i've been thinking about the different forms of social media i use to share my quilting and to connect with the international quilting community. i use two: blogging (here, of course) and instagram (find me at @hydeeannsews).
i was completely loathe to add instagram to the mix. blogging was enough for me to keep up with, and i enjoyed the depth of blogging - mine and others' as well. once upon a time i was a facebook user, but found it so completely overwhelming and such a black hole that i just stopped visiting after a while. blogging was good enough for me. i couldn't fathom the people who used all the media outlets. where did they find the time? (i do recognize a professional promoting their work and business has different needs than a hobbyist seeking connection only.)
but then one of my bestest and dearest quilting buddies made the transition to instagram, and i either had to join in to keep touch with her or let go. i wasn't going to participate, just observe. of course i got sucked in! (liz of shush, i'm quilting is now @lizfromshush, in case you miss her like i did.)
here's my list of what isntagram has going for it:
- instagram is so instant. that's the whole point. i can share and get feedback right away.
- feedback - people will often "double tap" (like) a post, even if they don't comment. i see less and less commenting on blogs everywhere these days. i may have over 600 views on a blog post and only a comment or two, which doesn't tell me what people are thinking at all. while the like-to-follower ratio on instagram is also low, its different. and when i have a question, people do comment. right away.
- quick sampling - it's a fast little soundbite of what everyone's up to (even though i'm pretty wordy there, too). my timeline has lots of small bits from so many people, easily scrolled through all at once. it's sort of like speed reading blogs.
- connection on multiple levels and search-ability - those hashtags make searching and connecting so easy! hashtags are like instant link parties. and it's super easy to discover new people or ideas by chasing hashtags or other features that make suggestions.
- parties - the swaps and giveaways and destashes, etc, that go on at instagram are numerous and pretty fun. there are sew-along times when everyone is chiming in during the appointed time, which is a lot like being with people while you sew, but without the complete distraction of talking constantly. there are generous volunteer swappings and iso (in search of) opportunities, too.
- communication compatibility - there aren't any "no reply bloggers" on instagram. i can communicate with those who comment to me and i don't have any issues on the other end, either.
- convenience - it's on my phone, which means it's available to me anywhere, anytime. i don't have to sit down to the computer and type away.
so, yeah, i really like instagram!
i was never a regular blogger. i'm a busy mom who's only a hobby quilter. like most people who move to a new platform, i found my participation here dwindling even further. so many of my favorite bloggers of old have stopped almost completely. and i think that's sad.
blogging allows for depth.
when i want to include more than just one photo (without overgramming and blowing up everyone's feed), i blog.
when i have a lot to say about a project, or want to think my way through a project, i blog.
when i want to share the steps in a process or do a tutorial, i blog.
that's the difference for me.
so, for now, i'm not going anywhere.
this blog isn't leaving or dying.
it might be more quiet than some times in the past, but it will be here.
all the information will stay here.
and i'll be stopping in when i get the chance.
happy sewing and sharing wherever you are, friends!
In this age where we need to maximize our time, I say use whatever social media works best for you. For me, I love reading blogs far more than I love perusing IG. I will continue to read them until none exist. Perhaps then i will come to like IG.
ReplyDeleteI still like blogging the best. I'm not on Facebook or instagram. Thankyou
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy having both blog and IG - for the reasons you have shared, and also to keep a more in-depth record for personal reasons. You may have noticed that in the last week IG have made changes allowing you to upload multiple images in one post which you view by swiping (phone) or clicking on the arrow (computer) to view.
ReplyDeleteWhile I rarely comment, I start everyday with a cup of coffee and reading quilting blogs. I miss those that have quit blogging to move over to IG. I don't use Instagram, so will continue reading blogs for my inspiration.
ReplyDelete