Years ago I had another site which I used to write on quite often. I willingly destroyed it entirely for one reason or the other. Mainly because people I personally knew (IRL as the cool kids say) found out about it, and at the time I wasn’t comfortable with the “Are you going to write about this?” or “I saw what you wrote” comments. I guess it would have been fine if that’s what I was aiming for, but writing anywhere on the internet (except for forums) has always been for three people only in my book – me, myself and I.
What I really miss though, was that I was in a habit of writing. I do believe it improved over the years I had the site. And it gave me a certain sense of satisfaction. It’s been – let me think – five and a bit years since I stopped and I’ve stagnated. Got out of the habit. It’s a struggle to get back into it.
Since then I’ve been on Twitter and like the pithy aspect of 140 characters, but don’t ever let anyone tell you it helps with writing … unless you’re trying to write Christmas Cracker jokes. Facebook is still loathsome and I’d love to educate everyone I know on there what alternatives there are – because then I wouldn’t have to be on there!
Every day at work I get and send a ridiculous amount of emails. It’s a Global, Corporate environment where email is both necessary and used by people to cover their own back. So even if you have a phonecall, expect a follow-up email 
On a bad day 500 emails will hit my inbox and I’d easily send out ~50 a day. My eyes roll back into my forehead when I read the email ‘gurus’ online who obviously are working with around a quarter of that number but preach about ‘inbox zero’ … it’s a distant dream for me. I’m happy if I get to file a chunk of them in folders every day – because in that world you need to keep the info.
What’s the point? Well, that level of email doesn’t lend itself to longform writing – it’s getting more like Twitter to be honest. In fact there was an Outlook plugin a while back which copied Tweetdeck and I would LOVE that, but it seems to have vanished.
So I’m well out of practice. I love writing. I actually miss writing letters to people (old skool me). But I miss having writing come to me easily, words, flow, phrases.
How to get around that problem? Practice I guess. Do it regularly and surely the habit will come back. Don’t worry about what I’m writing. Just write.
And that – is the sole point of this post.
But one day you’ll have henchmen to call your own
And your reasons for stopping are similar to my dropping the type of posts that I used to write. No point giving others ammunition is there? But I agree it’s a habit. Thankfully I am FB free (waste of time) and I don’t tweet or read it either (inane most of it) – it’s surprising how much time I gained when I stopped.
Back in the day I always used to have one of those pocket diaries. I still always carry a notebook around. But it used to be one of those where you would get a week to a page – only about an inch of space for each day. I used it the same as everyone else did “So-and-so’s Birthday”. “Dentist” that kind of thing. But I also used to write little notes or thoughts just to myself. If I think about it there’s a similar mentality for me with Twitter. Which is probably a really stupid way to use it – but it also stops people looking for blogs
God I wish I could get rid of FB. I put one or two things up there once in a while to let everybody know I’m still alive. I make sure it’s locked down and I don’t really add anybody. That’s the best I can hope for I reckon
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It’s easy – just hit the Delete. They give you 14 days (I think) where if you login at all the delete process is completely stopped. The problem is not leaving it, but whether people who care about / are bothered about will follow you and keep up. If they will, move
Not saying that life without FB and Twitter is better but I read fewer meaningless messages and that can’t be bad.
Ah with FB it’s about keeping up with Family and old friends. I did try to introduce them to Twitter but it failed dismally. Problem is they think it’s the latest thing and their non-technical friends are also on it, so when trying a new service – it’s empty, echo-y and lonely for them.
The sheep have to move as one herd
I did think about saying “Have you tried Path?” but again it’s a case of getting the herd moving. That’s the key for any start-up to crack…
I genuinely believe that people do not have a clue just how much information they are giving up and that they then have zero control over it. If even a Like button can grab so much what about everything else? http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3377018
No they don’t I’ve explained to a couple about identity theft and what they are sharing. Got a few “Oh my God” responses. Everything that goes on FB is out of your control as far as I’m concerned. But it amazes me that people are quite happy to put everything on there as they are ‘Chatting with friends’. No comprehension that they don’t own their data and it’s being used elsewhere. It’s a very Machiavellian business plan.
I feel sorry for the next generation. Used to be your parents embarassed you by bringing out a biscuit tin of old photos when people/new girlfriends were in the house. Now the World can just check their FB page!