Social Networking; it’s everything but Social

Example of a scale-free network (courtesy of H.G. Katzgraber)

Because of technology, we’re a highly connected society, yet we’re the most uncommunicative one. When I first started blogging, it was a way for me to get in the habit of writing at least once a week. It was to share whatever’s on mind from life experiences and travels to poetry and book promotions, with people who are interested.  I also wanted to know what other people thought. As of today, I still feel this way. I want to connect with people who want to connect instead of seeing my follower count go up but they’re really not following. In a world saturated with information, news, gossip, YouTube videos, etc. I’d rather communicate more on a personal level than for the sake of popularity. It’s funny because I’ve never gave ‘being popular’ a thought. I guess it’s all about getting your name out there.

And then, as I continued to blog and I published a few books, I decided to join Twitter and Facebook. I have to admit, I don’t ‘get’ Twitter. I’ve never seen much discussion from most of my Twitter followers, even when I ask a question because everyone’s too busy asking their own questions and posting links. When I do venture over to Twitter, which isn’t often, all I see are people posting links with comments such as, “Read my review!” “Check out my blog.” “Huff Post and Amazon!” I’m sure some people think this is a way of communicating, but not me. I'm not saying that I don't retweet and promote mine and my friends stuff, but I don't think that's all Twitter should be about ... or maybe I just don’t get the whole Twitter concept.

But I do get the whole Facebook concept and I refuse to pay for promotion. The one nice thing I have to say about my Facebook page is that people DO talk—they’ll leave comments. I think it’s great to see people giving their input about a particular question or about someone’s success.

What it really comes down to is that for all the different ways we can socialize, we’re not very social. We want our names out there, 15 minutes of fame, but we don’t want to talk to anyone on the way. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud many of you for tackling the social networking sites and really promoting on them. It’s a job all in itself.

Social networking should also be about socializing and discussing our lives along with world events, politics, religion, etc. We should be more apt to discuss than argue because of the many outlets we’re given to express ourselves. Instead, we argue and/or avoid altogether crucial subjects for fear of people not liking us.

What are your thoughts about social networking? What do you like or dislike about it?

Networking and Unsocial,

Bea

P.S. One social networking site I love is Pinterest.

On My Own

Happy New Year! I know it’s a few weeks into the year, but I just returned home this weekend from Christmas break. I am excited about a new year and the adventures, and struggles, which come with a fresh year.

Over Christmas break, I spent time with family and friends, catching up on what I missed since I live abroad. I found out about something that really bothers me so I’m sharing it with you. My cousin’s son serves in the military and is currently over in Afghanistan. If he wants internet access to Skype with his mother, wife and baby daughter, he has to pay $90.00 a month. I can’t believe our military would have to pay for anything while their risking their lives and sacrificing for OUR freedom. When I found this out, I was and still am infuriated that the U.S. government can’t give internet access to our troops. What is wrong with our government? Obama just signed a bill giving lifetime secret service protection to past President’s and their wives, but he can’t provide free Wi-Fi to our military?! It’s very disappointing to learn. And on top of that, my cousin’s son’s wife had to send him a pillow and blanket because he didn’t have one. A very sad thing I learned over Christmas break.

I didn't only hear about disappointing things. One of the many special moments I had was catching up with my niece and nephew, who have grown up so much. They are mature and I’m so proud of them. My nephew is working hard and going to school. My niece just finished beauty school and she cut and colored my hair while I was in town.

Another wonderful thing that happened over Christmas break was meeting up with an old friend. She found me on Facebook, so we made plans to get together. We hadn’t seen each other since we were 19. We were great friends, but like many relationships in life, something got in the way and we drifted apart. When we got together, it was like we picked up where we left off. There was no awkwardness, and we definitely didn’t run out of things to talk about. Now I have a new friendship with an old friend.

Lastly, I went to see Les Miserable at the movie theatres. I saw this musical twice on the stage and it’s my all time favorite musical to date. I went into the movie theatre thinking it was going to be horrible, but I loved it. Aside from Russell Crowe, I thought they all did a wonderful job and I couldn’t believe that the actors sang their own songs. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway were superb; both their acting and voices. Amanda Seyfried has a pretty voice, but Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine, made me wish Marius would change his mind and go with her. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys musicals.

I’ll leave you with this video from Les Meserable.

 

What did you do over the Christmas break?

Holidays and Family,

Bea

Chronicles of a Displaced Writer

http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438564110167/

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve literally moved from one place to the next as things were sorted out. From time to time, I would promote my book by asking for reviews, did a radio station interview and two book giveaways on Goodreads. For those readers and writers out there unfamiliar with Goodreads, I would suggest you check it out. It’s a great place to get to know other people who enjoy books, get free books, and if you’re a writer, a great place to build an audience and promote. These are some of the ways I’ve promoted my book, Net Switch.

