and maybe the bigger question is, Does it matter?

On Sunday I read Justin Kownacki’s post where he talks about living in a fly over state in terms of social media. My first thought was how I jokingly refer to myself as being ‘geographically challenged’. But after thinking about it, I realize how thankful I am that the web has created new opportunities for me!

Justin talks about

…why there’s a glass fence around the “social media” hierarchy, and why it’s so tough to scale it.

My experience has been quiet the opposite. In analyzing my networking at Facebook I tend to interact people in groups first, then later find out their occupation. I meet them as people first. So I haven’t been scaling a fence. I’ve been connecting with a lot of people in Facebook & Twitter thru sincere interactions. Isn’t that the point? I firmly believe that if you help people, they will reciprocate in return. What do you have to offer?

…since the web is built upon the democratized promise that physical location no longer matters, I shouldn’t feel hamstrung by living in Pittsburgh as opposed to NYC / LA / SF. However, it’s undeniable that “the action” still takes place in the major media centers — which, if that’s the case, essentially means that the liberating power of the web is a lie.

In a previous post people from Microsoft commented on how the web has leveled the playing field. It truly has because I have a position proving that. Not long ago I was a librarian overseeing a number of branches in rural Minnesota far removed from the social media scene. Did this hinder me from participating? not really. I seem to have found a voice. Why do people know my name? maybe because I’ve contributed to the conversation? In early August I was invited to lunch with a major blogger & now a recognized author wants to join us when I get to SF. In December I’m speaking at an event in Seattle & that’s a great opportunity to meet new people. My home offices are in Victoria BC, so it’s a great fit. Sometimes getting out of your own locale helps you to see a new world & grow. I’m looking forward to that! It’s interesting to me that I’ve had a trend of people from Singapore connecting with me at Facebook.

In my case rather than feeling separated from the “the action” I have felt very warmly included by bloggers, social media experts & others like myself that are learning & I’m thankful for that. This group of people are VERY generous with their time no matter where they’re from. When I travel to their locale, I’ll be able to connect. That’s the true power of the web! (and I can still enjoy rural life because our airports easily connect us)