Austin360 blogs > Digital Savant > Archives > 2008 > August > 27 > Entry
A different perspective
Because my job is to pay attention to Twitter, to blog regularly and to try to figure out when online trends are important enough to write about, I sometimes forget that there are people who see the bulk of what I do as a waste of mine and everybody else’s time.
And that’s not me being defensive, honestly. Maybe they have a point. Are those of us who use Facebook, Twitter and other means of online communication simply fooling ourselves?
I’d like to present a letter I received from Kathy Rainwater of Swartz Creek, Michigan in its entirety, with no corrections and all italics for emphasis included as they appear in the letter (but minus her mailing address).
I’ve tried my best to write about why these technologies can and should be utilized in ways that illuminate, in ways that can create positive change and action, but in the eyes of this reader, at least, I’ve failed. The letter was written on a computer, but no e-mail address was included for a response. It arrived on Tuesday. Take it away, Kathy:
Dear Mr. Gallaga:This letters concerns your column, syndicated in my local newspaper, regarding “Twitter” - a venue for people with a lot of time on their hands. Who are these people who seem to have nothing else to do but sit in front of a computer screen 24/7? Unfortunately, it seems that “Twitter” provides yet another forum for folks who think every aspect of their lives will appear enthralling to the entire populace. As media critic, Kevin McDonough, pointed out recently, most of the folks using social networking sites seem to be interested primarily in talking about themselves. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Newsweek’s Robert Samuelson described the blogging epidemic as “the greatest outburst of mass exhibitionism in human history.” Based on the blogs I’ve encountered, while on-line at my local library, I would have to agree with Mr. Samuelson.
First of all, I was appalled by the impaired English skills demonstrated by most of these individuals; it was also apparent that many of these bloggers are arrogant, self-involved, and in some cases, very dysfunctional. Sadly, columns like yours reinforce my belief that our culture is moving in a very shallow direction. Quite frankly, I am at a loss to understand why any individual would be interested in posting information about his/her daily activities on silly Web sites like “Twitter”. My daughter, an independent property adjuster, handles claims throughout Michigan and works an average of 65 hours a week; although extremely computer proficient, she has little use for Web sites like “You Tube” and “Facebook”. Her question, after hearing about “Twitter” was, “Don’t any of these people have jobs?” I can’t help but wonder if all these “Twitter” users are posting their little “Tweets” during the workday. Are you even slightly familiar with recent studies documenting the huge dip in worker productivity as a result of workers frolicking on the Internet ? And you don’t view this as a problem??
Recently, I had a conversation with my cousin, Mary, who has been in the nursing field for 45 years; she and her husband, a pediatric oncologist, run the children’s oncology unit at a local hospital. Mary, who has little time to “surf” the Web, was astonished to learn about frivolous Web sites like “Second Life” and “Twitter” which seem to attract alarming numbers of people, wasting alarming amounts of time; she remarked that, if all these folks wasting time on-line could volunteer in their communities, instead, our world might be a better place. (I volunteer two days a week as a reading tutor at a local school; in fact, I know many residents in Swartz Creek who volunteer their time in a myriad of ways - interestingly, none are Web addicts, because they simply don’t have the time or the inclination.)
Finally, in view of your infatuation with the Web, I recommend that you read Andrew Keen’s insightful book, The Cult Of The Amateur - How Today’s Internet Is Destroying Our Culture; Keen, a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is an expert on technology and the Web; his book is a “must-read” for those who ignore the downside of the Web, and who refuse to acknowledge the addiction component, as well. I am sorry to say, Mr. Gallaga, that you are a very one-dimensional writer.
Sincerely,
Kathy Rainwater
Wow, right? If any of you would like to comment on Ms. Rainwater’s letter, I would happy to print out the responses and mail them back to her. Come on, it’s not all just a waste of time, is it?
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Comments
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By Cathy
September 4, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
I'd already commented, but I have one thing to add to Ms. Rainwater. Right now there is a young woman missing in NYC. Her name is Heather Upp. Right now her story and picture are making her way quickly around the internet. How did I know, on the other side of the country, to pray for this young woman and to email her story to everyone I know in the area? Livejournal and Facebook. Do you know how I know people in the area? Blogs. Social networking tools that have taken this great big country of ours and made it much much smaller.
