experiencing the social part of social media

I spent much of today going through last night’s post comments, and making sure that people I’d inadvertently blocked on Twitter were unblocked.

But, uh, the thing is … after going through about 250 links, I’d only actually blocked three of them. Everyone else was “just in case” or something like that. I thought, gee, maybe I didn’t make the instructions for finding out if you’d been blocked clear enough.

But the other thing is, I ain’t even mad. Because I did that today, I saw a couple hundred real people’s faces, and got a tiny little glimpse into what all of those people have been doing with their lives. It made me feel connected in an unexpected way (it put the “social” in “social media”), and though it was time consuming, it turned out to be a nice way to take a break from doing actual work.

And it gave me an idea: Why don’t you introduce yourself to me and other WWdN readers?

Leave a comment in this post that tells us a little bit about yourself, if you feel comfortable sharing that sort of thing. Don’t post personal stuff that could be too revealing or hurt your privacy, but maybe share your first name, if you’re married, have kids, what sort of work you do, and maybe something that you like.

The idea is that, when you see the actual, real, human person behind a screen name or twitter handle or whatever, it’s a tangible reminder that we are all people on the other end of the connection. We’re people with families and jobs and hobbies and passions and hopes and fears and we all live on the same piece of rock, hurtling through space.

Of course, you don’t have to do this, and I can’t stress enough how important it is that you protect your personal information, but since I enjoyed the social experience of feeling connected to actual humans, maybe you will, too.

Or maybe you won’t. I’m not the boss of you.

1,054 thoughts on “experiencing the social part of social media”

  1. My name is Kristen, I am in my late 20’s and engaged to my best friend. I read a lot and have a Harry Potter tattoo (All was well and the chapter stars on my ankle).

  2. Howdy all. I’m David and I live in England. I’m a 3D modeller/animator and thanks to you Wil and all those at G&S, my shelves are filling up with many a board game.

  3. Wil, My name is Mike. I have a beautiful wife and 8-year old son. We live in DC. We have two mutts–dumb but adorable–and a beautiful little house full of games and geek gear. As a family, we enjoy board games and stumbled onto TableTop a couple of years ago. We have found that board games are an amazing way of socializing with family and friends. I’m of similar age to you so your cultural reference make me feel connected with my childhood. In addition, your professional and personal struggles make me relate. Like you, I found my way in life a bit later than some of my peers/friends and your observations are wonderful to think about and compare. Thanks for asking. Mike

  4. Hi, I’m Elise! I’m 23 and I’ve been a casting assistant for House of Cards for about 2 years now.

    I like reading autobiographies, as potentially strange as that sounds. I guess I like seeing how people perceive themselves and their situations. That’s how I ended up here. So thanks for writing and giving us a glimpse into your world.

  5. I don’t normally participate in any type of social media (I don’t even have a Facebook or Twitter account) but why not? My name is Richard, I have managed to stay married to the woman of my dreams for 21.5 years, we have a beautiful 8 year-old daughter, and I work in IT. By the way, Tabletop is my daughter’s favorite thing to watch in the world and she is getting very impatient for your upcoming episode of Mice and Mystics.

  6. David R. Murrell, sadly 40 years old. Been tabletop roleplaying for 30 of those years. Gave up a job in the city to write/edit a magazine that covered board & roleplaying games, sadly the magazine folded this year. I also help run an annual convention that deals with re-enactment, LARP & all kinds of tabletop games called the Fayre Times Festival.

  7. Greetings and Salutations, I’m Devin, 37 years-old, currently living in rural (and I do mean rural) Washington State, where I am a journalist, broadcaster, producer and aspiring podcaster, author, photographer and all-around raconteur.
    I am a geek of multiple disciplines and love video/board/card games and Doctor Who among other things (Sorry Wil, I found the TARDIS before the Enterprise).

  8. I’m Danielle! I am 35 and live in Texas, but was born in Vermont. I work at a high-end wine bar-bistro cleaning the place part-time, but ti allows me to do the things I love to do. I am a horror writer and community theater actress. I am married and have two huge lovable dogs. I am running a 7th Sea game right now on our awesome Geek Chic table! We have many games we learned about and love through tabletop. We are also bug movie and video game fans.

  9. Hi Wil. I’m a 40ish year old construction worker with an amazing wife and 2 kids grown and gone and 1 still at home. When you son’s number 1 thing on his Christmas wish list is either a SNES or a N64 you know your raising him right!

