I hate to admit it, but I have been somewhat reluctant to join the global social networking revolution that is occurring every day. Oh, who am I kidding - let me just say it - I have deliberately REFUSED to become a part of it. And no, it isn’t because I’m techno-phobic. I’m pretty proficient with computers, email, texting, blackberries, digital cameras and the like. Hey, I even converted to playing a completely electronic drum kit. But when the discussion moves to Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and the like, I admit that my concentration and focus levels waver like a five-year-old in Toys R Us. I do often feel like an outcast - as if I were the only person in the developed world not on Facebook. And unless you count that noise after a third quesadilla at lunch, I don’t ‘tweet’ either.
It's just that at this stage in my life, I find myself wanting to withdraw rather than 'connect'. I mean, who has the time? I read a hundred or so emails a day at work, and a bunch more at home just trying to keep up with family and mal-adjusted friends. Isn’t email bad enough - what with being subjected to awful jokes, and 'poignant' requests to save a baby seal? Do I really need to ratchet things up by connecting with someone I barely spoke to in High School, who has hunted me down like a war criminal because they are compelled to involve me in their hideous daily life? Or getting tweets from some narcissistic soul compelled to advise me of a difficult bowel movement? Shoot me. Please. You see, I’m perfectly happy to be in the social networking version of the witness protection program.
Now, I completely get why Select Express is incorporating new technologies to expand and grow our business. We’ve even benefited from the expertise of people like Mardy Sitzer and the folks at Bumblee Design and Marketing to navigate the new technological waters. Hey, you either get with the program, and keep ahead of your competitors, or die.
I suppose that should apply to me as well - and that ultimately, it is my destiny to be dragged into social networking like a reluctant groom in an arranged marriage. When it finally does happen, you’ll all be among the first to know. Maybe I'll 'tweet' you all ... "Flossed this morning. gums bled a little..." Scintillating, eh?
Till next time ...
Nick Galotti
