Social Manipulation...or Connection?

It's been a long time since I posted a new article. I admit, social networking is quite a commitment. Writing, responding to e-mails, blogging, updating...of course, having enough content or motivation to express new ideas, share new events and articles. is a challenge. How does one get their audience or passers-by to even feel interested enough to take a moment to stop by your profile for a while and read, share or comment on what you are writing about or selling? I'm sure many fellow bloggers have stopped from time to time to ponder this question. But it seems that many of the social networking sites ponder this question vigorously, as well. Case in point: both MySpace and Facebook have now introduced new layouts for their user profiles. Now viewers can be intrigued, excited and newly interested in the content that the members share on their pages. Or manipulated? Honestly, do I see a remarkable increase in my viewer count each time one of these sites 'updates' their layout styles? No. Do I even see a new and fresh surge of interest when even I update my own profiles...not really. But all of this must have a purpose.

I believe that true connectivity begins with a face-to-face meeting, a shared experience, a common interest. From there, effort needs to be made to cultivate and nurture the connection...over time. Demands do not always produce the desired result of constant connectivity, nor does a 'feeling'. In fact, a 'feeling' might inspire an intention, but an intention always needs action behind it to make the 'first blush' of connection come to fruition. I admire the social marketers. On a daily basis, their job is to 'reach out', observe, determine who and what group of 'who's' might share a common interest so great as to constantly support a product or a personality. Further, these marketing professionals also figure out how to maximize the chances that these core groups of common interest sharers might inspire and influence others to join in and support and promote the same interests. Just writing about it makes me a little exhausted, I'll admit.

But let's just say that today, in my effort to connect, network and motivate new listeners, I am inviting my current supporters and passers-by to check out my website. To think of me-- one, lone, small voice--sharing her music and talent with the World Wide Web...and to tell their friends...and so on...and so on...and so on...

Just putting it out there.