10 MOST UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF BEING ONLINE

# SMED11

Being online reminds me of the Cluetrain Manifesto - in which the main thesis of the book informs the reader that the Web is not a medium, it is a conversation.
I must admit that I’ve had a Facebook account since 2009, but despite numerous requests and cajoling, I’ve had no inclination to join the conversations family and friends were thoroughly participating in.

Onset of 2011 – change of direction and forced to wear a global hat. Having to complete 1000 tweets and 80 blogs as part of current Media Studies, I am happy to confirm that I too have joined the global conversations : Facebook, Twitter and Blogging.

Herewith follows some of the unexpected consequences of being online. As the Cluetrain says, “A powerful global conversation has begun.”

TWITTER

1. Connecting me with people, family and friends and rediscovering my human
voice.

2. Still cannot believe that I’ve taken to Twitter like a duck to water – from
complete novice/newbie and not knowing what to say (Feb. 2011), I’ve
exceeded all expectations and already clocked up more than 750 tweets to
date.

3. I read about stuff those I follow, like. I might not always share their
tastes, but end up knowing them a little better – on a few occasions they
have been surprised that I remembered details of tweets they had posted.

4. Twitter friends often have more real-time information than the media and
organisations – sharing relevant knowledge with blinding speed.

5. I’m part of a world where everyone is constantly learning. Having the
opportunity to expand and gain knowledge, particularly relating to current
events (up until reading a tweet, I was clueless as to who or what the
’Script’ was – now know it is a rock group due to perform at the Grand
Arena).

6. If unable to attend or view major sporting events – no problem : live and
regular updates are brought to you via twitter friends (thus ensuring I
am part of the online scoreboard!)

BLOGGING

7. Getting e-mails, sms’s and reminders from my sister in New Zealand that
she’s waiting for next blog to be posted – particularly during a recent
period when blogs fell behind schedule. (love you for that Sister!)

8. Receiving complimentary telephone calls from people who have read my
blogs: Comment, “You’ve found a new calling – writing.”

9. Having the privilege and opportunity to use Mother’s and Father’s Day
respectively as inspiration to write about late parents – a first in terms
of a family member being remembered/honoured online.
Comment, “You should have warned me that I needed tissues when reading the
blog.”

10. I enjoy, appreciate and am humbled by the active participation of family,
colleagues and friends in discussing and engaging with current and
forthcoming blogs – in most cases blog inspirations/ideas are found within
the family domain.

With regard to Facebook, although I have upped my game, contributed to and grown my friends’ database, I still exercises caution with my personal preference remaining Twitter.

I’ve woken up, joined the global conversations and hopped onto the ‘online train’ (with reference to the Cluetrain). I’ve embraced and find the online journey a most pleasant experience.

In conclusion, a special thanks to CPUT lecturer, Marian Pike, for her encouragement, guidance and enthusiasm to enter global conversation.