Social media deserves a chance (or maybe just Pinterest)

People use social media in different ways, and the cool thing is that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to use any site, provided you’re following the sites’ guidelines.

Some people are just borderline stalkers. On Facebook, they never post, comment, or “like” anything, but they seem to read and know everything. That’s kinda weird, if you ask me, but to each their own. Some people just like to talk about themselves. They never seem to comment on anything but post, as often as hourly, about their own lives. Which is also kinda weird, but perhaps I only think that because I value privacy at least on some level. I might also underestimate how much my friends care about my quotidian adventures… but I doubt that.

Twitter is a different story because of its impersonal nature. You can amass thousands of follows and you don’t need to know them. Obviously, this is beneficial if you need to network or market your skills or products. There are hundreds of other sites, like Google+, Pinterest, MySpace, Tumblr, Instagram, LinkedIn, CafeMom, SheWrites… the list goes on, possibly forever. I don’t want to find out.

The one I want to talk about is Pinterest.

I appreciate the convenience of social media because many of my close friends are scattered throughout the country, and the world, and I probably couldn’t keep in touch with them as well otherwise. However, I dislike social media because it’s a timesink. I can’t, with good conscience, schedule time into my day to browse through the nonsense that populates my newsfeeds, but if I don’t, I risk missing out on actual news, or at least big announcements or things that interest me. I’ve tried to rebel against the social media phenomenon several times. I’ve always caved. My latest claim was that I would never, ever own an account on Pinterest.

Why? Pinterest has this reputation that only bored housewives use it for do-it-yourself crafts and pointless, time-consuming projects. That was my first impression, anyway. I kept seeing Pinterest links to really silly stuff, and I wanted none of it. But then… I caved. I don’t remember why, specifically, but upon my acquiescence, I started finding some amazingly delicious recipes. Then, I started finding unique ideas for showers and parties I was planning to host. Then, I started finding creative ideas for kids’ activities. And THEN I stumbled upon my mostest favoritest Pinterest category ever: Art.

I collect art pins like I’m an addict, and I am. And it’s fun.

Did you know social media could be fun?

It’s still a timesink, especially if you only follow the people you know and you never browse by the categories that interest you. But it doesn’t matter too much, because there’s no pressure. You don’t need to be up-to-date on all your friends’ pins. And if you don’t log in for weeks or months at a time, no one will miss you. Fun, low maintenance, and a bit unpredictable with varied interests; it’s like my social media soulmate.

 

Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the Labor Day Emotobook Giveaway!

 

Grit City, Issue #1 Winner: M. Andrew Patterson (follow him on Twitter!)

Swing Zone, Issue #1 Winner: Adele (check out her book review blog!)

Lingering in the Woods Winner: Anthony Lee Collins (check out his blog!)

 

I’ll be emailing the winners with their coupon codes by the end of the week. Reviews are appreciated but not expected.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

The Giveaway Details:

• Labor Day Giveaway: Enter to Win 1 of 3 Emotobooks! (lexisjen.wordpress.com)

The April Emotobook Catalog Launch!

That’s right. It’s here. Finally.

If you follow me on Twitter or Google+, you already knew that. I’ve been harassing people all day about it. It’s pretty exciting stuff so you can’t really blame me.

Here’s what you do:

1. Visit us at Grit City Publications.

2. While there, check out our three NEW emotobooks. I edited the science fiction/romance serial, Swing Zone, by Jodi McClure and illustrated by Zach Revale. It’s a fantastic story and it’s already getting great reviews. I also edited the fantasy single, Lingering in the Woods, by Cynthia Ravinski and illustrated by Loran Skinkis. This one is cool, too: it has a shaman, a demon, and a witch. I don’t know what else fantasy fans could ask for, really. Also check out Will Kosh’s single, Suburbians (also illustrated by Loran Skinkis.) I didn’t edit this one, but fellow editor Rebecca Hoffman did, and I have faith in Will so I’m sure it’s awesome. I can’t wait to read it.

Don’t forget about the serial that started it all, Grit City by Ron Gavalik. Issue 5 features Zach Revale’s artwork and editing by yours truly.

3. Collect them all!

 

Thank you all for your support.

That is all.