor…” HAVE FUN!!! : ) Jay

Some other tips for using Facebook

Of course variations of these can be done on other social media platforms… please comment below and I will respond with more suggested ideas… Add to your page

• Your bio
• Description of your book
• Include your contact information (website, blog, twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Biznik information)
• Join one of the many groups for writers and authors and be active!
• Include a graphic of your book cover
• Invite friends to review your book and post comments
• Add a Shelfari widget and showcase all of your books or books by other authors you support
• Create a virtual bookshelf with your books
• Post updates about your book to the blogs and comments sections
• Invite other authors to be your friends, build your network