Chuck McManis
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thread 1/10
One of the interesting things to me about social media is that it closely follows "conversation dynamics." To understand those you have to imagine you have arrived at a venue with tables of various sizes spread out and people milling about ...
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 2/10
On arrival, when you don't see anyone you know you're kind of quiet. Maybe you have seen the name tags of people you DO know who are registered for the event but don't see them. This is a classic social construct dilemma (if that is a thing) where the 'rules' of participating are unclear. and so ...
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 3/10
You are quiet and observing. Trying to get a 'sense' of the place. If this goes on too long you leave and make a note to maybe come back later. If it is just a random place to go, this can last for a while.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 4/10
So in the "physical" world, we create common activity hubs. Maybe everyone is interested in quilting, or tabletop gaming, or painting miniatures. It sets a common thread and provides a 'safe' topic to talk about.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 5/10
These are sometimes called "meetups" or "clubs" or "retreats." The secret is that the common theme means there is always something safe to talk about that the person you are talking with has some interest in, after all they are present at the meeting.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 6/10
Social media sites with "all topics" start out as a vast open chamber. Nobody knows anyone and there are few nexuses (nexi?) of conversation. The lack of conversations means a lack of opportunity to observe the etiquette.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 7/10
Everyone stays quiet out of a desire to "not offend" or perhaps "contribute positively." and the quiet persists. So what is the solution? Not surprisingly it is "talking to yourself." as I am doing here.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 8/10
A few people will read this (I've got like 40 followers so not a lot) but a few will comment. Maybe someone will echo it. Maybe one or two will come over to listen to me talking to myself, maybe one or two will chime in.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 9/10
Sometimes it will just be resounding silence. But that's okay to, because in the big room of people milling about a few more will be less self conscious about just sharing with the void. And you do that enough and you will find connection with people.
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Chuck McManis
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thread 10/10
Three months? A year you will find that you are talking all the time with people in that big room and go there often to reconnect with them. But it all starts with talking to yourself and not worrying if anyone is listening or not. /fin
02:44 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Barbara Reid
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In response to Chuck McManis.
I love this, Chuck! Thanks, and welcome!
12:10 AM - Nov 13, 2023
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PS Annie
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In response to Chuck McManis.
Great thread, Chuck. Thanks.
04:23 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Carmen Derbedrossian
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In response to Chuck McManis.
Spot on. It seems to me that in any social gathering, be it in person or media the volume needs to be just right. Personally, I read the room more than once, and try hard to be myself and let others do the same. Respect, empathy, limits and civility are the ingredients to a good start.
04:19 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Just Curious About Stuff
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In response to Chuck McManis.
All the way through

Welcome aboard! 😃✌🏻🖖🏻
03:57 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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Bren
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In response to Chuck McManis.
If you hear footsteps in here they're mine. I read this start to finish you are not alone with your thoughts. 💃
03:41 PM - Nov 12, 2023
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