My social media purge

Ok, so this may sound outrageous, terrible and weird but I am suddenly finding myself moving away from the social media craze that my networks and profession seem to demand of me.

Maybe it was the few beautiful days I just spent at the cottage (by the river, on the dock, at the campfire, relaxing with my friends). Maybe it’s the hours I spend on the computer ALL day at work. Maybe it’s the rediscovery of my love of reading. Maybe it finally feels like summer. Whatever the reason, I am finding myself less likely to check my facebook, tweet, or even keep up my blog.

Gang's all here.

But here I am, writing my blog again, so I obviously still realize the importance of social media. I am glad I understand it and have experienced. At the same time I am glad I know how to take a step back and take a break from it.

Isn’t weird how we know so much about random strangers because of our connections on social media sites? I realize this connection has it benefits, but there are something things that we just don’t all need to know. Email simply allows us to keep in touch and share information on a more private basis. Isn’t this good enough? (Rant over.)

And here I am, sharing my private thoughts with an online audience, making websites for people, promoting a website as part of my job. Maybe I just need to get this rant out of my system, because the truth of the matter is social media exists. It is important and relevant and will keep evolving. I guess I can’t underestimate the power of social media, but I can choose to be a bystander more often than not. Maybe you should try it.

What is “blogworthy?”

On a recent trip back to the city after a weekend at home, I was flipping through the latest issue of People Style Watch (a guilty pleasure of mine).  I came upon an ad and the first thing I noticed was the word “blogworthy” written across the middle of the page in large, red letters. Upon further inspection, I realized it was an Oscar Mayer advertisement for their new Deli Creations flatbread sandwiches. Upon even further inspection I noticed there was no contact website, no link to a blog – just a picture and a plug about the new microwavable lunch product.

So what exactly is blogworthy about this ad or this product I wondered?

Once I got to my computer I began searching online for the new product. All I could find was a simple section on the Kraft food website. Still no sign of a blog, no sign of any social media efforts. After even more searching I was surprised to find that Oscar Mayer does actually have a blog. So why not direct us to it in the ad?

Kraft is claiming that the new product is worth being blogged about but where is the proof? Do they just expect people to see the ad and start blogging about it? I don’t think it’s that easy! I realize that I am blogging about it now, but I don’t think a rant is what they were referring to when they call the product “blogworthy”.

Can we just throw this word around and expect it to create positive buzz with no substance? I think it’s safe to say that just about anything can be worthy of being blogged about. It’s more about the how and why than the what.

Nice try Oscar Mayer, but you may have missed the wienermobile on this one.