connectivity

Something that I really enjoy about the internet is the various ways in which you can connect with a wide range of people and the different social networking platforms you can use.

Personally, I use several of these. Among them: Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and YouTube.

Facebook, some say, is a waste of time. And I'll admit that most of my time spent on Facebook is time spent procrastinating on something else. However, I have found this to be a handy way of keeping in touch with family in other parts of the world as well as friends that I knew in high school and don't see anymore. It's fun to just see what people that I when I was 5 are up to. Social networking with other people-wise, it's not so great. I don't want strangers seeing my personal photos, particularly, or having complete access to my contact information, but it's a good way to keep in touch with people you know. Or knew.

Twitter is my ultimate waste of time, but it's sometimes useful. Lots of people have asked me what the point is of updating what you're doing every minute of day. And I tell them that it's just a fun exercise in consciseness and also - if you're following other people in the same industry as you - what's happening/new in the industry. I've gained followers by mentioning what I'm doing on motion graphics work and progress that I'm making, for example.
(My Twitter feed)

I am relatively new to MySpace. I had one when I was a teenager and the internet was still relatively new to me. I deleted the account a while ago. I signed up for it again today as a MySpace Musician so that I can get some more of my music out in the world because that seems to be working for people. I'll have to update this later when I find that there's a point to having a MySpace.
(My MySpace)

Finally, YouTube. It's no secret that this is my favorite networking site of all. And you wouldn't think that a site with videos of laughing babies with gas and skateboarding dogs would have much to offer except a fun way to procrastinate. But I've met several fantastic people through YouTube who I consider friends and it's a really fun - and rewarding way of sharing yourself and what you do with the world. I love getting comments on my videos - good or bad (preferrably good) and I love making comments on other people's videos and getting responses that stem a conversation.
(My personal channel)
(My collaboration channel)

Anyway, those are my thoughts on my biggest "time wasters". What are yours?