I have done a few guest author spots on blogs. It gives my book exposure to people who have never heard about it. Here are links to a few places I’ve been a blog guest: JLB Creatives, CMash Loves to Read (also a book giveaway), and 10 Day Book Club. The comments I have received for being a new author are wonderful, and I do treasure each one.

It’s very important as a new author to get reviews, whether it’s on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, a blog, Goodreads, etc. People do read reviews and make a decision as to whether or not they’ll like the book. As a reader, I sometimes look over the reviews and it’s what is said about the book that helps me decide. Anywhere and any way you can get reviews as a writer, you get out there and get them. Many people like to read and review sci-fi, fantasy, YA or paranormal, so I’ve had to dig a little deeper to find reviewers willing to read suspense. I reached out to a blog that does reviews, Indie Book Blog, and someone in one of my LinkedIn groups, Kaptica Book Reviews and News…and my quest for more reviews continues.

A few ways I also promoted my book was creating my book trailer, on the side bar, and a bookmark.

Free advertisement is always a great way to get the word out. I did a few Press Releases on PRLog and Press Release Point. I also did a radio interview on The Author Show, but it was only for one day. From that interview I received some wonderful responses that you can read here on my Facebook Event Page. Along with the free press releases and Facebook exposure, I also joined Pinterest and have my novel listed on the Pinterest Board of Book Junkies.

I still have the Goodreads Giveaway going until July 2. You’ll also find a link to that on the top right side bar. My Goodreads profile, Net Switch has a 4.5 star rating out of 5 with 9 ratings and 4 reviews, and 125 people have added it to one of their book shelves. 

So like I’ve asked the Goodreads community, Could you find true love in an online chat room?

My book promotions have moved from one place to another, much like I have from one location to the next…but I will always have an online imprint.

While I am still promoting, I’ve started another book and I’m in the process of finding somewhere I can settle down and catch my breath.

Displaced and Unforgettable,

Bea

All the World’s a Givin’

Thanks to all my loyal followers and welcome to the new ones! This post is all about giving, and it doesn’t even cost anything. No blood test is required. No naming your first child after me—just honest to good givin’. But the giving isn’t all from me…and there are some things you HAVE to do to receive (don’t go there dirty minds).

Melissa's Giveaway

My blogger friend, Melissa, is doing a Blogfest Marathon. Stop on by “Have You Heard” to check out requirements and prizes. Prizes are for bloggers, but anyone can check it out. To whet your appetite, a few prizes she’s giving away is a $50.00 Amazon gift card and a Kindle Fire.

CMash's Giveaway

CMash Loves To Read is doing a Net Switch giveaway from January 27^th to February 10^th.  Mark your calendars and stop on over at her blog on January 27^th…you might even find a guest author post about none other than me, Denise Baer. I have put the giveaway on the top-right side of my blog.

 

*I interrupt this blog to bring you a few very awesome messages*

Look at pictures of Net Switch fans - http://www.authordenisebaer.com/

Oh Look! Customer Reviews of Net Switch on Amazon, and if you feel inclined to join in and review, the appreciation is always there.

Again, Oh Look! Check out the Customer Review of Net Switch on Barnes & Noble, and if you feel inclined to join in and review, the appreciation is always there.

If you haven’t done it yet, hop on over to Facebook and “Like” Denise Baer’s Page.

*You may now return to the previously scheduled blog post*

My Giveaway

Now it’s time for my special giveaway. My friend, June Kramin AKA Aunty Bug, has published many books. You can check them out on her website - http://www.junekramin.com/. The book of hers that I’m giving away is Double Mocha – Heavy on Your Phone Number. You like Romance? You’re going to love this one. Here’s a synopsis:

“Unable to make it home in a snowstorm, Ellie seeks shelter at an old farmhouse. When the owner’s grandson shows up and happens to be the man she had given the brush off to twice, it takes all they have not to kill each other during the snowed-in days that follow.

When Ellie’s twin sister shows up and puts all their lives at risk, they must now weather a different kind of storm together.”

You can stop on over at YouTube to check out Double Mocha Heavy on Your Phone Number Book Trailer.

To participate in this giveaway, you must head on over to June’s Facebook Page and leave a message mentioning me on her page and send an email to denise@authordenisebaer.com. Winner’s will be picked randomly using http://www.random.org/. I’ll contact the winner to find out what version they need, Kindle, Nook or pdf, and it will be sent to them.

 

So get in there and start clicking to win some of these giveaways. I mean...who doesn’t LOVE free things.

 

Giveaways and support,

Bea

P.S. This is just a reminder. Writers appreciate reviews of their books. When you read a book, let others know what you think of the book on whatever venue you can find.

Don’t Call Me, I’ll Call You!

