Comments on: Best Social Media Sites for Writers

By: monica

monica — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:38:02 +0000

Janet, that's a very good point. Writer's often do a great job of networking with other writers, but those aren't the people who actually need to HIRE a writer. Great for moral support, but as you say, not so good for the bottom line. One of the best places I found for networking that actually has actually provided leads is the A1 Business Forum (a forum for small business owners in the UK). Not only do I learn from a bunch of fellow entreprenuers, but I also meet a lot of people who actually need my writing services!

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:27:47 +0000

Monica, I forgot to mention that I fully agree with your comment, “Why not network with as broad a group of people as possible?” Although we can learn a lot from our industry peers (regardless of profession), that’s not usually where we’ll find the contacts that are going to directly help the bottom line, which is really what we’re all aiming for.

By: monica

monica — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:56:02 +0000

Janet, I had never heard of redroom until now – wow, what an incredible find! It seems especially good for book authors. It’s a huge resource and a very professional community. I’m definitely going to give this a deeper look.

George, Twitter is my fav too. Mostly because always on. It can be distracting in that way, but those distracts have also led to some great leads!

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:43:34 +0000

Monica, thanks so much for the link love!

Have you checked out http://www.redroom.com?

By: Tumblemoose

Tumblemoose — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:56:54 +0000

Hi Monica,

I do use all of the sites you mention, just in varying degrees. I like LinkedIn because of the groups and the opportunities that present themselves there. I find Facebook to be a bit cumbersome due to the sheer volume of karmas, gifts, birthday greetings and all of the other sidebar distractions. It does have the advantage of being wildly popular, so it is a great way to connect with folks.

My absolute fav is Twitter. It is nimble and the feedback is instant. I’ve also connected with all manner of folks within the industry.

There are certainly other social media sites , but I’ve found it is too difficult for me to keep good track of goings on when I spread myself that thin.

George

By: monica

monica — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:00:44 +0000

@Carolyn – I’ve sent you an email. Thanks!

@Janet – I think you’re right. I expected to find some niche sites for writers, but these seem mostly to be in the form of forums. But it kind of makes sense. All of these professions fit under the business blanket. And as people in business, we all have something to learn from eachother. Why not network with as broad a group of people as possible?

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:37:46 +0000

Your post title caught my eye because although my clients are mainly professionals in other industries, I do work with some writers, and I wanted to let them know what social networking sites you recommend. Interestingly, it seems that LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are the top three, no matter what field you’re in.

By: Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Carolyn Howard-Johnson — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:52:44 +0000

Monica–it’s nice to meet you. YOu were kind enough to drop by my Writer’s Digest 101 Best Website pick blog, http://www.sharingwithwriters.com. You mentioned this article. I would love to publish it in my newsletter. Of course, I can always link to this as a tip, too. Let’s discuss it. My e-mail is hojonews @ aol.com.

BTW, anyone interested in subscribing to the letter (it’s free and full of tips for writers) may send me an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. HoJoNews @ aol.com.

Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson