Ahhh, social media. Friend or foe? Harmless diversion or hurtful addiction? What is true and what is not? So many questions, so little space.
Here is something I have been pondering of late: How do people really view you (me) and your (my) posts? No, I mean how do they really feel? Specific to this site, how many fellow poets love your writing as much as they claim to? In the world of social media, it is commonly known that what you give is quite likely what you will get in return, ie, you pat me on the back and I'll do the same. You like my post and I'll like yours. You fave mine and I'll fave yours. Place me in your contest and you'll place in mine.
An excellent poet said to me recently, "Most folks won't visit my work unless I visit theirs, no matter how good my poem is." It got me thinking, is this the way is should be? Are there some who merit more attention than others due to the gifts they possess? Or, to be fair, should everyone who contributes to the best of their ability receive equal attenion and credit? And what about POTD and POTW selections? Have you noticed that, out of hundreds of poets who contribute on a regular basis, some get chosen significantly more often than others? Many would suggest the blame can be placed on algorithms. Others wonder.
I have decided that social media is not and will never be a fair and just place, nor is it really designed to be such. Much research has been done to lend credibilty to the assertions that SM can have a profoundly negative impact on some user's self-image and ego, especially teen girls.
Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my poet friend quoted above, while sincere, is off base. The facts suggest that what we put into something is usually what we will get out of it. We do not write in a vacuum and, to borrow another cliche, no man (or woman) is an island. By all means then, freely engage in the give and take that is the basis for all social media, and don't worry too much about who is sincere or not. Don't take yourself or anyone else too seriously. Be assured that at least some folks really do enjoy and appreciate your efforts. And remember, have fun.
I am interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions.
Tommy