Comments on: Fear: It’s Not Sociable

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:29:48 +0000

Valeria – Agreed. And it takes a lot less to *browse* for the appropriate conversation online than it is to find one in person.
Anonymity has its uses in the beginning, but once you’ve found a community you can get something out of, you’re depriving others of your fellowship if all you do is lurk.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:26:34 +0000

Hi Tammy – The thing I have always liked about virtual connections is the ability they allow us to be more measured and, when appropriate, more humorous in our responses, according to the circumstance.
I find it is a great way to build relationships in the early stages, because in many ways, **if you are conscientious and not in a rush,** you can actually steer clear of misunderstandings that can occur in more spontaneous settings.
However, if you are not conscientious or are in a rush, that can cause its own unique harm, too.
I’ve found myself on both sides of that, and occasionally it has even been my fault.
The virtue in meeting in person, on the other hand, lies in the level of warmth and depth of understanding/fellowship that the virtual world just cannot duplicate to scale.
It’s true that people can fall in love online, but til now they can only marry in person.

By: Valeria Maltoni

Valeria Maltoni — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:14:57 +0000

That photo with you an Ann is priceless, Cam. I thought I saw Ann use it on Twitter.
It took me about 18 months to make the rounds with blogging… it takes me a little more than a few hours face-to-face
Here’s the thing though: it takes a lot less to enter the conversation when there’s interest, receptivity, and desire to connect. Attitude is everything in life.

By: Tammy Allen

Tammy Allen — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:47:12 +0000

Hi Cam, I haven’t been to Mprofs in a long time. I love this blog. I have become quite a butterfly over at myspace. I blog almost daily and read and comment on many others. The thing that’s been the best is how many women I have met that are moms struggling with work and life. I have found so many kindred spirits and discovered how much we all have in common. They reach out to me when I’m having a hard time and I to them. Sometimes my virtual friends are more supportive than my in person friends. That makes sense in some ways but it’s still really wonderful to know that someone in Oklahoma or New York or even Australia will send me a nice note or a funny note and also engage in interesting conversation about all kinds of topics. I started out blogging with a more marketing, career based goal in mind. As I got into it; it became clear that it was a creative outlet for everything I am thinking about personal or career related. It’s a great ride and I encourage everyone to join the conversation.

By: Luc Debaisieux

Luc Debaisieux — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:48 +0000

Cam – Thank you and please let me return the call if you come anywhere near Brussels. – Very nice illustration with the pianist.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:00:52 +0000

Arun – You (and Luc, for that matter) are living proof of just how small the world is. I’m so grateful that I got to finally meet you.
If you find yourself in or near Dallas, please give me a shout.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:57:18 +0000

Luc – I’m afraid I don’t remember all of the specifics, but your comment reminded me of the famous composer/pianist who said the hardest part of playing in front of an audience was opening up the piano.
Thank you for that.

By: Arun Rajagopal

Arun Rajagopal — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:24:29 +0000

The idea “The heart of social interaction is participation, and the root of participation is will.” personally sums up my experience with social media since January 2007, when I started writing my blog.
Beginning with a series of travel memoirs, my blogging has led me to be a part of a very active social media community and made me a better person, both personally and professionally.
Since Blogger Social’08, I’ve resolved to increase my participation levels by contributing to more conversations. And one way to do that, like my good friend Luc Debaisieux says, is to listen to more conversations.
There are so many amazing conversations happening all over the world, and social media is a really powerful channel to connect with the people who create them.
Thank you for this very impressive post, Cam.

By: Luc Debaisieux

Luc Debaisieux — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:05:45 +0000

Cam – Wow! “… the root of participation is will”. The potential of the idea behind these words is huge.
Although fear is very human, the first step has always been the most difficult. Hopefully there are many proofs that it is often worth it. I am thankful that so many “simply did it” and attended to BS08. SO much to learn and share from a simple action.
Time (spend sharing ideas online) and distance (from all over the world)… give to this story a whole new dimension.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:37:46 +0000

Mack – Thanks! Of course, Ann makes the pic. I make it a habit to get my picture taken with people who can carry it. Lord knows I’m not up for it alone.