by Tawny
Do you spend a lot of time on the net? I do. Probably too much, to be honest. 
Unless I’m in the writing cave, the first thing I do in the morning –after getting my tea- is check my email. I get my news from the net, socialize on the net and critique via email. I’m pretty well addicted. A few years ago, my husband gave me an Axim (handheld computer) for a gift and I was thrilled!!
Unless I’m in the writing cave, the first thing I do in the morning –after getting my tea- is check my email. I get my news from the net, socialize on the net and critique via email. I’m pretty well addicted. A few years ago, my husband gave me an Axim (handheld computer) for a gift and I was thrilled!! Anywhere that had wireless, I could get the net and check email. Ahhhhh... But then we realized that even traveling to places that say they have wireless, it wasn’t always available. Long road trips were a little shaky, let me tell ya. Then I found the Palm – a phone with internet capability built in. Ahhhhhhh. No more net-less-ness. I’m a happy camper!!!
So like any good little internet addict who is a promoting author, I have a website. I have a MySpace page (which my daughter and teenage nephew run for me –I’m so clueless) and someone recently told me I HAVE TO Twitter. Then there’s Facebook, Shelfari, Goodreads, etc etc etc. Social networking, ya know? (No, I don’t know. I still don’t understand it *sigh*)
It made my addicted self go pale and grimace. What on earth does one do with all those things? I mean, I have a basic handle on the website and blogging, but the rest? It makes my head spin thinking about trying to learn how to use all those networks, and even more it makes my stomach hurt thinking of the time investment. So... I’m bringing the question here and figured you all could help me out by answering a few questions *g*
Do you go to author websites – and if so, what keeps you going back?
Obviously you check out blogs since you’re here in the Lair –but what is it about a blog that keeps you hooked?
Social networks... Which ones and why? Do you do the social network thing? Which one/s and why that particular choice? And do you Twitter (and can you explain to me what on earth 
that is?)
that is?) And last but not least... What hooks you on a site/blog/network? What makes it appealing and sticky (ie: keeps you coming back)?
As thanks for helping me navigate these baffling questions, I’ll draw a name it win a copy of Risque Business.
84 comments:
Is he staying with me
Have Fun
Helen
Hey, Helen, you must be doing something right with the chook!
Tawny, I love the blog. I find myself all at sea too. I'm looking forward to everyone's comments! I thought I was on the cutting edge having a website ;-)
Great post Tawny
Do you go to author websites – and if so, what keeps you going back?
Yes I do I check for new releases and happenings and contests.
what is it about a blog that keeps you hooked?
The people the fun and the new authors that are introduced to me
Social networks... Which ones and why? Do you do the social network thing? Which one/s and why that particular choice? And do you Twitter (and can you explain to me what on earth
Yes I am on facebook I visit there everyday but I don't think I really understand it that well but get around it OK as for twitter never heard of it although I am sure I will soon
What hooks you on a site/blog/network? What makes it appealing and sticky (ie: keeps you coming back)?
I love all of the information that I get but most of all the fun and getting to "know" people Romance Bandits is very sticky for me you all make me feel welcome and very much at home and you guys are so much fun I luv ya all.
Have Fun
Helen
Mannnnnnnnn. You Oz folks are just too fast with the finger. I tried refreshing multiple times, then turned away to get a drink of water, and bam, there's a post with three THREEEEEEE comments.
I have a barebones website. I Twitter and Facebook. What I should be doing regularly is blogging.
What I love about author blogs and boards is the community that forms amongst the author(s) and the readers.
One of the best sites is Romance Bandits, because y'all are so cuddly and cute. Don't believe me? OK, it's because you're so responsive to comments and riff off each other. That was the fun part about Squawk Radio, too.
LOL -rock on Helen, way to nab the birdy!! And hey, thanks for the info :-) So tell me, what do you do on Facebook? I feel so confused LOL.
and YAY that you love us :-D I think the Bandits are fabulous, of course, but what makes us so great IMO is the BB that are so vital to our fun.
