I think we can all agree that the internet has drastically changed the way people connect. Whether it's for business, advertising, dating, educating, chatting or skyping, most of us rely on daily internet access as a means of reaching out to others. Needless to say, internet communication has had an enormous impact on reader-writer relationships.
We've gone from fan letters, to fan emails, to friendships. Sure there are still strictly writer-fan relationships out there, but I really think that chatrooms, facebook, twitter, and forums have allowed readers and writers to get to know one another better. The frequency of communication, as well as the back and forth nature of it, has allowed for, what I'd call, friendships to form. A true connection. I'm still working hard towards getting published in fiction, but I'm an avid reader as well as a writer (and I have many published friends). My opinion stems from both perspectives.
Now for confessions. In spite of pressures/advice from the publishing world to FB, Tweet, blog and more...I'm just a blogger. That alone was a huge step for me. However, I do love participating in writer/reader forums (such as eharlequin's) and have formed wonderful friendships that way. Once published, I have no doubt I'll need to expand my internet communication routes.
So for all you readers out there (and this should include writers by definition), what's your favorite way to connect? What fits your routine the best? How much of your time do you spend reading blogs vs tweeting vs checking out author websites or facebook pages? Which do you think nurtures the best reader-writer relationships?
Without a doubt, blogging is my communication tool of choice. While I understand the reach that twitter has, I'm too lazy to schedule posts and don't often have time for conversations on twitter.
ReplyDeleteTo my mind, if you're comfortable just blogging for now, then so be it.
I love blogging. I've been doing it a couple of years now, but I only started other social networking over this summer. I don't spend much time there - only about 15 minutes a day. I haven't settled on one more than the other yet. Somedays I prefer FB, other times Twitter. And sometimes I hang at Google+. If there were two of me, maybe I could do more.
ReplyDeleteWhen I want to learn more about an author, I go to his blog first. FB second. Web site third.
ReplyDeleteVery rarely do I check them out on Twitter.
This is interesting! One of the reasons I love blogs (or check out author blogs) is because I get to 'meet' the author, get a feel for their personality, get book/story info in the side bars, and often get writer advice/articles on the side bars as well...all in one place. Plus, most authors have their websites linked to their blogs anyway. Perhaps it's not the most efficient way to get word spreading on a release etc...but I do feel more of a bond/loyalty/friendship through author blogs.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, blogging is THE best way to get a connection with someone. Then once you "know" them, it's fun to connect with them with FB and Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I've met the most people on Twitter and blogging.
I only get to blogs and probably spend too much time doing that. I've found I read less if I have been blogging a lot. However I love going to multi-author blogs and connecting with some of my favorite authors both there and on their personal web sites.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm missing out on a lot of things as I'm not on Facebook yet. I am happy with what I find out on the blogs.
Blogs. I don't have time for T or FB. And I think if you don't have time, it's best to spend whatever time you have on writing.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Connection is the key. I suppose it all depends on your goal. If spreading word at lightening speed is it...blogging may not be the best way...but for forming connections, I think it's at the top (for me at least).
ReplyDeleteKaelee - Multi-author blogs are very efficient for everyone :). I also feel like I'm missing out (not being on FB and Twitter), but there are only so many hours in a day. When need outways the time demands, then I suppose it will make sense. Until then...
Anne - Always a top priority! With all the networking avenues out there, it all boils down to time management and writing.
I should add that once I try FB and Twitter, I'll probably get addicted ;). I need to focus on writing now, so I'm not letting myself go there yet.
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting to see that I'm not alone in feeling that blogs seem to nurture a closer relationship between readers and authors :)
You're way ahead of me, Rula, having established this delightful blog. I've taken a course with Kristen Lamb and read her books and I still haven't taken that step to blogging and creating a FB and Twitter presence as she recommends. It's that whole time suck thing. But supporting fellow writers and networking is so important--I think what I need to do is make a list of "must follow" blogs and schedule visits--so many on Monday, so many on Tuesday, etc. It's great to hear from others that they don't have time for FB or Twitter either! :-)
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I never would have thought to reach out to authors online or otherwise. I think the internet has made everyone who wants to be that much more accessible. I think those authors who don't embrace it and use it effectively will be at a disadvantage. Publishing is rapidly changing and the way we communicate and promote is a big part of that. I started out with blogging, then moved to FB and finally Twitter. Each format is totally and completely different and to me serve different purposes. I find the thing that differentiates them the most is the type of communication, who's using it and how immediate it is. Blogging to me is the least direct, followed by FB and then Twitter. I find not many people apart from writers or publishing professionals on all 3. Most people seem to prefer one or two. Readers seem to be using one as their 'primary'. As a published author I feel the need to have a presence on each, but the time to do so needs to be strictly controlled and managed!
ReplyDeleteHey Kathy! It's always great to 'see' you here :). It does boil down to time management and what a person's needs are at the time.
ReplyDeleteHey Kaily! (For those you who don't know, I consider Kaily an expert at all this. She has a IT background, uses all three methods, is published...and if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have started blogging when I did...and fallen in love with it). I totally agree that published authors need to tap into all three (and whatever new comes out) because, although they each work differently, they can be interrelated. A tweet could send more people to your blog or website etc... Plus, you might get info from an agent tweeting that you won't get elsewhere. Like you said, it's about controlling how they're used and how you manage your time. I was curious though about what readers preferred from their end. Very interesting that you're finding they tend to have one preferred method. You know when I'm ready to TW or FB I'll be turning to you ;)
Anytime, Rula! Oh and you should add Google+ in that list of possibles. I've noticed a lot of authors over there these days and I think if FB keep making changes to their functionality (that people don't care for) many more may join them. I think the key is to be aware of everything that's out there, understand how it can be used and make a conscious decision for YOU. Not everyone likes to Tweet. A lot of people find FB tiresome. My best advice would be to find the medium that you enjoy because that will show in your interractions and do more for marketing yourself than anything else could. FWIW
ReplyDeleteI'll go out on a limb and say I think you'll enjoy FB :).
I used to connect only via forums, but I don't do that anymore. Blogging keeps me plenty busy. I tweet (but not as often than most), and I don't do FB at all.
ReplyDeleteWe can't do everything and still write. I'm finally realizing that. My goal is to tweet more. Maybe that will be my New Years resolution. :D
I love it all. My first love is blogging as I feel you can connect more fully with other writers and/or readers, but I also spend a lot of time on FB and Twitter. I'm constantly reminding myself that I can't do it all and write as well. Finding the balance is the tricky part. :)
ReplyDeleteKaily - That your feelings about a given medium will show in your interactions is an important point. You don't want to give off negative vibes/attitude!
ReplyDeleteStina - Balancing time seems to be the biggest thing at play here. Writing first, otherwise there's no point to the rest.
Shirley - Hi and welcome! Balance is definitely a tricky thing. All methods of networking are important and fun, but I agree that there's something special about the blogging connection.