Join, Join, Join!!

It's not that I am anti-social. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I insert myself into almost any situation and usually have a comment or two on most topics. Recently, I was asked to join an "online community" for professionals. I joined this site last year after I was invited by someone else and rarely go back because I can't remember my password anymore! (I have too many to remember these days...a subject for another blog) I won't mention the name but somehow I am having a hard time understanding why I should continue to do this. John knows Bob, who knows Ed, who knows Mary from college, etc.....and we all are now one happy connected family.

Sites like FaceBook and MySpace make connections and add "friends" and show how you are all linked. Look I am not that old, 37 to be exact, but it seems to me just because someone is now a link on your FaceBook site doesn't really make them a friend. Just cause your bud Tom likes Led Zeppelin ( people under 22 see Wikipedia ) doesn't mean he'll come pick you up if you get a flat tire at 2 am.

On the professional site I guess it's all about networking. But it seems to me like that should really be done in a face to face situation when possible. Trust me, you'll want to see me roll my eyes at you when you claim your new status as VP of Operational Modifications for Future Procedural Best Practices was not a lateral move within your company. I can't believe I am the only one who is this old fashioned and prefers to meet people in person and get to know them this way. Look, I think the Internet is great. It has changed the way we do business all around the world. I mean, without the Internet how would a joker like me have an opportunity to impact so many lives?!