In my last entry, I discussed the saying "if you try to be everywhere, you won't get anywhere" and how I need to apply the logic behind it to my writing.
The other area that I should apply it to is social media. This is such a hot button topic right now with the heated political environment that is stifling our nation. The political division has ignited the popularity and subsequent censorship of several new social media platforms and there appears to be no end in sight.
There's so many now. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Parler, YouTube, Rumble, MeWe, LinkedIn, CloutHub, Twitch, and probably many more that I blissfully ignorant of.
While social media is a swirling cesspool of negativity, for an aspiring author it is a necessary evil and that term might never have been more applicable than how it pertains to the social media. Political mudslinging and misinformation from both sides dominate various platforms and I would be lying if I said I had not been caught up in the turmoil myself. With the current state of our nation and the bleak forecast for the immediate future, it is virtually impossible not to be concerned and feel the need to make your voice heard, despite it amounting to hollering down a drown well.
All that notwithstanding, an author, a restaurant, a tire shop, a band, a wrestler, a bail bondsman, or any business, must have a social media presence. The old saying "out of sight, out of mind" spells disaster for any business.
In my former role of wresting promoter, I would go so far as to say that I was extremely proficient and efficient at getting the most bang for my buck from paid Facebook ads. However, as a writer, the ads I have paid for have been a complete waste of money. I have gotten ZERO Return on Investment. While Facebook has found themselves in the center of the social media controversy, their ad algorithms seem to be out of whack.
That leads me to another point, negativity seems to breed and multiply on social media like rabbits on Spanish fly. Posts with a negative connotation are shared more, commented on more, and receive more attention that positive ones. That is reality and a sad statement on the human condition. It also makes me appreciate it that much more when someone shares a post about "Dead Man's Breath" or shares a Tweet or likes a photo on Instagram.
Unfortunately, social media is a way of life now and as much as I wish I could leave the whole mess for good, it would be akin to cutting off my nose to spite my face. It is imperative to maintain a presence on social media platforms to cover my bases, as much as I wish it was not the case. Until I figure out to apply "if you try to be everywhere, you won't get anywhere", I hope you will stay tuned to this blog.
Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.