There was yet another article in this weekend’s papers about the evils of Facebook. I don’t know, maybe I’m naive, but I think for people “like us” (ie writers) it’s a great tool. Sure, there will always be crazy people who put up photos of themselves in compromising positions, or give out their home details. Well, maybe those people aren’t crazy. Maybe they’re just young. But if you’re thoughtful about how you use it, then Facebook (though sometimes infuriating) can be not only great, but important.
People always talk about the loneliness of writing. I always get asked how I can sit there in my room all by myself for hours on end. But that sort of loneliness isn’t the issue. It’s easy enough to find people to talk to during the day. That’s why we’re often so eager to make
endless cups of tea for the plumber. But we need to know that while we sit there alone, we are actually a part of a community. There are thousands of other people around the world at any
given time who are doing the same thing as we are, and this, I think, gives us a way to feel “legitimized” and, indeed, hopeful. As writers, we may be alone, but as long as we can develop this sense of community, then we need never be lonely. That’s the importance of Facebook. And of blogging, for that matter (I tend to lump all this together in my mind, I confess). The internet, like any new tool, has both powers and pitfalls. But by harnessing it well, we can use it to reach out to our community in real time. It’s easy for a writer to cocoon him/herself away. This technology gets us away from our desk and out into the world where we and our work need to be.
What do you think?
Sue, I think that’s absolutely true. Sad though some consider it, blogging has filled a hole I had in friends. My friends in Bangkok are very supportive of my writing, but don’t write themselves.
Jjx
I know what you mean. Even here in London, my friends look at me with “admiration,” but I can’t really talk to them about what I do. That’s why we need each other, I think. I’m glad you agree. xo
Couldn’t agree more Sue. In the real world, I have no one to talk writing to but online? Well the place is teeming! And it’s rather wonderful:-)
I have found an amazing community of support amongst fellow bloggers. It’s been really important to me over the last few months. I’ve never ventured on to Facebook, because as a part time writer with very limited time in which to write, I feel that keeping up with blogging friends is probably enough timewise and that being on Facebook as well might mean I never actually did any writing!
Like JJ blogging has filled a gap in my friends. I don’t write but I do draw and, although most people I correspond with are writing, the creative process is surprisingly similar. It can be a lifeline to talk to someone who ‘gets it’!!
The internet is a wonderful thing!!
C x
there are writers i know only on the Internet, through writing sites, such a Slingink or online writing courses – in some ways these people know me better than my ‘real life’ friends – because I can be open with them in a way I can’t be with friends who say ‘oh you write! How interesting!’ It’s very affirming to see so many people out there going through the same creative process
Hi all,
Gee – I guess I’m not alone!! How terrific! I know this all takes a lot of time, but it’s amazing how I’m finding the time — I guess because I’m realizing how important it is.
xo
Loneliness on the Web
Being alone
is
just that.
You’re alone
and that’s the way
it is.
But, being alone
on the Web
is
twice as lonely,
‘cause,
when you whisper,
‘Help,’
nobody answers
or gives a damn.
On the Web
you’re supposed
to be
funny,
be part of,
and
willing to share.
On the Web
you’re
on your own,
and that’s the way
it is
on the Web.
©2003 Deborah Rey
PS My VERY personal opinion and also, I like being on my own, call it ‘alone’. A real ‘Einzelgänger’, I suppose.
I see your point deborah, but isn’t the Net one answer for people who prefer to be alone rather than lonely in a group , but also want to speak soul to soul with like minded others, without the social frip frap? It’s a bit like talking to imaginary people in the bathtub (yes I know it’s weird)except on teh Net the answers are more interesting because one didn’t invent them oneself.