Blog Assignment for Week 2:

Social networks have a negative connotation these days. Social networking websites have real people on the other side and those real people are the same people you see out on the streets every day. There are bad people in the world and those bad people use computers. There are also good people out there who use computers. You should use caution when going on social networking websites, however you should not be afraid of social networking web sites.

You wouldn’t just walk up to a stranger and then introduce them to your wife and kids then tell them where you live. You may want to share that information with some though. You should get familiar with whatever site you are on before you go “all in”. For example, you may not want to friend your company’s facebook page and then see your mother write something on your wall about not getting a raise. There is so much to take into consideration and without knowing how any of it works you should remain cautious.

But to avoid social networking website out of fear is not recommended. If you heard of a lot of people being robbed at Yankee stadium, would you avoid it all together? You would get tips from friends on where to carry your cash or how to talk to people. Some people fear social networks because they hear they are bad and they do not understand what in fact is bad about it.

I have met many professionals thru linkedin, re-connected with past friends thru facebook update many professional and personal friends thru twitter. I have gotten many job leads and flown out to places for interviews . I am searching for engineers to work with in my general vicinity right now. We have dozens of leads and it will all be done thru social networking.