By Joe Judge
August 30, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
The best, related, piece to which Mrs Rainwater should read/listen:
http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=5885
Clay Shirky's discussion about Gin, this rise of group efforts across the Internet, and the concept of Cognitive Surplus.
-- joe
By Gwen
August 28, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
The fact that Ms. Rainwater felt the need to justify her opinions and those of her family with facts about what stand-up citizens they are (volunteers, doctors) made me wonder if she doesn't feel unrecognized as a contributor to society.
I wonder if Ms. Rainwater feels, maybe deep inside, that people on social networking sites garner undeserved attention. While her selfless efforts get no attention at all because she is too polite to brag about them in a public forum?
Ms. Rainwater, I think you should look for people like yourself (volunteers, oncologist's sisters) on social networks. Not so that you can brag or seek attention, but so that you can find a community of like-minded people. When you "meet" social network users with shared interests and values and create a "space" where others can freely join you, it's much more fulfilling than talking about oneself could ever be. It's more fulfilling than watching television or even writing indignant letters to the media. (Although those things are fun, too.)
As others have said, Ms. Rainwater, social networking is a tool and is thus what you make of it. Why complain about the way some choose to use it, when it has so much to offer that you haven't even tried yet?
Good luck to you. I hope you find a way to use all this new technology to your advantage.
By Mike Chapman
August 27, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Omar, I'd like to ask Ms. Rainwater to help out with the Hunger Awareness Month in September. We're working here in Austin to do a tweetup around the issue and calling it a HAM-up. She can check out any number of blogs to read more and I'd be happy to talk to her by email, phone or twitter...@MikeChapman.
Thanks for allowing the input.
Mike
By Cathy
August 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
I would try and explain the many ways Twitter and the rest make my life more streamlined allowing me to keep in touch with family scattered to the four corners of the world (missionary family, Ms. Rainwater, I'd say that's up your alley of community service), but I doubt you'd understand any of it. Here it goes anyway. Twitter lets me keep up with politics, news and friends in a just the basics way that doesn't suck me into an hours long conversation. YouTube lets me share video of my daughter being adorable with her grandparents who are too far away to see their first grandchild so much as they'd like. I keep a blog with longer less frequent entries for the same purpose. World of Warcraft allows my husband and I to bond in our free time and we've made friends in several other countries.
But you seem like one of those one dimensional people who aren't happy unless everyone lives the way they do, so I won't bore you with details. I'll stick to my dimension and you stick to yours.
By PJ
August 27, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rainwater, please learn some etiquette. That message could have easily been tweeted:
"Omar Gallaga writes in one dimension: Pro-Social Network. Not me, though. Put on your 3-D glasses, baby."
Could have saved me the exposition, and you a lot of valuable volunteer time.
By P.Price
August 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Food, television, talk radio, Twitter...they each offer a range of choices to the consumer. Some options are delicious, nutritious and energizing; others are utterly useless.
Lesson? If the cookies are making you fat and unhappy, switch to carrots...or stay out of the kitchen altogether.
Ciao,
@redwhiteandgrew
By rae
August 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Here's the thing: We live in a society in which we can waste our time, enrich our lives or those of others, or both, ANY WAY WE WANT. That's the bottom line.
By Daniel Helfman
August 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Well, I explained Twitter to my grandmother, who is 93 yrs young. She quickly said, "ahh... it's like the telegraph."
By Jason Edwards
August 27, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
People such as Ms. Rainwater simply don't get it. As usual they attack what they don't understand and view it as silly and a threat. Nevermind the fact that I know many people who "sit at their computer all day" and are very productive. Nevermind the fact that many users of this site effortlessly blend it into their mobile life alongside offline activities.
Maybe she has a point though. Maybe we should get rid of cell phones. I mean really, who has time to talk on the phone all day!
By RCP
August 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I don't know much about all this, but I would hate to see Mssr. Gallaga add too many more dimensions to his writing. Three-dimensional writing might poke me in the eye, and four-dimensional writing might very well negate the marriage of my grandparents or somehow otherwise alter the course of history for the worse. So please, Mr. Galaga, continue to write one dimensionally. If you must alter your style, please cap it at two dimensions.