  10. Well I’m Matt, also known as Ironbite to other people on the world wide web. I won’t consider myself a Trekkie as I’m at best a fan of the TV shows mainly. And some of the books. And a few movies. And the MMO. Ok maybe a bit of a Trekkie.

    I’m a Transformer fan, sci-fi and fantasy fan in general and I like weird geeky things. That’s about it.

  11. Hey, I’m Brian and I’m married with a 3 year old and another on the way. I work in IT. I only recently started reading your blog but have enjoyed it and your honesty and how you’ve shared your real life experiences…. and, even though you cheer for those evil Kings (I’m cursed to be a Canucks fan for life… and no, we don’t all riot when we lose even though we’re quite passionate) I still enjoy reading what you choose to share.

  12. My name is Xinh (like “sin”). Army brat (even at the age of 42). Recruiter/HR Generalist who likes to read a lot. Had a dog named Sharky (he’s since passed) who looked a lot like your dog Marlowe so every time I see pictures of her, I think of him.

  13. Rick. Speaker of English (native), French (passable), Mandarin Chinese (rusty). Inactive pilot / flight instructor (“How do you make a small fortune in aviation? Start with a large one…”). Motorcycle travel enthusiast (current ride = Ducati Multistrada). Teller of terrible puns. Single (see aforementioned “teller of terrible puns” comment). Avid reader, music listener / player (harmonica, piano), movie-goer. Over-user of parentheses.

  14. Hi, I’m Danielle, a 46 year old engineer currently working as a caregiver in the Kansas City area. I’m a life long geek, and am most obsessed with Firefly and Dr. Who. I was also tabletop gamer in my youth, quit playing for a long, long time, but now have returned to gaming. Mostly because Wil got my best friend interested in it.

  16. Saving the real name for in person; this is who I am on the internet anyway. Hi! I’m a private practice therapist living in Massachusetts 37, living with a bunch of nerdy friends in the grown up well decorated version of a geek house. Also I am compelled to tell you that have a cat.

  17. Hi! I’m Carrie (Carrielle @SingingValkarie) I live in Minnesota. I’m in my 40’s and work in retail. I’m a big a fan of Supernatural, reading books listening to music, and gaming. Never seen a Star Trek ep. in my life (LOL) Have a super day, Wil ! 😀

  18. I’m Keith, 28, and am enjoying the twists and turns of life. Love a good ol’ RPG and you’ve brought back my love for table top games. Huge hockey fan and can’t wait for it to get cold enough to put on some skates and play.

  19. My name is Will. I’m married with an almost 2 year old boy, 2 dogs, and a cat. We are all geeks and love comics, sci-fi, games, cosplay, and more! There should be a link to my site/blog on my profile so I won’t include it here but I write about running and raising my son to be a Next Gen geek!

  20. My name is Vickie and I live with my husband Dan, 3yr old daughter Annabelle and newborn son Grayson in Ontario Canada. Just starting a year of maternity leave managing two kids for the first time is a little daunting, but I know we’ll get through it. We watch table top every week and always look forward to the annual pax DND game hoping Aeofell will rise again:). Merry Christmas to you and your family and a happy, healthy new year.

  21. I’m Wendy, live in the far-out Chicago ‘burbs with my daughter, rescue dog (indeterminate parentage), and husband. I write, create various forms of art (from photography to mixed media), read comics, collect female action figures, love to make hats from repurposing damaged clothing from thrift stores (you know, the stuff that never should have been donated in the first place?), and spend way too much time in Draenor these days. >_> I don’t sleep much, brain’s too busy.

    I’m struck constantly when I see photos of the furry members of the Wheaton clan, that it would be lovely to meet Anne and Wil (who seem like great people, truly!), but I’d love to meet their dogs.

  24. I’m a 36 year old chick living in Baltimore and working at NASA. I spend my free time painting, pursuing research/learning projects on whatever has piqued my curiosity lately, and trying to teach myself French. (French comic books turn out to be a great way to practice) I’m also trying to learn how to make marionettes and track down early/vintage scientific instruments. (I realize it’s becoming increasingly clear that I’m ADHD)

      1. A great place to look for those (though there don’t seem to be any in your area) is Half Price Books, in the Old & Interesting section. Maybe when you’re traveling?

