I am finding myself becoming less concerned about how I perform in my various social platforms. In some ways, this may benefit me more. How? The major platforms have algorithms that scour every site and posting to see if it is computer or human generated. We, as humans, are given tools to assist our ability to impact the platforms. The result is a mini-arms race. By avoiding that, I can become a safe haven for people looking for genuine interaction. Sure, I still follow others who post/tweet enormous quantities of material. Some of it I read, most of it flows past me. It has taken a long time for me to understand that it is not my responsibility to read everything that is sent to me. I am the type of person who needs to open every email sent to me, however briefly. To watch postings at the rate they flow in Twitter is impossible. It is all about the picture, sound bite, or hook that grabs a reader. Quality, presumably, comes later. It is all about quantity. Perhaps the idea is that the quantity will distill into something amounting to wisdom or an essence that can then be followed (by those who care) on trends or hash tags. But, even those are manipulated. Perhaps the only solution is to find people you like and follow them. Do we unfollow or ignore the rest?
The other thing I am finding increasingly weird is how having an account or following others can feel like stalking. I have found an Indie publisher who I admire and wish I could be as good as. But I find myself thinking that I shouldn't say too much or I will be considered a stalker. OR, perhaps that is what social media is all about: matching personalities to create raving fans. I never thought of myself as a raving fan of anything...
Should I feel weird or awkward as I look at people's postings or pictures? It does seem a little too personal at times. For me, I have created an author's page on Facebook but I can't seem to figure out how to access it. I'm sure it's idiot proof but I'm not sure if it is Baron-proof. The purpose of this page is to create a professional interface with the world. I don't think I've achieved this and everyone just looks at my personal page.
Anyway, all of that is fading into the background as I start receiving back the Man on the Run volumes I have been writing, editing and submitting for audible books and publication. Today, I have received the first draft of my audio book (available in Audible.com and iTunes, etc approximately two weeks after I approve it); I hope to have it launch on Audible.com by the 15th October! I have listened to it and it has brought the book alive. In some ways, it is better than the book. The voice is of Michael C. Gwynne, the actor. He is in his mid 70s and his voice is rich with expression and emotion. I love it. Those who have heard it have loved him. I have uploaded chapter one of my book with him reading on my website somewhere (look under Baron's Books, MOTR III--Listen) and see for yourself. I tried to link that page here but I just about lost this blog posting. (Again, things that should be easy aren't always so.)
I won't bore you with the details of my enjoyment--except to say that I am REALLY excited at how this series is coming together. Social media angst has subsided as serenity descends... (now if only I could figure out how to create some space between these lines to make this easier to read...)
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