the art of the streamline
I just started the process of deleting my MySpace account (the second time I've done this in the past five years), and am currently working on deep-sixing my Twitter account. There isn't anything in the Twitter FAQ that tells you how to delete an account, so right now my request is being processed. I guess the geniuses at Twitter never imagined that anyone out there would even consider the concept of deleting something as cool as a Twitter account, but I never really used the thing. No offense, but I don't get it. "Chris is enjoying the sunny weather!" So what?
I think the main problem I have with social networking sites is that there's just too many of them. Blogs, Friendster (which has inexplicably found a niche in Asian countries after it was laughed out of the States), MySpace, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, okay okay okay I get it! I like the idea of being out there in cyberspace, telling everyone how I feel about the new Brad Mehldau album, sharing cool photos, talking about my upcoming weekend plans - but after a while it's just oversaturation. I don't need umpteen different outlets to notify the world of my comings and goings. If you need me, you'll find me.
I like Facebook. Say what you will about the ridiculous third-party applications, but it beats the hell out of MySpace. It's neat, clean, fairly easy on the eyes, and has been responsible for me reconnecting with a surprising number of people from my past. I enjoyed being a part of the pro-Obama solidarity in the weeks leading up to the election (and found it mildly amusing that the small number of conservative friends I have on Facebook - mostly relatives - have been unusually quiet since November 4).
I can't see a day when I'll ever stop blogging, but I've definitely slowed down over the past few months. Lately the inspiration just hasn't been there. A long time ago, I stopped being one of those people who would not post for a week or so, then return with a profuse apology..."I haven't updated this thing in so long! LOL, sorry, etc..." But my attitude now is that while I still blog, I no longer feel an obligation to do so. Haven't posted in two weeks, you say? Sorry. I've been getting on with my life.
This is not meant to insult people who do post blog entries on a daily basis - my hat is off to you, but it just ain't my thing. I'll post when I feel the need to post, or if inspiration strikes me. Or if I have photos that I feel the need to share with you for no reason at all.
