The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The illustration included with this message is a fair representation of what most Rotarians think a Rotary eClub meeting would look like. Having spent some time and effort in trying to get the Rotary eClub of District 5300 chartered provides me the opportunity to assure you it is an unfair representation; their members are generally younger and better looking than those in the illustration. The reality is that being a member of an eClub isn’t for everyone, but it is a perfect fit for some.

The real question of technology and social media centers on the idea of communications and building relationships.  When technology is used to facilitate those important parts of Rotary it is good. Members who are physically unable to attend weekly Rotary meetings because of geography or health challenges find technology as a major benefit to communications. They are able to both build and maintain those important relationships.

When technology is simply used to create and distribute better and more informative communications like the weekly bulletin at a lower cost of production in terms of dollars and effort it is good. Personal experience tells me that technology can have a phenomenally positive effect on your Rotary club. Rotary International is out in front in this effort and can provide inspiration and motivation to do better.

The bad is what we all fear from social media. Unfortunately, we too often let our fears paralyze us from trying new things like Facebook and LinkedIn. People in my family dragged me into signing up for a Facebook page; as a result I now know more about cousins and their children then I would without Facebook. The same model is now working with my friends in Rotary. Social media has extended my network of family and friends far beyond what I would have imagined a decade ago.

The ugly is easily identified by people who want to be my friend, people I have never heard of before today. They make me feel like I am simply another click on their counter. A whole new concept has entered my world; I now know how to unfriend people in Romania.

Just like my weekly email to you regarding my opinions, motivations and prods,  I hope you won’t, but you can hit the delete key when I say something totally absurd and contrary to what you believe. On the other hand, my absurd musings just might prove to be the motivation or prod you need. You can also click through to the blog page and leave a comment to share your opinion.

As the ultimate revenge, you can find that little word, unsubscribe, at the bottom of the email. I guess that represents the ugly part of social media.