One of the general rules for writers is not to engage in too many platforms on social media. There are a few reasons for this advice, the largest one being time. Social media can easily become a time sink. And time on social media is time not spent in writing. Another reason, also related to time, is that becoming proficient in various platforms takes time. And again, time spent on social media… This has been on my mind because when people find me on various media they sometimes (not often) want to engage in discussion. They often don’t use email. They want me to join their favorite app or platform, and that’s where conversation breaks down. I don’t use many platforms. Those that I do use I do sparingly. I’m still on Twitter, but I’m trying to move that following to Bluesky. (I’m glad for followers/friends there!) And I’m on Facebook, but I only check it once a day.
I don’t do this to be difficult. I work 9-2-5 and after that I’m too exhausted to learn new platforms. The first hours of the day (and it starts early for me) are spent writing. There’s simply no more time for additional platforms. The largest culprit is Academia.edu. I suppose that’s because much of my pre-horror work is posted there. People want to discuss it, but on their terms. The thing about producing content—whether for this blog or for YouTube—is that it takes time. And I’m just a working slob. Those folks you see doing this professionally (there are professional bloggers and vloggers and podcasters) are paid for what they do. Some of us rely on a full-time job for that.
Most of the people who reach out want me on a chat platform. I prefer not to chat. Or text. Long-form writing has less opportunity for creating misunderstandings. If you can’t take the time to say what you really mean, thoughtfully, doesn’t that open the door to hastily scrawled, easily misunderstood comments? Communication breaks down. I’m very flattered people are discovering my work. I’ve been at this for decades now. Like anyone who researches and writes, I’m very happy to learn someone, anyone is interested. I’ll respond briefly on Facebook, and more fully to a comment on this actual blog. Email is probably the best way to converse without devolving into mere chat. I seldom use my phone, so all I humbly request is to meet me where I am. I’ll get back to you, but I prefer long-form. Tell me what’s on your mind.
Photo by LUM3N on Unsplash
