Archive for May, 2009
My first Twitter fight
This weekend I had the opportunity to engage in my first Twitter fight. It wasn’t on a noble topic like global warming or social justice, but instead on whether or not teaching a class on Twitter deserved a punch in the balls.
Obviously, as one who teaches classes on Twitter (and social media in general) I took offense to the statement that teaching a class on Twitter deserved a punch in the balls. And so I responded with that sentiment. Here’s a play-by-play of how it went down, followed by my completely unbiased (ha) commentary. Sorry it’s so long, but I want it to be clear what was said and by whom.
That was the quickest “agree to disagree” response I’ve gotten in a while. It’s nice to be able to disagree without actually providing any support for your viewpoint.
(She followed up this tweet recognizing she used “respectively” instead of “respectfully”.)
So this is how she “respectfully” agrees to disagree?
I don’t want to beat up on Shea too much. She’s certainly entitled to her opinion.
But she’s completely, utterly wrong. She’s characterized our classes on Twitter and social media in general as if we’re teaching people how to use the tools. But that’s not at all what we’re doing – we’re teaching people why to use it.
In her blog post from today, she compares the social media classes I teach to daytime commercials teaching elderly people how to use the Internet. This is as mean as I will be, but this shows a complete ignorance of what social media is all about from a corporate perspective. We’re not dealing with Internet novices, we’re dealing with companies who are trying to navigate this new world of transparency, openness and technology. It’s a completely different ball game writing a blog about Jessica Alba than figuring out the legal and bottom-line-influencing complexities of starting a corporate blog or Twitter account.
So again, Shea, is entitled to believe that people like me should be kicked in the balls or be relegated to douchebag status. She just shouldn’t be surprised or play the victim when people react negatively to that viewpoint.
So what do you think? Did I overreact? Am I being unfair? I want some more opinions.
P.S. Mom, I’m sorry that you had to see my type the word “balls” and “douchebag.” I don’t really know what they mean, but I know they’re bad.
Sincerity > Orthodoxy?
My friend Josh shared a thought last night that I’ve been wrestling with this morning. He said someone had shared with him that they thought sincerity was the new orthodoxy.
Sincerity as orthodoxy.
Wow, talk about a postmodern statement. But is there any substance to it?
Obviously, if one hones in on the word “orthodoxy” it’s pretty easy to dismiss the statement. Simply being sincere doesn’t replace one’s error. However, I don’t think that addresses the heart of this statement.
I think the quoted individual is looking more for sincerity than orthodoxy. And based on my perception of those my age (including myself) he or she is not alone.
So what’s fueling this desire? Is it an outright rejection or fear of truth? Is it simply a reaction against perceived insincerity? Or is it something else deeper, more profound?
Edit: Hayley, my beautiful, intelligent, spelling-wise wife noted that I originally misspelled “sincerity” in the title. I have fixed it.