I know there is this idea that people who spend too much time online socializing are losing the ability to socialize in real life and that we, oops, are missing out on real friendships. Well I have news for you, it’s not true. Through this blog I have had the opportunity to meet in person several people whom I would have never known. I have met 3 fellow bloggers. Lost in France and I met a few months back and have done a few things together as we live in Toulouse.
Well this weekend Sam deBretagne was in Toulouse and we set up a meetup and she brought along Toutes Directions. We met for a drink and had a dinner together. I also spoke on the phone to someone last week who was in the same position we were in and trying to move back to France. I was glad to give out some advice. There are a handful of others I have met in person as well. While I don’t advocate spending 10 hours online a day, don’t misunderestimate online relationships, they can become real in no time. Of course if you are just sending karate chops on Facebook and Twittering every time the angle in your knee changes you are wasting your time, and hopefully NOT wasting my time.
PS, BTW, we are going to Biarritz this coming weekend and then to Bordeaux for 3 days. Any bloggers out there who want to meetup for a coffee?
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damn, wish I were there already … I’d love to plan a meeting! ah well, another time…and it is cool to know that real time socializing can come from these great online acquaintances I’m making.
I fully agree that people who spend too much time online socializing somehow are losing the ability to socialize in real life. This is a serious issue…
You are absolutely right about that. This is one of the best trips to France we’ve ever had because of that very reason. A couple years ago we got to meet Lost In France and Tonton, which was really the highlight of the trip and made it that much more exciting. This time we are meeting a LOT of fellow bloggers in Paris and having the time of our lives. Anyone who thinks blogging is a waste of time is seriously doing something wrong. The whole point is to meet others and to share experiences, both cyber and real. It is probably the easiest way ever to meet new, interesting people. We may be in Toulouse in the next few weeks and we would love to get together with you guys. Perhaps the six of us could do dinner one night?
I actually don’t think we are losing the ability to socialize in real life and my recent experiences prove that, but I think there is a difference in quality and quantity of time online. Many people have vapid interactions online but guess what they were having some of those same vapid interactions in real life too. I think it is a bit of the chicken and egg phenomenon.
@Bob
Let’s organize something when you know your plans. I will be doing another English residential course for the week of 6/16-6/20 so any other time then that. There are so many bloggers in Paris that you could probably spend an entire summer meeting them all.
I had a lot of fun meeting up with you guys – it’s always nice to be able to put a face to the name, especially after all this time!
Thanks again for the dinner! Hope you had a great time in Biarritz!