Thanks for dropping by and commenting. (You must be spent after all those replies and comments on your blog).

All of this is so dependent of our own definitions and perspectives, for sure. Ah, syntax and semantics, we just can’t get away from them, can we. I hear you about the whole “fake friendship” thing. I’d much rather have someone say up front, “I’m just here to get things done”, than to pretend to be a friend with an agenda.

I like what you said about some of us “getting caught up” and forgetting about business. We all need to find the middle path, not too little, not too much, and we definitely need a reminder like yours.

Stay warm out there (no, really, literally. I hear it’s cold in Philly this time of year )

You have a way with words. I really enjoyed what you had to say here.

I think we’re in agreement here, but rather it’s a difference of definitions and perspective… let me clarify.

When I connect with people online, it may not be for the sake of friendship, but that doesn’t mean the hope isn’t there. If I were to seek friendship first, then I’d be the most evil of them all, because the fact is I am here for business and to befriend someone for their “business value” is, well, evil.

I agree, we need personal interaction, we need to understand each others’ needs. As you said quite accurately though, a friendship takes time and dedication to naturally develop over time. Note: NATURALLY. It’s not something you can force. I interact online but I can’t choose my friends. I will become friends with those who a naturally develop a friendship with.

You’re right…I’m not cold. Ask my community around here and they’ll tell you that I’m actually really friendly and I always try to help others whenever I can. I wrote that post more because, it’s a reminder I give myself sometimes, and it’s a reminder I thought the community needed. We get too caught up in the social aspect at times and forget the business part (the part we’re getting paid for).

The point at the end is, be friendly, be personal, and be social, but not at the expense of being able to do your job well. You’ll make friends, it’s inevitable. So don’t make it your focus.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad, if nothing else, I could inspire some reflection.

David
Community Manager, Scribnia.com
@Scribnia

This post was mentioned on Twitter by dragonc: Are you out to make friends with social media? @davidspinks got that party started at his blog, and I took the bait http://bit.ly/7JqxlS...