The Pugnacious Irishman

Ever since I started this blog a little over 2 weeks ago, I have jumped headlong into the social media world.

Man alive, this stuff can be befuddling….but highly, highly interesting and addictive too.

One website I’ve encountered is StumbleUpon (Thanks, Koka Sexton…I blame my grade slippage on you.)

StumbleUpon is an awesome site. When you sign up, you indicate what things interest you. Then, after downloading a toolbar to your computer, you can click on an icon in the toolbar. S.U will then take you to a website that aligns with the interests you indicated. You can give positive or negative reviews; the more positive reviews you give, the better S.U can send you websites you enjoy.

I’ve only been on S.U for a little over a week, and I’ve already found some gems.

Another part of S.U is the social aspect of it. Like Myspace and Facebook, you can connect with other people, rummaging through the sites they review.

This can be the tricky part of S.U. In the small amount of time I’ve been a member, I’ve learned that making friends on this (or any) social media site is much like making friends in the real world.

I started out just making a friend request to anyone I could find. This did not give good results, however. And why would it? Would you just go up to a random chick on the street and say, “hey, lets be friends”? She doesn’t know you from Adam. If she’s normal, she’ll be freaked out.

Adam

Contrary to that, here is a much better way to befriend people on S.U:

First, keep in mind that first impression is everything. Therefore, it helps to have a good picture of yourself as your avatar, and at least have a blurb or two about you on your page…but not too much. A paragraph is enough. It is also good to send an email along with your friend request. This serves a dual function: 1) it gives them a heads up, and it serves as a formal introduction, much like a handshake and smile does in the real world. Without the email, you risk just coming off as creepy or self-serving. People might wonder “what’s this guy’s angle?” They still might wonder that with the email, but it goes far in overcoming online rudeness.

Secondly, take the time in the email to be cordial. A simple, “Hi, I don’t know you, but judging from your stumbles, it seems like we have common interests,” is a good start. Then proceed to list a few connections.  Above all, be genuine!  Compliment the person on a stumble or two.  A little goes a long way.
Personally, I’m much more likely to warm up to a stranger knowing we share something in common and if he’s genuine.  If someone comes up to me cold on the street, I immediately wonder “what is he selling?”

I’m willing to bet I’m not alone in that.

Lastly, keep in mind that not everyone is there for the social aspect of it. Some folks just want to stumble through pages and be left alone. That being said, if someone ignores your friend request, it’s all good; don’t take it personal, and move on.

If you keep these few tips in mind, your StumbeUpon experience will be much richer.