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After months of experimenting and waffling (...Mmm...waffles...) SF Signal has taken the Twitter and Facebook plunge!
Why did it take so long? It took me a while to see any value in these services as a blogger, but I think I found a solution.
Here's my thinking...
Basically, I see 3 uses for Twitter and Facebook:
- A way of conversing publicly and asynchronously with folks (which doesn't really interest me beyond the occasional "Thanks"...by which I mean: my "chatting" will be kept to a minimum).
- A way of promoting the blog via links back to fresh posts on this blog.
- A way of passing along interesting offsite, tidbit-like links and other fun stuff.
The SF Signal Twitter page is pretty easy to follow. Besides links back to SF Signal posts, you'll find links to other interesting articles around the web -- mostly relating to science fiction, but some just because I think they're worth letting people know about. There must be something good going on, as Tech Republic listed SF Signal on its list of 50 uber-geeks worth following on Twitter.
SF Signal's Facebook page has a little history behind it stemming from the fact that Facebook is meant for individuals and not groups. The original Facebook page was a personal page. That Facebook page's friend list grew -- not just by blog friends, but also with personal friends. (One of the mantras for Facebooking is that never the twain shall meet.) I then learned of FB's Group and Fan pages, so those now exist for SF Signal as well. What to do? Personal, group and fan pages all have different features. The delay in officially announcing was in taking the time to find the best solution. And the solution is this: because of the features, I will keep the personal FB page as SF Signal's official Facebook page. (I will set up a new personal account in the near future for personal, related contacts.) SF Signal Facebook page will feature much of the same content as the Twitter page, with the addition of other FB features like RSS feeds (for the blog), Apps (like the Virtual Bookshelf app), and photos (of books received, scenes from Bookstores, etc. Apologies in advance for the poor picture quality from my cell phone camera.). I Will also use Facebook to occasionally interact with others as time permits.
Anyway, if you'd like to follow SF Signal on Twitter and Facebook, then check out SF Signal's Twitter page and SF Signal's Facebook page.
Comments (5)
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Posted by John DeNardo at Thursday April 16, 2009 at 9:58 AM
© 2009 SF Signal
I'm with you man. I'm still trying to talk myself into the value of facebook and twitter myself. At least you finally mad the plunge. I chuckled to myself when I read this post, especially the part about the "occasional thanks".
Posted by SniffCode.com on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Hooray, now everyone can follow you. Happily, @tzinski has been following you and your waffling for some time on Twitter. (I like Twitter. I mostly use it for one-liners and, increasingly, doodles...but it's addictive).
As for Facebook, my wife and friends use it. I hae an account. I cannot make heads or tails of what to do with the place. So you are braver and smarter than I... 
Posted by Pete Tzinski on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM
@Sniff (may I call you Sniff?): That does sound funny, doesn't it? What I meant was that my "chatting" will be kept to a minimum. Do ALL my contacts want to read what I have to say to just the one?
@Pete: ...and your following is much appreciated! Now get back to work!
Posted by John D. on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I've been following for a little while now, using my PR alias - he scares me, frankly. But I just gotta say, re: SniffCode - "Mad - The Plunge!" would make a great pulp title. 
Posted by Kristine on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Glad to hear it. I'm on both so I'll definitely find you on facebook. Still trying to get my head around twitter though.
Posted by Stuart Clark on Friday April 17, 2009 at 10:13 AM