  25. I’m Andrea. I live in Minneapolis, which I love despite the Winter, and which I tend to survive with lots of reading and coffee, when I’m not working. I have two cats who are lovely and snuggly, and I have a nephew and niece who are awesome. I provide tech support to my very non-techy parents (I’m on the phone with my mom as I write this), and try to remain patient. Thanks for sharing your wonderful family with all of us. Happy Holidays!

  26. Happy holidays to everyone! I’m Heather: teacher and mother to three daughters (4 months, 5, and 7 years old). I decided to break family tradition and have kids later in life. My husband and I have been married for ten years, and he still makes me laugh every day. I love Trivia Crack, reading, and photography.

  27. Hello to this particular corner of the collective internet hive mind!

    I’m Becca, I currently live in central Florida, and I am an ecologist working at a biological field station studying everything we can find outside.

    Tangible outcomes and reminders are what makes time spent on a project worthwhile! Thank you for letting us all wave “HI” at each other as individuals in such a great way!

  28. I’m Raeann, 39 (for a couple more months anyway) married for 14 years to a wonderful guy. We live in Northern CA and we have furry rescue “kids”. 2 dogs and a cat 🙂
    Husband and I are both nerdy in different areas. His is more computer code/programming, while mine is pretty much everything else (TV, movies, books, games, toys…)

    I have a degree in film and animation so of course I work at a doggie daycare! It’s ok, I love it and sometimes I get to make cute videos for the work facebook page to actually use my degree a little 🙂

  29. You’re rad. What a cool idea. I’m a huge fan of good beer, sci fi, and hockey/sports. Hence, me following you on twitter. It’s very uncommon to find those things in the same human. I know!

  30. I’m Shannon, From L.A. I’m a writer, I’m seperated, but still best friends with Ex, I love this city, although the inversion layer is horrible today. Hope you’re all having a good Monday.

  31. I’ve been Rosiethorns online since I could put an avatar with Yahoo Chat. Mom of 2, Gramma to one, 2nd marriage is the best, college graduate 2 years ago, one tiny tattoo, one large tattoo. A to-be-read list that is about 500 books long. 2nd ed AD&D lvl 11 Morninglord, lvl 11 druid, lvl 65 dragonborn and I’ve killed enough Sims in my day …. now I’m planning to train to run a marathon. No intentions of breaking records just not collapsing before I finish in under 6 hours or so…. 🙂

  32. I only lurk here on WWdN because reasons, but I’m Ashley. My gravatar is a candid of my husband and I at a friend’s wedding about a year and a half prior to our own. I’m a high school English teacher by education, but only subbing currently because English jobs are scarce again. I always enjoy reading your blog, Wil, and I’ve found the community that posts regularly to be one of the few on the internet where it’s safe to read the comments, so cheers to you all, fellow readers! It’s neat to see where we all come from and how we got here!

  33. I’m on the other side of 50. Married, two kids, retired law librarian.

    I started all this social media to keep an eye on my daughters. Most of my friends that are my age or older don’t “do” social media and don’t care. They don’t know what’s trending or what the trolls are up to. It’s a unique seat I’ve been given–to observe a rage provoking issue online and obliviousness to the same off line. I wonder when the balance will tip.

  34. My given name is Kurt. I am a husband and father of three who works in IT. My wife and I dabble in suburban homesteading and have a home full of books, musical instruments and dogs.

  35. Pingback: The Face(s) of the Internet | Chipping Away At It

  36. Hi Wil. I’m Alice and live in Los Angeles County. I’m 63, have two grown kids and I work for a charity that assists the families of officers killed in the line of duty. My husband is a retired officer and the four of us are geeks of one form or another. We are also avid L.A. Kings fans, following the team for 30+ years. I’m a huge admirer of your blogs and books. Enough info??

  37. My name is Lex, I am married to Sandy Fox and am a voice actor. But you know this already. I have four dogs and a cat, I love playing music, playing cards and RPGs. I am a big Star Wars fan, I have done voices or complete voice replacements in several Big Blockbuster movies (Ironman 3, Wolverine, X-Men Days of Future Past, Avengers Age of Ultron, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and more) and I do lots of voices in TV shows and animation. I’m a big Apple fan! The computers, not NYC (although I have enjoyed my time there, too) I specialize in doing voices of Monsters, Demons and Animals and Creatures, as well as Celebrity Voice Matching. My father was born in Paris, Mother in Morocco, and me in Hollywood. And I am a meditation instructor for Chopra Center university, my teacher is Deepak Chopra. And my wife and I own a natural spring water company called H2om, water with intention. And I am always happy to see you… We should do a game night one of these days!!! Cheers!!

