Practicum #2

These blogs have been far too delayed. Nonetheless, there is some reason behind the tardy posts. For my practicum project as I’ve mentioned before, I joined 3 different social networks. Unfortunately, I’ve learned I am not the most social of people. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome with the particular web sites I chose was actually garnering friends. I declined to join most social networks, myspace included because of either the stigma against them, or the possibility of getting creeped on. However, after joining these websites, I quickly realized that the people I consider to be more or less “normal” are not people fishing through social network sites looking for friends. I overcame this obstacle by turning myself into the desperate site member seeking to make connections with people over common interests. On Pintrist I quickly began liking and commenting on people’s pins that I enjoyed. On 43things, I spent time looking for people who shared goals similar to mine and began swapping stories. Finally, on YELP, which is not primarily a social networking site I began to send out compliments to people are befriend people in Madison who made the same stops in the city that I did. It’s been about two months of constantly hounding people and seeming far more cheery than I am, BUT, the hard work has paid off and I’ve got at least a hand full of friends or followers on each website. Do I plan on keeping in contact with these people long term? Most likely no, however, I’ve certainly gained things from many of the people I’ve met whether it be great tips for the things I’m doing or seeing or some ego boosting compliments.