Thank you so very much for referring me to this article. I had written this post based on too many personal experiences of feeling that certain marketers were trying to force their ways on those they had ‘befriended’ in social media.

I can agree 150% with this article “How to Avoid Marketing to Yourself”, in fact, my favorite line is: Social media marketing should be a largely introverted activity.

Paula, I urge you to read the article. The points raised here are the same issues I’ve raised myself time and time again and have been decried for, and are the self same things you’re seeing for yourself.

The biggest problem with Social Media isn’t so much Social Media itself, but with the people who use it and are totally blind to its limitations…

Thanx so much for this comment! These were the types of answers I was looking for. I think that I worried about over clarifying my thoughts too much, but did not reach that happy medium that is needed. Hopefully I will do better in the future (and I hope you will help to let me know if I don’t!).

1. Are typical consumers really active on social networks, or is it only students and marketers?
2. Are businesses wasting their time on social networks, since they seem to only be marketing to marketers? (assuming students don’t count as consumers?)
3. Why do you social network? (title of post)
4. Are you doing this just for fun? (related to #3)
5. Your final question is directed at marketers only, so do you only want them to answer whichever question(s) you are asking?

I’m guessing you are really asking everyone a combination of all of these questions. Here are my answers.

1. While students and marketers may make up a large group, and while most of my “normal” family and friends aren’t social networking, most of them arrive late to every new media party. In other words, they’ll eventually get there.

2. Both students and marketers are consumers as well. Businesses need to be there because lots of people ARE there, and more and more will get there. Additionally, the ones that are already there, know and speak with the ones that aren’t there. They will likely spread a business’s message.

3. I social network for many reasons - both personal and business related.

4. No, but I do have fun.

5. I just answered all the questions I think you might be asking. Hope that helps.