LOL -rock on Helen, way to nab the birdy!! And hey, thanks for the info :-) So tell me, what do you do on Facebook? I feel so confused LOL.
and YAY that you love us :-D I think the Bandits are fabulous, of course, but what makes us so great IMO is the BB that are so vital to our fun.
Thanks, Anna! This all came about because my nephews (17) were over and we were talking about all the social networks. They are all over them and keep asking me if I'm doing this or doing that and I just sit there feeling ooooold and out of it LOL. I want to know!! Then I want to hire someone to do it for me so I can write LOL
One of the best sites is Romance Bandits, because y'all are so cuddly and cute. Don't believe me? OK, it's because you're so responsive to comments and riff off each other. That was the fun part about Squawk Radio, too.
Awwwww, Keira... thank you. We ARE cute and cuddly, aren't we? ;-) LOL
So... tell me about Twitter. I just don't get it. Its like, what? Instant messaging to a crowd?
Websites have to be visually appealing and easy to navigate. If there's too much going on, it makes it distracting. And heaven forbid it takes forever to load up! One pet peeve of mine is music because often, you go to a site, you click on a link and you wait and you wait, wondering why it isn't connecting, and all of a sudden, music starts blaring through your speakers and nearly knocks you off your seat because you weren't expecting it. Don't get me wrong, I love music, but I think it can slow down and detract from a website.
I prefer blogs like this over social networks because they're easier to access. Myspace drives me crazy because it always tells me I've failed multiple times in my login attempt when I only tried to do it once. I don't know if this has anything to do with the fact that my daughter stays logged into her account even when she's not online (right now, we share a computer), but it's frustrating. Plus, the homepage can get too busy, especially when you add backgrounds, which makes it difficult to read the print. I want the print to be crisp and clean - readable.
Finally, Twitter. Can be addictive. In short bites.
The above note about Twitter is about how the messages might appear. Short blips, usually one-liners. But fun.
Tawny
On facebook I probably don't do as much as I could I keep up with old friends and family I have a lot of author friends and can see what they are doing if they put a new post I can post pictures on it although I get one of my daughters to do that for me authors can post about inteviews they are going to be doing it can be time consuming but fun as well.
Have Fun
Helen
Oh, Helen, congrats on keeping hold of the GR - a slippery bird! *g
Tawny, I'm glad you brought this up. I have a website (whose front page I only update a few times a year) and I have pages on MySpace and Facebook and Shelfari, but do little with them.
I am not a visually-oriented person, so I have trouble figuring out what in the world I'm supposed to do on those pages. I get confused and can't get where I want to go. I have no idea how to keep up with friends there and the whole thing makes my head hurt.
Having a website and blogging here are about as "deep" as I go on the internet. I know I need to do all those other things, but I don't want to spend huge chunks (or even small ones) of time to do so when I could, you know, play over here or read a book.
Shout out to Keira and Helen and all my "friends" on Facebook, though! *g*
I hear you. When I started writing, someone said 'you have to have a blog'. So I created one. I enjoy it--it's a chance to ramble and share things I've learned. Then I had to have a website. That's more static; I probably only update it twice a month, because that's my "marketing" site. (I'm holding a contest there right now -- hint, hint). And then it was MySpace. I fought with that one--I'm not young enough to know all that web design stuff. And, to be honest, about all I do with it is copy my blog posts from my blogger account over there.
One of my author groups said Facebook. I created a page, but that's it. What's with 'writing on the wall'?
And MWA and RWA offer author links and pages. Had to do that. Red Room is another one. I like that because it's more professional looking than places like MySpace.
I have a handful of blogs I visit daily. What gets me reading? Author interviews with authors I like; likewise book previews of books in my favorite genres. Interesting topics and questions about life in general.
A couple of things that will have me click away from an author site, probably never to return: Music. Dancing Fonts. Light text on a dark background.
