Final Thoughts - Thing # 23

I have had my eyes opened more widely to the concept of social networking. Not only does it exist on many levels, but the tools with which to maintain and personalize it, are plentiful. Figuring I didn't have anything to useful to say, I didn't write my blog specifically as a source for others; rather I used it as notes to myself to remind me of some of my favorite tool. I did add my favorite links along the way to my favorites in my computer. I know, it's the old way... I'll transfer them to del.icio.us site later.

I enjoyed several of the "things" more than others. Although I found the games boring and clearly not worth my time, I thought the wikis and creation and formatting of the blogs themselves very interesting. A group of friends from high school (Class of 71) have a blog that we all contribute to. It took the place of our email distribution list entitled "e-babes". It's more fun and enables us to use photos etc. Pretty good for a bunch of women who had no experience with computers until long after giving birth!

I unexpectantly happened to communicate with some old friends on Facebook. It actually made me laugh at the eclectic group I have made "friends" with on that site. I am the only common element there. I am not sure I will maintain that site as some recent news stories tell of people trying to delete their site and being unable to. That won't be a problem for me, but might be for some young college students who may have a perspective employer view their site.

I found the Ning site a little less invasive at first and so uploaded my photo to that site. Later I saw the ads on the page. They were such things as: When will you die?Let the Death Clock tell you! Find out when you will die. www.YourDeathClock.com
and....Chat Free with Sexy Singles in your ZIP code now! I realize advertising pays for our usage of these spaces, but I didn't want to be associated with items over which I had no control. So I actually changed my photo to a nondescript image.

The 23 things program was set up pretty well, but there were so many links from the actual unit that it often hard to find my way back to the it.It took me until about the 4th or 5th thing to understand the system. I eventually learned to keep two windows open. I created a shortcut to the 23 things in case that didn't work. And I ended up using that shortcut link many times.

If I had to describe my experience doing the 23 things I would call it an adventure of sorts and an definite awakening to the social networking going on around us. The way we communicate has changed and will continue to do so at an even faster pace than any of us thought possible. If I create a new avantar in the future, she'll be wearing running shoes.