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A lot of people say things like this about social software and seemed bothered that they don't understand how they would use it. But it's probably ok if they ne
by tonystubblebine 18y ago
A lot of people say things like this about social software and seemed bothered that they don't understand how they would use it. But it's probably ok if they never do, or at least wait until the use seems obvious.
You almost never hear people talk this way about non-social software. Two years ago, I knew about Quickbooks, didn't use it, and was unconcerned. Now I run a small business, my accountant prefers our books in this program, and I'm happy to use it.
I think the reason this comes up with social software is because we don't have a good vocabulary for talking about our social needs. When Twitter was just getting started, a lot more people would say that they didn't get it and that it had no value, even though empirically some people were clearly getting value.
- bravura 18y agoI'm sorry, but usually it's the opposite for me. I especially appreciate social technologies before they jumped the shark. Email? It was awesome before everyone and their mother used it. Friendster? It was like the wild wild west, free and easy, until everyone and their mother got on it (and then facebook). Twitter right now is okay. I forget who mentioned, but they said that everyone would be on twitter in five years. That just sounds horrendous. Twitter is already too diluted with "I have to go to the bathroom." "Nothing is coming." "Okay, things are coming nicely." "I just went to the bathroom." There is going to be one hunded times as much shit on Twitter come five years. Pun intended.
- tonystubblebine 18y agoSo when someone presents you with a new social technology, how do you decide whether it's a fit for you? What words do you use?