Helen, you must be treating that rooster right! ;)
I often check out author websites. The one thing that bugs me is when they are not up to date. Say their current release is not listed, etc.
Of course, I love blogs! You lovely Banditas, RNTV, The Goddess Blogs. It all started with my beloved SquawkRadio. Still miss them.
I'm now on Facebook. Just what I needed, another online site to "play" on. Suffice it to say, I can spend hours online. Gives me an excuse put off housework for a few hours. ;)
As most of you know, 1 1/2 years ago, I never knew what a blog was. Now I write one and tomorrow's will be about Twitter.
I read a lot of other blogs because I love knowing what's going on in the industry and with my favorite (and soon to be favorite) authors. It exposes me to new writers and things I wouldn't have tried otherwise.
On a dare, I started MySpace last october. I now have over 1400 friends there.
Twitter is amazing and I can use my phone for it. I've connected with a lot of new people (right, Keira?) and already have over 300 followers.
So, I think it's all important and helpful, but most of all fun.
What are you feeding that boy, Helen? He definitely likes it at your house. You'll get him, Keira!
Tawny, I am right there with you on the confusion about all of this stuff. I have a website (thank you dear CP, Erin!) That's it! I don't update it as often as I should, BUT if I get published I am determined to keep it up to date.
I love author websites. I go to them to check release dates and to check for backlists if it is an author I have just discovered I like. I also love the author websites that feature research they have done or photos and stories of trips they have taken.
I don't do facebook or any of those others.
I do, however, LOVE the Bandits. This blog is like a mini party every day and everyone is so comfortable and has such a good time.
I also visit the Goddess Blogs, Risky Regencies, History Hoydens and the Wet Noodle Posse. These are great writing communities who have fun and provide a lot of really good information on writing.
My own GH loop - the Pixie Chicks - is a great group of women, very supportive and encouraging!
The only Twitter I do is the birds in my yard that twitter at me when the bird feeders are empty!!
Oh, Tawny, I'm so with you on the myriad options for social networking via the web making your head hurt! I feel overwhelmed answering my email & I'm by no means in great demand. I can't imagine popular authors with books out (such as your fabulous self) trying to keep up. It makes me woozy just thinking about it.
I want to go straight from anonymous aspiring author to the kind of status where you can say "I don't care to blog/facebook/myspace, etc." and people say, "Oh, it's because she'd just be swamped! Of course she can't facebook! Can you imagine trying to deal with all those hundreds of thousands of rabid FANS??"
Yeah. That's my dream. I'll skip over the fan-base-building part & shoot straight into the strasophere where I'll hang out with La Nora & others who don't blog because, well, they can get away with it. :-)
p.s. Helen! You & the GR are starting to look like an item! Careful--he's a heart breaker. :-)
Hi Tawny! All I can say about Facebook is that place scares me (shudder). I just set up a page so I could see a friend's pictures of her adorable kids and minutes later I had all these friend requests, half of them from people I didn't even know! Now I'm hooked on it, keep getting all these wacky messages from old friends from high school and even grade school, and am very concerned that I'll get sucked into a facebook void and never emerge to finish another novel.
Please...come pull me back out if I don't check in at the Lair in a day or two. Please!!
I'm an Internet addict too, Tawny. If I ever go a day without it, I feel so totally disconnected. Weird, huh?
I'm on a lot of the social networking sites, mainly to have a presence. I have to say I like Facebook the most. It's cleaner, easier, and I've actually reconnected with some people from high school and college through it.
Great blog, Tawny! I wish I had a daughter or nephew to help me out, because it all confuses me too!
I'm on Facebook and My Space, but don't do much with them yet. Not a clue what I shoudl be doing either *g*. I'm also on Bebo *shrug*.
Not a clue on the other stuff.