By Glen
August 27, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Sure there may be people on twitter that talk a lot about themselves but mixed in are professionals that use it to share knowledge and enhance personal/company PR. Why else would Comcast and other major companies use it if it wasn't worth the time. People in front of a computer screen?? lady this is 2008...twitter can be access from cell phones not just "computer screens".
By Betsy
August 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Everyone has made great points, but I have to admit that there is some validity to her letter.
I am not in tech, but I think it's crucial for myself, as someone who works with teens, to be current with social media and basic technology.
For many professions, social media may not be used, but it is helpful to KNOW about it.
Many people spend less time online and more time being hands-on our communities. I mentor every week and volunteer at both my church and an area rec center...there is no online financial contribution that substitutes for that. That said, lots is done online to raise awareness for causes that would be otherwise unknown. How great is that?! It's wonderful!
I have spent most of my career in education - a school administrator on twitter?! With what time?! Virtually impossible unless he's glued to his blackberry instead of his kids.
I think Julie's analogy was perfect: some fields are improved and streamlined with Twitter, and if yours is one of them, great! But if you don't need a stethoscope...
Ms. Rainwater, I hope that you can see that while Twitter doesn't seem like a useful tool for your life, doesn't mean it doesn't have uses and benefits for others.
By @labanjohnson on twitter.
August 27, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
In my observation, the type of person who would speak out in opposition of those who have embraced Twitter / Facebook and other web-based social platforms typically have few friends and have very much less to talk about.
Selfishly, having fail-whaled socially in life they will naturally will see little personal benefit in pursuing new relationships in new places, as they only expect to fail again. It is a miserable existence.
This woman's daughter works 65 hours per week processing claims and she's proud of her? Someone please send this woman a copy of "The Four Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferris! I truly feel sorry for people who are that ignorant. :)
By Robert Rummel-Hudson
August 27, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Am I the only person wondering how much precious, valuable time it took her to write that?
By Jim Brown
August 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
The best rebuttal I can think of is the story of Rowan Santos, whose story was just carried by the BBC. Rowan's mother joined a message board for mothers. When one of the other mothers noticed something strange in a picture of Rowan, she sent an email. The end result? An early cancer diagnosis. Rowan's life was saved:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7583219.stm
By Vicki Flaugher
August 27, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
I too doubted the value of Twitter when I first heard of it. And, I find the "I just ate a yummy baloney sandwich" type comments relatively innane and not that interesting (generally speaking - eating an authentic balogna sandwich on the piattza in Venice is admittedly quite fun and intriguing...). I can see where someone who is tied to a job that doesn't allow computer time/access would not find it helpful.
But, on the flip side, when someone like me, who works for themselves almost exclusively on the internet, uses Twitter effectively, it becomes something else besides a social waste. I have participated in huge charity drives, communicated with celebrities and well-known and respected social/business icons, acquired sales and new customers, and even built some very solid friendships with people all over the world. I drive people to my blog with it, which helps me spread my message more effectively. Granted it's not for everyone but I am definitely a convert. It took some time, and I usually only post once daily, but I like it.
TV is more of a waste of time for me, except for PBS and the Discovery Channel (and, as my regular readers know, I confess a Law and Order obsession). I meet people, not do less of that, and I learn things. And, I have fun, which is too often underrated IMO. To each his own, but my tweet buds and I are happy and connected.
Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman
By Lisa M
August 27, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
I admit there is a downside to social media in that it can suck up a huge amount of time if you let it.
However, the mantra commonly espoused from those strictly opposed to social media and or the web, that social media is 100% evil, is unfounded and becoming a clich�d argument.
Here are some examples of SOCIAL good that I have witnessed coming out of Twitter and/or other social media:
I've donated money to help a fellow member's survivors�a drunk driver killed her and five of her children last December.
I've contributed money to help two women struggling with cancer pay some of their medical bills.
Likewise, who can' forget Karl Buck, an American jailed in Egypt, who quickly spread the word on Twitter that played a part in freeing him from jail?