Over the past few years I’ve heard people say how aggravated they get when they text someone and the person calls them back. They’ve said that they text the person because they don’t want to talk to them. Recently I’ve seen a trend in unanswered calls, but responses in text, email or on Facebook. Maybe it’s me. Maybe the people in my life don’t want to talk to me. But if that’s true, then I have to ask, “Why bother contacting me at all?”

I’m writing this post because I don’t understand the whole “don’t call me when I text you” thing, so hopefully someone can explain it to me. Have phone calls already become a thing of the past? There have been a few times, maybe coincidences, when I’ve called someone and they didn’t answer the phone, but shortly afterward I’ve received a text or email from them. Really? When I’m trying to set something up, or even have a quick question, I want to talk to the person. First off, I don’t like text talk such as ‘u’ for ‘you’. I feel it’s making us a dumber and lazier society. Secondly, things get lost in translation when you text and email. For me, nothing is more annoying than going back and forth in several texts and emails to set up the simplest get together when I could get it done within a five minute phone call. Done—no more time wasted.

Technology has given us so many wonderful opportunities, yet it’s also made us strangers even to our closest friends and family. I don’t know if it’s laziness or impatience that makes people want to text or send email instead of hearing the person’s voice. Some people I know say texting and emailing is quicker. I shrug at that argument because I don’t agree. If someone sends me an email while I’m out, I won’t get it until I come home. I don’t have a multi-mobile fetish—my phone allows calls and texting. I’m not a “here, now, know my location and what I’m doing at this moment” kinda gal. I’ll admit that I don’t like talking on the phone for long periods of time, and when I’m not in the mood to talk that pretty much covers all mediums.

This whole “don’t call me, I’ll call you” thing makes me wonder about emergencies. What if someone called a friend or family member because they were in an emergency situation and that person decided not to answer but text? I posed this question to someone before and they told me the person should have called 9-1-1, not them.

Are you a “Don’t Call Me, I’ll Call You” person? Do you think there’s anything wrong with texting and emailing instead of calling? Are you a “here, now, know my location and what I’m doing at this moment” kind of person? Do you think talking on the phone should be a thing of the past?

Let me…but just don’t call.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Hello, my Friends,

As you can see, I haven’t been blogging much due to other pressing matters. I wanted to stop in to let you know that I will be taking time off from my blog for the rest of the summer. This crazy little thing called love will get all my attention—Mein Liebster (my love) will be home in ten days.  

When I do publish my poetry e-book, I will post it on my blog and Facebook to let you all know. I thought I’d have it out on Kindle and Nook by July, but I’m waiting for copyright. My novel is still on for November 2011, and I will post more about it as we get closer to publication.

I wish you all a safe and happy summer. ♥♥

Love,

Bea

About Face

I recently joined Facebook to promote my blog readership and my present and future writing endeavors. I’ve connected with some writers, but also with my past. People have always talked about the connections they make on Facebook, but I didn’t care until I actually joined. As great as it is to connect with other writers, I find it sweet that I’m connecting with past neighbors and my second grade teacher. Yes, my second grade teacher, who used to call me an angel. I’d go home and tell my grandmother she called me an angel, and my grandmother would respond, “An angel with horns.”

Facebook lets us reach out to all moments and interests in our lives. It isn’t the only opportunity to connect with people from around the world, but it is a place where we can create our own little families—share our kernels of life. It’s also educational—a great place to add ‘likes’ and receive updates. I’ve been reading about Barry Eisler’s decision to self-publish. For those of you unaware about the publishing world, traditional publishing is going through major changes. It’s no longer the main or only way to publish. Due to technology, there are so many mediums (paper or Nook or Kindle) and ways to self-publish. The economy played a role in traditional publishing houses being choosy with their book choices. Since writers wanted to get their story out there, and publishing companies began focusing on known writers or celebrities, self-publishing became the main competitor of traditional publishing.

It’s a relief to read what Barry and Joe Knorath have to say about self-publishing. Self-publishing has always been a taboo in writers’ circles, so Barry’s and Joe’s information helps writers  know the challenges of both so they can make the best decision for their works. It lets me know that traditional publishing isn’t the only way to go, and it also makes me feel that rejection from big house publishing companies doesn’t mean my writing is bad.

Barry Eisler is a well-known author of many books, and has now decided to self-publish. This decision has made agents and traditional publishing companies angry because it puts them in jeopardy. There are many arguments between self-publishing and traditional, but seeing an established author who has gone the traditional route then change to self-publishing, has caught many people’s attention—especially mine. Barry and Joe Konrath, a Chicago writer, had a long discussion about Ebooks and Self-publishing. In December, Joe wrote a blog post titled, “You Should Self-Publish”. You can read the discussions between Joe Konrath and Barry Eisler on Barry’s blog: Ebooks and Self-Publishing: A Conversation Between Authors Barry Eisler and Joe Konrath and Part 2.

So I made an about face with Facebook, and the publishing world has made an about face with self-publishing.

Have you done an about face?