Must admit, I tend to visit author websites more than any of the other social nteworking opportunities. Usually, because I'm looking for specific info. And also because I'm worried that if I get too much into these new things, I'll be spending my time on them, instead of writing! (I'm an addicitve personality).
Helen congrats on the GR - maybe if he's Down Under, he's not in my kitchen behind that tile!
Way to go, Helen!
I've cut way back on blogs, both visiting and posting, out of simple necessity. The school year has started, meaning it's back to work and the kids need--oh, a million things a day, you all know how it is--and if any writing is getting done, it can't be pushed aside for net surfing.
But I do miss checking in on a daily basis! :)
Great post Tawny!
I love visiting authors websites. Just make sure you have all your stuff up to date and that you show what is coming up soon. It is a little bit irrating to visit a new-to-me author's site and realize that it hasn't been updated in months.
All I do online is check blogs and boards. I haven't made it to the Facebook/MySpace/whatever else there is phase yet. I feel I'm lucky if I can visit all my regular stops in one day. Life just keeps getting in the way - LOL!!!
Totally OFF TOPIC . . . but,
I am making my list of things and stuff for the M&M Conference this weekend and was just wonderful which one of the Banditas will be there.
what is it about a blog that keeps you hooked?
Interesting topics, likeminded people. But forums and blogs are quite enough for me. For instance for me, since my connection isn't all that fast, Facebook pages might not even open at all.
As for an author's website - I go to check out book updates and book blurbs first, and then scan contests next. Book blurbs and upcoming books are the biggest. I *HATE* when an author had excerpts to nearly everything in their backlist (impressive) then they wipe it out. It drives me batty. It also stops me from buying the book - unless I've read it before. I like knowing what I'm getting into.
I also like knowing "what's new" - so I can have a good idea of what books to watch out for, what I want to buy, and... really how to budget my book money. If I don't know a book is upcoming, I can't buy it.
As for social networking - maybe it's just me but it's not as big a deal. I actively dislike myspace. The organization, people on it - all that, but also just the impression and all those problems. The child molesters, pedophilia, etc. I do have a facebook page- because my school was one of the first few to have it. (Yes, I've had a FB page since the time when only students at certain colleges were allowed to sign up.)
I just got sucked into twitter, but I see myself letting that lapse soon :X. Social networking can be fun, but it's a big time suck - and it depends on what you're trying to do I suppose. I like being relatively active in a network and if it's all superficial I'm less invested.
Louisa and Helen: I have a challenge now. To coax the chook away from from Helen's cozy house and welcoming company to the Emerald City of Seattle.
I find Facebook and Twitter as a quick way to stay in touch with a whole bunch of people. I have gotten to know many new people (The Babs, you know how much I love Twitter).
Tawny, yes. In short, Twitter is like a hallway whiteboard where everyone goes up and posts 140-character what-have-yous. You can leave your Twitter updates so everyone in the world can see them, or you can protect them so only a few people can see them. Mine are protected.
On Facebook, I don't play the various games, nor do I send coffee, hugs, pokes, vampires, flowers, or words. The only thing I send is plants, and that, too, every once in a while and only to those who send plants, too. Here, too, I have three levels of protection and info-sharing.
I don't like MySpace's open model, designing space, etc. I'm not on any other social networking thing.
Tawny - You have to just say NO! That's what I've learned this year (in SO MANY ways!). I gave into the Facebook thing and now I'm thinking of deleting it since it serves no purpose for me. I gave in on the MySpace thing but I don't use it for anything either.
I refuse to give into Twitter/Goodreads/Shelfari and all the others. I simply DO NOT have the time. It got so bad that I realized I only had a virtual life, not a real one. And with all the other stuff I have to do, the one thing I want to do - the writing - was getting pushed aside.
So, for my sanity and for the sake of this first WIP ever getting finished, I have to say NO!
Forgot to say I only go to author websites usually to find out about the next release, check out a back list, or read an excerpt. And ITA with everything Keira said about this blog. It's one of my favorite stops because y'all are so responsive and fun. And I can always count on being educated, entertain, or both!
