Internet Networking … try saying that three times fast. 
When it comes to internet networking, I like to follow the KISS philosophy. You know … Keep It Simple, Silly. (I know, I know … it’s supposed to be “stupid” but I ain’t gonna call myself stupid). I belong to a few — scratch that, about a dozen writers loops. Several I have on digest and check them out when I find a minute. Others, I have to wade through what is information, what is vital and what is frivolous. Amazing the amount of time you can waste reading each and every post. Responding? Sometimes … not often. I’m mostly a lurker. I have a number of friends who live out of state and out of the country as well as writer friends that I keep in touch with and will email regularly.
Then you’ve got Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In, My Space and probably a half dozen others that I’m missing. I occasionally get messages that so and so is following me on Twitter. I’m not even sure what that means. Am I being stalked? If so, the stalker is probably dying of boredom. Barbara Vey signed me up for Twitter about a year or so ago and I don’t think I’ve ever been on it. I’m pretty sure I forgot my user name and password. My Space? Same problem. I’m never on it. Plus, it was definitely overtaken by Facebook as far as popularity goes. Even with Facebook, I’m lucky if I find the time to get on my site more than once a week. Don’t even remember why I signed with Linked-In. I certainly haven’t been in it for quite awhile.
So, as you can see, I’m pretty pitiful when it comes to networking on the internet. Personally? I’m not losing any sleep over it. As far as getting my name out there as a writer? Yeah, I could be more visible and I would like to be more visible.
Problem is … I just don’t have the time. Besides all my daytime obligations, there’s such a thing called sleep that I’m pretty fond of.
So how do you network? Are you active with writing chapters? Blog regularly on other sites? Tweet all over the place? (If so … you’re cleaning up the mess.)
On a side note … don’t be surprised if I don’t get much of a chance to respond to comments on this blog. I’m currently in Florida, probably enjoying a frou-frou drink by the pool and being completely lazy. 
I will try to respond when I get a sec. In the meantime, I really am curious about networking methods. Let me know.
I use Facebook mostly, but I wouldn’t say I use it a lot either. I’m on it about ten minutes every other day and that’s it. As for Twitter, I’m lucky if I “tweet” once a week. MySpace? Hahahahahahahahaha! They’re still in business? I couldn’t tell you the last time I had logged into that account.
The way I see it–and this has always been my philosophy–if I have time to social network, then I have time to write. Guess which one takes priority? Only after I’ve put in enough writing time, which is very little these days, do I even think about updating my status. Unless I have a release or other news to share
it’s hard to catch me online these days. And like you, I lurk on blogs and online groups. Once in blue moon do I share something that’s on my mind.
Have a non-alcoholic drink for me while you’re basking on the poolside, hon. Oh, and tell your other traveling companions I said hello. I expect a full report when you guys return.
Hey Liz, have one of those frou, frou totties for me too!
Lucky goose, sitting pool-side with the gals.
When I do get on the net, I’m a lurker pretty much. I hit Magical everyday, and that’s the only definite these days. I’m only active on one writer loop, and I scan like you for the gold. I hit facebook maybe once a week, and don’t always comment. I’d rather write and like you, do that thang called living. lol I’m not known for multi-tasking, so it’s no surprise that too much online activity and my head spins like a planet!
I’ll be seeing you soon, Liz! Save me a frou-frou drink!!
I like that attitude, Marcia. “If I have time to social network, I have time to write.” You have your priorities right.
I know of lots of people who are constantly networking. Somehow they seem to find the time. There’s one author on one of my loops (who shall remain nameless) who is constantly bemoaning how little time she has … yet there she is, constantly posting. Go figure.
Not a frou-frou drink today … but we were at the pool a little while ago … literally melting, but in a good way.
I know networking is important, but there is a limit of what one can do. Particularly if one has an outside job.
Looking forward to seeing you, Cyn. Pick you poison and I’ll spring for it when we go to the conference.
I’m replying, though I’m in the same room as Liz. I usually check out Twitter and FB but usually just retweet and comment on others. I’m with Marcia about My Space. It doesn’t impress me.
Cyn, see you soon!
And I’m reply to you in the same room.
It’s just a matter of time before there are several more new social networks. Gotta wonder what the new generation will be.