Mashable - The Social Media Guide - Latest Comments in Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Wayne Smallman — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 05:07:59 -0000

I can totally relate to the introvert / extrovert thing.

I really enjoy speaking engagements, and have really never had problems talking to crowds of people.

But after a while, I don't want to be around people and need some "me" time to think things through.

I get asked to do guest talks and guest articles quite a lot, but turn a lot them down because the theme isn't quite right, or that I don't feel it's the right crowd.

In short, I prefer the act of thinking than thinking of acting...

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Markdykeman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:28:46 -0000

Thanks Lou! Quite true: online comms do provide the ability to keep people at arm's length - E-mail is the classic example of this.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Lou Hoffman — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:21:37 -0000

Mark, enjoyed your post.

I always thought introverts like myself got a bad rap as being anti social.

When I went through a Meyers Briggs session which explained the difference between an introvert and extrovert in much the same way layed out in your post, it all clicked. I like being around people; just can't do it large numbers for an extended period of time.

I agree with you that social media changes this dynamic. More to the point it allows people who are more gifted with the written word to shine. But I would add that introverts can fall into the trap of hiding behind online communications which isn't the answer either.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Office Evil — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:43:28 -0000

I used to hide in my cubicle from my manager, from my work, even from my co-workers. With the help of social media, and a ski mask, I've really opened up. Office Evil showed me the way. Office Evil is the answer. OfficeEvil.com

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Markdykeman — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:01:38 -0000

To everyone who's expressed similar thoughts or struggles - I hear you. For those who've said a kind word, thanks!

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

JDBB — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:28:22 -0000

Too apropos that you mention "anti" and "social" in the first paragraph. Warning- site dropping!: My site newantisocial.com covers the regular gamut of social networking, new media yadda yadda, but I also gripe with trying to find my intro/extro center.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Markdykeman — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:45:49 -0000

I'm calling BS, Melanie. ;)

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Markdykeman — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:44:57 -0000

DesignMeme, I agree that there is a different between communication skills and personality types. Introversion is a personality type that you're basically born with and you just have to work with that. On the other hand, introverts can be great thinkers and communicators - they just can't be "on" around other people as much as extroverts can be or for as long.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Stalyn — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:44:43 -0000

don't like it.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

status_girl — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:04:42 -0000

I *used* to be an extrovert... until I started spending all my time online :)

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

jyesmith — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:00:10 -0000

I don't believe pretending someone your not is the answer. Being yourself - and learning how to express that - is far more important, and much more empowering for the individual.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Olivier — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:03:38 -0000

If everybody become a Rock Star, it will be good to be an ordinary people !

Post published on http://eng.fidgee.com - feeds for geeks

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Anderson — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:49:24 -0000

Yes. Totally Rock Star.
Except for the fame.
Or fortune.
Or anything worth remembering.

Very Rockstar.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

Neil — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:48:59 -0000

Being an introvert is probably what spurred me to start forming relationships online so many years ago.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

onefish2 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:06:27 -0000

Yah know... I can totally relate to this. Sounds just like me.

Re: Anybody Can Be a Social Media Rock Star

DesignMeme — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:59:04 -0000

There's also a difference between being introverted (you need quiet time to recharge) and to what extent you can communicate with people in person. I've heard keynote speakers at large conferences confess to being introverted, despite having excellent interpersonal skills.

I think interpersonal skills, like public speaking, are things you can learn. Being Introverted or Extroverted -- that I'm not as sure about.