And speaking of computers:
http://www.offthemark.com/computers
OMGosh. The thought of all of those other things to check on every day makes me a little dizzy. I burn waaaaaay too much time at the computer NOT writing.
Tawny, I agree that it's our Buddies here that make this such a great place to be. We could "chat amongst ourselves" as they say, on an email loop all day, but we would never have gotten to know so many cool friends if it weren't for the Buddies who come to the blog to chat with us.
I don't have a website yet. Time and money...not enough of either. I know, I know. I need to do it.
I blog here, hit a few other blogs when I know friends are guest blogging, and I frequent a few internet forums--firearms related mostly--and that's it.
I wake up to about 100 emails per day, and I've begun to think that life would be more peaceful (but maybe way more lonely) without the internet.
Most. Addictive. Thing. Evah.
I am like you I spend why to much time on the net. Check e-mail first thing in the morning and through out the day. Yes I do visit authors site because I want to keep up with what books they have coming out and when.I also keep checking my blogs, you never know you might miss something winderful.
Helen, WOOT on the rooster-in-residence!
Keira said, cute and cuddly
Snork! Not. Well, Tawny IS actually cute. But I didn't try to cuddle with any of the Banditas at National so I couldn't comment on that. (whistles, steps back to watch what happens next)
Barbara Vey said:
On a dare, I started MySpace last october. I now have over 1400 friends there.
Twitter is amazing and I can use my phone for it. I've connected with a lot of new people (right, Keira?) and already have over 300 followers.
Barbara, I think you were a repressed social butterfly and the internet just emancipated you! I've never seen anybody build relationships the way you do. It's amazing. And we're all SO glad you're good at it!
Terrio said:
I refuse to give into Twitter/Goodreads/Shelfari and all the others. I simply DO NOT have the time. It got so bad that I realized I only had a virtual life, not a real one. And with all the other stuff I have to do, the one thing I want to do - the writing - was getting pushed aside.
Ooooooh, yeah. You nailed it right down the middle. It used to be PTA, volunteering, helping friends tile their bathrooms....remember when we were encouraged to say NO to that stuff so we could have time for a life? Now now my time drain is the internet.
Margay, I hear you on the simple clean websites. Music is great, but I like it when its a link that someone can click to hear if they want, rather than wait to load.
You make Twitter sound fun... but what is the POINT? The purpose? I guess I'm wondering, with a website and a blog, how does Twitter add to the experience or generate more promotion?
Buffie said:
I am making my list of things and stuff for the M&M Conference this weekend and was just wondering which one of the Banditas will be there.
Buffie, I think Nancy is going IF she can get gas, as there have been shortages in her area.
I also think Joanie is going as well.
I think somebody else said she was going and now I can't remember who.
look for Nancy and Joan anyhow.
I was supposed to be at M&M but had to back out when I decided to move. And I've heard about the gas shortages. Maybe it's a good thing I'm not coming as I was driving in and I'd be stuck with no gas to get out.
Helen, thats so cool that the interviews can be posted on Facebook. I think you hit the nail on the head, though, with the time consuming issue.
Someone once told me that MySpace was for teens were Facebook was for the more mature users *g* Do you think thats true?
Caren, you sum up my confusion so well :-) I just don't understand it. Of course, I was a reluctant blogger, too so maybe its just a jump into cold water thing? Do it and get it over with?
Interaction, interaction, interaction. There's nothing worse than going to a blog where no one ever answers you or replies to your post or where there are only a few that get answered (like a click). I'm not saying every time but at least sometimes. Different subjects are always nice and a lively discussion. The occasional giveaway is always nice but not the most important. This blog has all of the above :)
Terry, thanks for the list of what clicks for you! I love reading author interviews as well. I know Harlequin has a MySpace page/link but hadn't realized RWA had one too. Man, everyone's in on this, aren't they?
and OH MAN - I hear you on the dancing fonts, etc. I remember taking a website workshop before I'd sold and the instructor used a variety of examples of professional vs non-professional websites. The things you listed definitely fell in the non-professional category.