By Clay Spinuzzi
August 27, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Omar, I'm a professor at the University of Texas who studies writing and information technologies in workplaces. I've authored two books on the subject.
The short answer to Rainwater's question is that social media can genuinely support work and volunteering. Currently they are being used to support loosely organized work that (a) occurs across spatial and organizational barriers and that (b) primarily produces information rather than goods and services. For instance, I'm currently writing up a study in which graphic designers use social media to coordinate clients and subcontractors.
Social media are also being used in the enterprise: Microsoft, IBM, and others are internally coordinating projects via social media and have begun to roll out work-oriented social networking services. These enterprises see large advantages in using such services to "workstream" team members' status and activities. I expect we'll see more of this as mobile phones become more capable of supporting social media, extending connectivity more effectively for those working in more mobile industries. We already see this to a limited extent with Twitter.
Social media are going to be slower to penetrate and add value to more stable, hierarchical work such as hospital administration. So I'm not surprised that Rainwater's cousin doesn't see immediate value in it. For other work configurations, though, it can contribute considerable value.
Hope that helps. CS
By Jen Lepp
August 27, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Yep, I have a job. I own a web hosting company - arguably, my company facilitates people's ability to waste their time by sharing with the world in exhibitionism.
The internet and it's exhibitionism has removed the careful controls of both government and corporate media and given expression to the people - yes, you have to wade through a lot of bull to get to the meat, but that's the price you pay when you take control of your own information appetite and stop eating only the food that others place before you.
I follow a Republican Politician that I disagree with heartily who tweets simply because that kind of direct access to a politician on a daily basis fascinates me. My clients follow me because it gives my company another dimension - they don't just have a business relationship with me. They know me a little bit. I follow the Statesman so I know news as it happens - the news you find out in a sound byte at 10pm, if you're still up to actually watch the news.
Social media allows citizens to engage with each other absent the barriers that existed before, become informed about their fellow citizens and the world. Reading about the Iraq War in Time Magazine is one thing - reading Riverbend's blog "Bagdhad is Burning" as she lives through the occupation and documents her hopes, dreams, and fears is quite another.
If you are not taking the opportunities afforded you by social media to broaden your horizons, expand your knowledge, and get involved, you're missing one of the great facets of the information age.
By Jean Bauhaus
August 27, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Exactly how much time does she suppose it takes to compose (or read) a 140 character Twitter entry or Facebook update, anyway? And is she aware of these strange new inventions called "mobile phones" and "handheld computers" that allow people to tweet happily away in the course of going about their lives? Raise your hand if you've ever paused for a minute to send a Twitter update while in the middle of doing volunteer work, or any other activity that Ms. Rainwater deems worthwhile?
It's the snobbery that really gets me. "I find no application or need for this in my life, therefor it is universally useless, and therefor so are the people who find it useful."
I use Twitter to stay informed throughout my day, to promote my work and the causes that I care about, and to keep in touch with those who DO care what I'm up to. If they didn't, they wouldn't be following me. Sure, there are people who use these applications as a global chat room and post an endless stream of blather. But as the above poster said, these are tools, which many professionals find both useful and necessary.
By Julie Gomoll
August 27, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Many years ago my parents visited me. They came to my office and asked if they could watch me work. I had a client meeting, a staff brainstorming session, answered email, made some calls. Then we went to lunch. I asked if they had enjoyed the morning and my mom said "yes, but we wanted to watch you work...
Yes, there is plenty of time wasted on Facebook, Twitter, and the internet in general. But for many of us, it's all part of the toolset that lets us do our jobs.
An oncologist probably has little use for Twitter. Fair enough. I have little use for a stethoscope.
By Ed Nicholson
August 27, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Yup. I can tell you Twitter's a powerful community-connecting tool. Nothing can-nor should-replace effective interpersonal communication. But lots of things can augment it.
By Eloy
August 27, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
The power of Twitter compels you.
By Corey Fields
August 27, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Man that was a one dimensional view... I could have checked Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter in the time it took me to read that... what a waist of time, I have to get back to work.
By Tim Schmelter
August 27, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I find Twitter, et al., a convenient way to post tidbits of my day that others may find interesting. Or not; those who don't find them interesting don't follow me. It's all about empowerment.
