Water Off A Duck's Back

I have found Twitter to be a great tool for staying on top of news as it happens, connecting with people from my city, and learning more about social media. I share Twitter in the hopes that they might also benefit from using it. So when some people respond towards Twitter evangelists like this (and this), I initially get frustrated.

Then I think about ducks.

Some people are simply misinformed, ill-informed, or just ignorant about social media and how it will continue to change the world of business, marketing, and relationships. They react in a negative way. I would rather spend my energy teaching people who are willing and interested in Twitter than those who are opposed or simply not ready to hear about it. If you know and have experienced the real benefits of using Twitter, than why let the haters and naysayers cause you to react in an equally negative way? Don't comment on the naysayers' articles, don't argue with the social media critics, and don't waste your energy arguing about social media when it probably won't change those people. It's a waste of time to fight those who are unwilling; instead, put your energy towards those who are curious and willing to learn.

Social Media Is Useless (Without Perspective)

"Twitter doesn't make sense. What is the point? It seems like a big waste of time and energy."

We spend so much time trying to explain the importance of social media to our friends. We highlight how things are changing in the world, give some examples of people we have met through Twitter, and try to get them excited, like we are, for the possibilities that are out there. But they still just don't get it.

Perspective is everything. Without looking at social media from the right point of view, it is nonsense. Sometimes for people to understand and gain the right point of view, they don't need more examples or facts, they just need more time to walk further down the road.