Gannon, what's housework? ;-) LOL, I swear, I spend so much time online, I often feel like I never leave my chair.
thank you for the wonderful words about the Banditas and the Lair- it is a cozy little hangout, isn't it? I am honored by the list you have us in, too.
Updated websites are crucial - I totally agree. So what seems to be a good update -once a month? With a new release (at most, then, quarterly?) or more/less?
Barbara, I'll be there tomorrow reading your blog!! For some reason, my brain won't wrap around Twitter, I'm looking forward to your info ;-)
and LOL that you started your MySpace on a dare *g* Thats so the kind of thing I'd do.
You hit the crucial point, to me, when you said its fun. I've read that at least once already here on this topic and that seems to be what draws people in and makes them stick around, huh?
Hey Helen! congrats on the bird! Hope he enjoys his visit.
Tawny, what a great topic. I do check my fav author's websites (present company included) periodically for info on new releases. I Facebook and I am LinkdIn, but other than that, I too am clueless. In addition to trying to promo the books, I'm writing the books, and running the house/kids/carpool. I have no idea how to Twitter...as Louisa says, I let the birds in my garden do that...
Louisa, YAY on having a website. I think thats one of those 'have to's' that are great to pre-first sale.
Thats cool to consider putting research and travel pix on a site. I do very little of either, but I can see especially for historicals authors how that would be a fascinating draw for the readership.
*ggg* at you twittering at the birds *g* and thank you for coming to our party LOL -what a GREAT analogy!!
ROFLMAO Susan. Go baby, shoot right to the top. I have NO doubt you can do it.
Like you, I'd so love to NOT worry about trying every new promotional gambit that hits. Its like when video trailers came out. I felt almost a desperate edge of "have to or else".
I like your way better.
LOL Kirsten.
Isn't that the truth - it'd be so easy to get sucked into the deep dark world of internet socializing and lose all of our precious writing time.
GREAT post Tawny!
I can't keep up with all the social networks either. Lately,I can barely keep up with my 2 group blogs and Aunty Cindy personal blog. I have a MySpace, set up by a friend's teenaged daughter, but I don't really do much with it. :-(
I totally agree with Cassondra, I LURVE our blog because of all our wonderful Bandita Buddies! Y'all are THE BEST! It is like a fun party with your best friends every day!
AC
Hi, Tawny!! A topic near to my heart :)
I DO go to author websites--usually to check backlist info or get info on upcoming books or to see which books are in a series or to see if she's got a cool contest :) I'll be more inclined to check back regularly if I see that the site is updated regularly and that there's interesting content. (I actually don't think it's super important that an author have a tremendously active personal site/blog if she's active in a group blog elsewhere.)
As for how blogs keep me hooked--variety in terms of content and posts and guests and contests, and even more important, a sense of community. I love blogs where the members take the time to comment back and to start a conversation or to participate in one, and where the commenters are active. Again, I know this is a big time commitment for an individual so I love group blogs like the Lair where that load is spread among the many talented Banditas :)
Uh, social networks--I'm a newbie and probably not the best person to ask. I just (meaning like a couple weeks ago!) got a Facebook account and I have a MySpace account. I rarely check either. It seems like way too much work to me. Some authors run their blog through their accounts, which seems OK, but I don't personally use the networks much (although I allow that that could change in the future). Oh, and I don't Twitter--it seems like a way of mini-blogging-on-the-run, where you can "post" what you're doing at the moment. It looked similar to me to the Facebook feature that lets you type in the "what I'm doing now" thing... I could be WAY off though :)
Anyway, what makes something sticky is if I feel positive response--I guess I'm like one of those mice in a maze--if I feel like I'm having fun and learning about more books to read and authors and other book lovers are talking with me and I win something occasionally, I'm all in! Hanging out on blogs is WAY more fun than laundry ;)
Congrats on the GR, Helen!!