In terms of productivity, I don't find it any more or less distracting than water cooler conversations about last night's football game. Most of the folks on the team I work on Tweet, Facebook, and FriendFeed, and I find them to produce quality work on a reasonable schedule.
By Carla Young
August 27, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
(...continued)
CNN, American Red Cross, Zappos, Comcast and Southwest Airlines are all examples of companies and organizations that are embracing twitter. Knowing that these companies are actually listening to my concerns make them my first choice when purchasing goods or services.
"Don't any of these people have jobs?" Yes, we do, and we embrace new technology to make those jobs easier.
Since you mention that you're a volunteer, you'll be happy to hear that there have been many successful blood drives as a result of twitter. "Tweet-ups" are a way to get an event together on the fly, and people that are often unwilling to commit to an event ahead of time are often willing to help out if you catch them at the right time.
While you may be right that there can be downsides to the internet, Twitter is MUCH more than another website. When it's used in conjunction with your cellphone, it becomes a powerful information source. If you want to miss out on seeing your favorite author who happens to be doing an impromptu book signing at your neighborhood bookstore, or you don't mind finding out that there is a sniper on your street the hardway, or you don't care that JC Penny is having a 75% off sale on sewing machines even though you've been dying for one, then yes, twitter is NOT for you. To call Twitter a time-waster, and to not understand how it benefits many people, well THAT is one-dimensional.
Sincerely,
Carla Young
@redyelllow
By Greg
August 27, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Kathy Rainwaters all over my social media parade.
By Carla Young
August 27, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Dear Ms. Rainwater,
In your recent letter to Omar Gallaga of the Digital Savant, it seems that you've completed failed to understand the purpose of Twitter. Twitter is much more micro-blogging, it's a way of communicating en-mass with a large group of people, yet limiting users to 140 letters. This cuts down on the extraneous information that we see in emails and blogs and often ignore. It saves users time spent composing their communication and gets to the heart of the message.
You're right; many people are tweeting during the workday, because twitter increases productivity. Many people are effectively incorporating twitter to increase efficiency in the workplace. Here are some examples of how it can come in handy for a variety of occupations:
Reporter- Need an expert on a particular subject? Rather than spend hours searching, tweet and wait for a response.
Sales- Build your brand by posting new product features in a tweet.
Marketing- Search twitter for your company name and respond to customer complaints.
Farmer- Receive tweets on your cell phone while you're out in the field and know that bad weather is on its way.
School Administrator- School shooting on West Campus, know to get to shelter asap.
Stock Trader- Hear that a blast went off in an oil field, which will likely result in plummeting stock prices. (CONTINUED...)
By Sal B
August 27, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Twitter is the best. The comments to follow will prove me right :)
By Jennifer
August 27, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
I'm a writer in San Antonio and it seems as if Kathy has failed to realize that there's people in the world that have jobs that require them to be connected throughout the day. I'm a Twitter user (I came across this story through your Tweet, Omar) and it's a vital tool with journalists. Most of the people I follow are individuals in the news and they update their readers about their work. Sure, there's "arrogant, self-involved, and in some cases, very dysfunctional" people on Twitter and other social networks, but those people are also found elsewhere in non-social networks, too.
Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other networking sites are key in our field and in many other career fields. Kathy, I think by having writers like Omar discuss the good/bad with technology in our culture it demonstrates how his writing is, in fact, multifaceted. Not everything that comes into our technology culture is good, but that's why there are journalists to keep readers updated on what to watch for and so forth.
By Michelle Greer
August 27, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
People who use social networking are just as self-promotional as the rest of the world. They are just the ones who found a different, more efficient means to express it.
In terms of a time suck, social media is a bit of a time suck. It's new and we are working on it. But since you can get so much information from people in such a short time, it's a bit of a wash. I can sit and spend four hours researching what chat client is the most secure, or I can pop into Twitter, ask the question, and get three responses from people who know better in 10 minutes. I can send all sorts of time finding people's emails and compiling RSVPs for an event, or I can put together an event in Facebook and get all of my RSVPs consolidated on one page.
These are tools. The people who are wasting their time with them would be wasting their time on something else anyway.