I will show you mine, if you show me yours.

[steve.foote]

Personal social media policies, that is.  

 

Since around 1990, I’ve been involved in social interactions with other people via the internet.  My first exposure to the Prodigy forum opened a wonderful and exciting doorway into the minds of countless individuals I might never have met otherwise.  This has spread through an array of other platforms to this very day, and this very forum.

 

Along the way, I’ve developed, modified and reevaluated my interpersonal skills and personal rules of engagement.  These policies evolved significantly early on but have become more stable and concise in the last decade and serve me well in the current social media environment.   I try to adhere to them as closely as I can.  They are as follows:

 

1. Be nice.
2. Do not feed trolls.
3. Do not argue with fools.

 

As a perpetual learner, I’m always searching for improvement and new information.  So, I thought I would share my social media policies in the hope that others here will share theirs.  I’m glad to entertain questions about how I interpret and utilize mine and would really like to learn about yours.

[szurszewski]

Always do sober act online what you said you’d do drunk   at least as

civilly as you would IRL. 

 

-Hemingway 

[Sonor]

I will not incite hostility even though others may be calling me names by my association with groups they oppose. (religious, political, or social)

 

[Oldironken]

Because we may believe differently on a topic it doesn't make either of us evil or good.  We are both just people trying to live our lives. 

 

Be aware and concerned for the weak and the powerless.  

 

Be aware of those who would divide us and their motivations

 

 

 

[steve.foote]

6 hours ago, szurszewski said:

Always do sober act online what you said you’d do drunk   at least as

civilly as you would IRL. 

 

-Hemingway 

 

That's a clever adaptation, from a truly brilliant man.

[steve.foote]

2 hours ago, Sonor said:

I will not insight hostility even though others may be calling me names by my association with groups they oppose. (religious, political, or social)

 

 

I understand what you are saying Z-man.  Social media brings out the best, and worst , in people.  Avoiding toxic people and shrugging off hurtful comments is part and parcel of being out on this frontier.  Let's just say that thicker skin is helpful.  :-)

[steve.foote]

1 hour ago, Oldironken said:

Because we may believe differently on a topic it doesn't make either of us evil or good.  We are both just people trying to live our lives. 

 

Be aware and concerned for the weak and the powerless.  

 

Be aware of those who would divide us and their motivations

 

 

 

 

That's a lot of wisdom there Ken!  Thanks for sharing.

[Whip]

Could happen to anyone

[steve.foote]

43 minutes ago, Whip said:

Could happen to anyone

 

Larry, that might be the most comprehensive policy yet.  :-D

[Sonor]

Focus on the topic, not the person expressing.  If they make it personal, walk away.  You don't need to compete with an online jerk.

[Twisties]

I like your's and Sonor's comments, Steve.  

[elkroeger]

Well, BMWST is pretty much the only social media that I do (and even then, it's kinda hit-or-miss).

 

So I don't need much of a personal social media policy.  Mostly, if you want to go do something call me.  If I'm not available, I won't pick up.  :-)