Trish, someone mentioned a sattelite cellphone to me - I'd get internet EVERYWHERE. I actually got blurry eyed with excitment until my husband gave me the "omg you need help" look LOL.
I joined facebook because of the ARRC 09 that I am going to in Feb and thought I would be able to get more info that way which I do but along the way I have found friends that have moved to another county and friends that I used to work with back in the 70's so it has been fun. Most of my friends are authors and I keep up with things they are doing thru facebook all of my family are on it as well which is another good thing.
The GR has been very good at the housework and he is enjoying the Tim Tams he has found stached around in my reading places I will just have to replace them hopefully all of the houswork will be finished by the time I get home from work today LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Anna, some of this stuff my nephews and daughter are even confused by. Twitter, for example. They're totally on top of MySpace, though.
And as much as I'd love to hand it over to them and ask the kids to do it for me, I'm such a control freak that I'd spend more time telling them what I want done than doing it myself.
Which is why I stick with the "don't do it" thing LOL - no time spent, this way.
Gillian, you know, I think a lot of people have cut back. Blog traffic everywhere and website hits seem to have plummeted recently LOL. But like you say, there is only so much time we can spend.
Beth and I have this mantra -"Its all about balance." Somehow, some way we're sure that we can do it all. You know, family, house stuff, write, promote, hang out, blog, craft, learn, breathe, exercise, stay sane.
Actually, its a work in progress LOL
Buffie, I wish I was going to M&M!! It sounds like its always such a great one.
An updated website is vital, isn't it? I'd love to figure out other things to add to my site to make it a bigger draw, but again, its that time thing.
Minna, great point about connection speed.
Wow, Tawny, super topic!!
I, too, am ignorant of most of this stuff. My son set up MySpace for me and I keep getting offers to friend people, but they look like zitty teenagers, so I've refrained.
Oh, Helen, I just saw!!! Way to go, girl, two days in a row.
I've never heard of Twitter, so I'll scroll down and see if someone answered that one. I DO check out authors' websites and sometimes agents' blogs because those are interesting to me. I like to know when my favorite authors have a new book coming out.
Wow, this internet stuff gives a whole new meaning to the concept of "advertising"!
Oh man, Limecello - someone deleted all their excerpts? Ouch.
Great point on superficial networking. Thats like drive-by blatant self promotion, isn't it?
Thanks, Keira for the explanation. I still don't understand *g* but I figure its probably one of those 'do it to get a clue' things, right?
ROFL Terrio. Just say NO? But... but... what if I miss something fun?
;-)
ROFL Terrio. Just say NO? But... but... what if I miss something fun?
;-)
Cassandra, I can't even comprehend life without the net. Don't make me think about it, I'll start twitching.
Like Terrio said, No is probably a great word to use LOL. I'm planning to use it like a 2yo next year when I'll be off the board and out of office on my two local chapters, as well as un-volunteered for various other things.
Hi Virginia :-) Its an addiction, isn't it?!
I think in a way, maybe its because the writing/reading world is such a solitary one - connecting with other writers and readers is such a fun thing to do.
Snork! Not. Well, Tawny IS actually cute. But I didn't try to cuddle with any of the Banditas at National so I couldn't comment on that. (whistles, steps back to watch what happens next)
Bwahaaahaaaa... I'd cuddle with you all. I'm so easy that way LOL. and I saw a LOT of chook cuddling going on. Hmmm... confessions, Banditas - how many of you are cuddly?
Catslady, I think interaction is vital to make a blog sticky. Otherwise, its kind of like an article that people can comment on in stead of a discussion opener. Like you, when I discuss, I want people responding LOL
Linkdln, Jeanne?
whassat?
Hey Tawny! I'm addicted to the internet, too.
