Comments on: Be careful how you use social media

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 00:40:11 +0000

In reply to Jim O'Brien. You thinking about Canada, Jim? Sandy

By: Jim O'Brien

Jim O'Brien — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 23:04:08 +0000

Well, If you’re concerned about selling books, and you’re an elephant, you have 62,000,000 potential customers. If your a donkey, you have 64,000,000. If you have a page turner, you have the whole jungle full of readers. Regarding this election, folks, we have big problems. Sorry grandkids.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:32:57 +0000

In reply to Jay Lemming, Author. Jay, what I like about that approach is that it resonates with everyone. Thanks for stopping by. Sandy

By: Jay Lemming, Author

Jay Lemming, Author — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 03:04:30 +0000

I think Marcia is dead on in bringing up the Jeep ad. In a case like that, you’re putting out a statement in response to the election but you’re really just affirming values. I attended a rally a few weeks ago held to reaffirm the same values and the name of neither candidate was mentioned. Although, like many, I am thankful the election season has ended, we still need to see how things will fare under the new administration. In general, I rarely post on social networks about politics though I have left one or two non-confrontational posts on Facebook that tied into issues under discussion by both candidates. Jay Lemming

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 01:07:05 +0000

In reply to Peter Bowerman. Thanks, Peter. Sounds like you use social media only for business purposes. Business and politics don't mix. Sandy

By: Peter Bowerman

Peter Bowerman — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 01:02:10 +0000

Great post, Sandy! Like Brant, I NEVER discuss my political views on any venue where my name is attached – social media, blog, ezine, etc. I made that decision to keep them separate a long time ago.

Way I see it, there’s virtually no upside to making those views known (and especially in such a polarizing election like we just went through) and all manner of downside. Just not worth it.

As far as I’m concerned, when sharing info/posting/tweeting, etc. to folks in my communities, my only job is to share information that can help forward their particular paths—whether in the realm of self-publishing or commercial freelance writing. And to do that requires ZERO sharing of one’s political positions.

It’s pretty darn likely that many of the people with whom I communicate regularly in cyber-space hold very different views than mine, and the productive relationship we have would be needlessly jeopardized if we shared them. No point!

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 18:27:46 +0000

In reply to Brant.

Thanks, Brant. I did notice my Canadian friends weighing in — and arguing about the merits of the candidates. You’re right about the fact that they had no influence on the outcome, but that outcome does have an impact on them, unfortunately. I kind of like that they got involved in the discussion!

It’s nice to hear from you here — stop back!

Sandy

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 18:16:28 +0000

In reply to Deborah Flanagan. Thank you, Deborah. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! Sandy

By: Deborah Flanagan

Deborah Flanagan — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 15:46:24 +0000

What a helpful and interesting post. Thank you for sharing an even-handed, objective perspective that we can all learn from. Hope all is well with you and happy Thanksgiving!

By: Brant

Brant — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 05:12:42 +0000

Great article and it fully confirms my (and I am sure many others’) policy of never discussing politics on social media.

Never.

No matter what you say about politics (more now than ever) you risk annoying someone, likely many someones, and that usually hurts your writing business.

The US election was so polarizing discussion of it spilled over into Canada. I heard some pretty strong opinions about an event over which Canadians had zero influence.

I can only imagine the minefield US authors must step through if they care to express a political opinion on social media. Just not worth the angst, lost business, and ruined relationships.

My two cents.

Brant