I saw the lists everywhere but it didn’t take up one second of my precious time because I simply chose not to read them or DO one myself.

I don’t see how it became such a big deal to the people ranting about it. Maybe they need to get a better friends list.

Dis poem be bad / dis poem be da bomb was another terrible piece — written by one of the editor’s students.

People often mistake publishing credits with talent. It’s not altogether true. While I think it takes talent to maintain a long and successful career, or at least commercial appeal, it doesn’t take much more than “who you know” to get a foot in the door and a handful of minor credits, particularly if you’re involved with academic literary ventures.

Yes, what mainstream media and many culture critics hate about social media (incl. blogging) is that it is by and for the masses. It crosses boundaries and throws the “pros” in with the uncertified, unwashed, unpublished, and not properly credentialed OTHERS who may be just as interesting and talented (perhaps MORE SO) than they are.

The Establishment has lost control, and this is the root of their discomfort and criticism. The country club is open to everyone.

Sometimes the degrading comments made about social media remind me what was said when rock and roll arrived on the scene, when “nice” white young people started listening to “Negro Music,” when girls started having sex and not lying about it, when a generation rose up and dared to say they didn’t want what their parents had, they wanted to be free.

Plus, as you happily point out, it is all voluntary, it is what you make of it. I use my fb account for socializing with people I know, and I turn down friends request sometimes. If social media is “meaningless,” it is because someone is participating in a “meaningless” way.

When my children attended a Christian school, I would occasionally get approached by Concerned Parents wanting me to join some TV lobbying group to improve programming. I used to look at them and say, “If you don’t like what’s on television, turn off the TV. If you don’t like rap music, don’t listen to it. If you disapprove of gay marriage, don’t marry a gay.” Seemed simple enough to me, but once again, it’s a CONTROL issue for others.