I haven't got my website up and running yet, but it should start sometime this fall. I've had a MySpace page for about 2 years now. I must confess, I don't obsess with it as much now as I used to. Mostly because I spend my free time on our blog, or reading other blogs. I do have a Facebook page and I play a little on it. THAT seems to be the new one everyone I know uses.
I love checking out my favorite author sites for information on their latest releases. But, as you well know, Tawny, I'm totally clueless about blogs and social networks *sigh*
Honestly, I'm afraid to start spending more time on the internet since it seems like I'm always behind on things *g* I really don't need any more distractions
:-)
But, all that said, I do hope to someday get a myspace page and learn all about Twitter, Shelfari, facebook etc. It just might not be for a few years *ggg*
Aunty Cindy, I'm in the same boat. My daughter set up my MySpace page, and my nephew created the header so it matched my website. Now I sit there going hmmmmmmmmmm
Fedora thank you for the great perspective :-) Your words are reassuring *g*
I made a conscious decision not to go near MySpace or Facebook, because I already spend too much time online. I don't really get Twitter, but Goodreads recommendations from friends are fab.
LOL Helen, it sounds like the rooster is having a grand ole time with you! Tim Tams and housework... way to keep him happy.
Hey Jo, I'm giggling about the zitty teenagers LOL. You're right, though -- it is advertising on a whole new level.
A couple years ago, the thing to do was paying to join or advertise on the online 'groups'. Now I'm wondering if all these social networks have replaced that option, and while we think "yay, less cost" its still equally expensive in terms of time instead of dollars.
Hey Jo, I'm giggling about the zitty teenagers LOL. You're right, though -- it is advertising on a whole new level.
A couple years ago, the thing to do was paying to join or advertise on the online 'groups'. Now I'm wondering if all these social networks have replaced that option, and while we think "yay, less cost" its still equally expensive in terms of time instead of dollars.
Hi Suz :-D Do you see the worth of MySpace and Facebook since you've used them for awhile? I am hearing more and more about it, and even that there's a Facebook for Dummy's book out LOL.
;-) Beth, I figure that if I learn this, I can just tell you -right? But like you say, its really down to a question of how much time can we afford.
m. Can you tell me more about what Goodreads are and how recommendations are made?
Nope. No rooster for me yet.
Hey, chookie chookie coochee coochee coo. C'mere.
Cassondra wrote, "But I didn't try to cuddle with any of the Banditas at National so I couldn't comment on that."
WELL!! I know I'm not a Bandita, but I'm a Buddy. I do so count!!!
Caren, my FBooking friend. I'll let you Banditas know, she's in my innermost circle. Perhaps you should so aspire???
Where O Where are you hiding My Chookie-Nookie?
i like the new books they excerpt, the other bloggers i see and wrtie too. congrats on teh blaze book
Tawny,
Goodreads is a place to keep track of your own books, and get ideas for future reading by checking out what like-minded readers thought about titles. Everyone has three book groups: read, currently reading, and to be read. Once a book is read you either just give it a rating from 1-5 stars, or add a review or comments. So if you find someone who gave similar ratings to yours, there is a good chance that other books they liked/disliked would mirror yours and you can plan future reads accordingly.
It's lots of fun!
speaking of tbr: mine is towering, so congrats on your new title but please don't add my name to the draw!
OMGosh! You guys are great. I am new to blogging and just set up a group blog for myself and several other writers. I did a lot of research(ie: visited lots of blogs) to see how it is done and I put Romance Bandits on my short list. I learned so much from all of your comments that I have a long list of all the new things to check out. But I promise not to lose too much time on it.
Question, what is *g*
June, *g* is internet shorthand for grins (meaning the person who wrote it is grinning).
Tawny, I have a lot of author sites bookmarked but the ones I visit most frequently host visiting authors who do giveaways. Due to time constraints, I can't visit all of the sites as often as I wish but if they tend to have giveaways then I don't want to miss a day (free books = happy me).
any winner
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