When I was married to Kristy, she pressured me into joining Facebook. After a while, the constant game notifications pushed me away. I closed my account. I had lived my life without social media (except this blog) and certainly didn’t need it.
Sometime in 2011, Michael invited us of the RCCS crew to join Google+. It would a nice way to discuss ride plans without resorting to email.
Soon after that, I got connected to many other bike commuters, cyclists, Linux users, and weight-loss people. It was fascinating and I made friends.
It started taking up too much time. It certainly wasn’t getting me on the bike more often. My personal productivity dropped.
A couple of months ago, I scaled back my circles. I mostly scaled back those I didn’t have as much interest in, or who didn’t participate much. This didn’t work, as the people I wanted to interact with were the ones taking my time.
Recently, Google+ added “Communities” a new feature. I created a RCCS community, and made it private. It serves the purpose of why I originally joined Google+.
Today, I made the decision to not use G+ anymore, except for the RCCS community. I posted there about it, and provided my email address, and the url to this blog. I hope to be able to communicate with the same people, but in a less frequent, more detailed manner.
I’ve made friends there. Some I’ve met in person. Some I will soon (I have a couple from California staying at my house for the Cyclocross Worlds event in February). I know that most of the people I interacted with, I’ll never meet in person. That is kind of sad. Although this is bothering me, I know it’s for the best. I need to concentrate on my physical issues, mental issues, and work.
I really know nothing about Google+ and cannot stand Facebook. I prefer blogging and reading blogs. It can be as safe a community as you want, or you can open up. With Facebook only the latter option is available.
I admit I protect many things about my identity on my blog, but I also feel a part of a unique community. I am glad you blog.
BTW I have been using an app called “my fitness pal” since the beginning of November and have lost over 20 pounds. I would highly recommend to anyone.
~Wilson
Wilson,
There is a huge difference between FB and G+. Don’t get me wrong, I will miss G+. I made friends there. Although G+ has a “real name only” policy, many people violate that. How are they going to check?
I tried a few different apps for weight loss. I actually lost the weight previous to that. This blog was my winning tool. Now if I could get away from the beer and pizza…