10 Comments

Thank goodness I only indulge in Facebook to, as you say, gossip with old friends, and follow a few nomads on YouTube for my travel urge. Substack provides a platform my my writings and an intellectual splurge every day with really interesting and varied "friends." A community of thinkers I can't find in my actual neighborhood. All the others? Never been there.

Expand full comment
author

Wise! If I wasn’t so strict about splitting my Politics from Arts, I’d combine those topics into Substack and drop Twitter! And it’s gonna be another 20 years before I can dump LinkedIn—there is no writing as obnoxious as a business influencer preening on that platform! But it’s wayyyu to useful for stalking potential consultants to ignore.

Expand full comment

I never thought of LinkedIn as social media. Business media, yes, but social? Interesting new perspective there.

Expand full comment
author

I wouldn't be surprised Linkedin's usage depends on industry. Architecture (and engineering and construction) is a tight knit small field, so it's a great way to keep up on who is doing what, joining which firm, etc. And for new people, where they studied and worked and who they know.

Expand full comment

Totally agree on the social media metaphors. I was an early adopter on Twitter, but dropped it and deleted my account two years ago as my professional network there disintegrated. They all moved to other platforms, and I tried a few and was not satisfied. I was hoping they would eventually find their way to Substack, but that hasn't happened. They were significant contacts when I was research my two books and now we are all scattered.

I refuse to give up Facebook for the reason you give; it's where I hang out with friends, family and former students.

Expand full comment
author

Yes, as much as I dislike Elon and Zuck they provide just enough value I keep my accounts but I use them essentially a read only platforms.

Expand full comment

Perfect assessment of the socials. Very difficult to keep best practices around, but well worth trying.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks! The temptation is always lurking! I most likely should add a note that I default to not having them on the phone (though Substack, YouTube and IG have slipped in) and absolutely never ever have phone notifications turned on!

Expand full comment

Nice bookcases! I like the ability to decide on the shelf height.

Also completely agree regarding the social media metaphors. I can't really justify any use of Instagram or TikTok for myself anymore, so "just say no" is indeed my own personal use case.

Expand full comment
author

Hahaha my shelf heights were basically dependent on what gets me the most books on the wall!

Expand full comment