  39. Hi everyone! My name is Becky. I’m 38, married, one amazing kiddo (she loves Dr. Who, Harry Potter and Legos). I teach art to teenagers. I love to go on factory tours and see how things are made.

  40. I’m Melissa, but the internet knows me as mimi. I have a journalism degree but I’m a part-time travel agent with Europe expertise. I used to travel a lot for work and now I don’t. I used to take Dancing Barefoot with me and post pics of it all over the world, including Stratford,UK, Costa Rica, Las Vegas and who knows where else…
    I have a husband, a four year old named Claire and 13 month old twins, Alice & Zoey. I entertain myself and others with their photos and videos.
    I speak geek, love Indian food and prefer sunshine… though I love my home, Michigan.
    Oh yeah, and I’m taller than you. ; )

  41. Hi, I’m Chris and I’m about to turn 42 later this week. I live in Maine, I am on full disability because I was born with Cystic Fibrosis. I don’t say that so people will feel bad, just to be open about where I’m at. Every day is a gift, I’ve been alive far longer than any of the doctors thought I would be when I was born. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I don’t have an expiration date on me, and my job now is to take care of myself the best I can.

    I get so much vicarious enjoyment out of the hard work of passionate people via the internet, and if you read this Wil you should know that you’re part of that. Most weeks, going out for a few hours to game or having people over would be overwhelming, but watching Wil and his friends have a great time is a good substitute.

    It’s about the people, and I take great joy in finding good people through the internet, so this post and the idea really felt right to me which is why I can be so open.

    Thanks again, and have some joyous holidays. I know I will.

  42. Hello. My name is Joseph. I I work as a freelance copywriter, but my real passion is writing epic fantasy and I finally got started this year with my first novel. I built up my skills as a writer only because of my participation in role playing on different online forums.

    I often feel that it is so easy to forget about the fact that there are real people on the other end of these things, so it is refreshing to see you address that Wil.

  43. Hello Wil, I’m Mark from the UK. I’m a painter/gamer and a newly qualified carpenter. I’ve been encouraging gaming and reading with my niece and nephews (one of which is borderline autistic) I think I might have been prouder than they were when they finished their first books. Get BIt (or Sharky as they call it) became a favourite of theirs, can’t wait until we play TIcket to Ride.

  44. Hi Wil my name is Donna. I live in Northern Delaware with my hubby, our 3 kids, 3 kitties & 1 puppy. I am a stay at home mom who recently returned to the work place as admin help for a medical supply company. I love to craft – jewelry making, painting, gardening, but mostly embroidery. I really enjoy the pics that you & Anne share of your pets especially Riley (I’m a dog!). Have a good Christmas.

  45. I’m Tenielle. Married mum to two little girls (one of whom celebrated her first birthday last Sunday), and a little boy who died before birth.
    This year I rediscovered my love of cooking, baking sweets in particular, and my extended family have finally realised I’m good for something – my cousins have demanded that I make my sugar cookies for every future family gathering. I’m happy to oblige.

    1. Hello Tenielle! I’ve always admired baking. There’s something about the smell of baked goods in a home that gives me the warm n’ fuzzies 🙂 I’m glad you’re back to it, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family! X

  46. mary. married, no kids. librarian. lover of winter & being outside, of reading and being inside, and of beer. spouse & i brew once in a great while. struggling (still!) to balance real-world engagement with online and tv stuff i allow to distract me. i worry about my attention-span.

  47. Hi, my name’s Jen Tidwell, I live in Tacoma, WA and I’m the artistic director for Tacoma Actors Repertory Theatre.

    When I’m not directing, or onstage, I am a massive sci-fi/fantasy/comic book nerd. I also adore playing tabletop games and watching TableTop.

    I love my wife, I love my pets, I’m a dreamer and a doer. I’m completely human.

    Cheers and Happy Holidays to All!

  48. Hey Wil! My name is Brad and I’m 42 years old. I’m an Emergency Department Registered Nurse in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been happily married for 20 years and have 5 kids… three boys & two girls. Two of the boys are adults, one 16 year old boy, and two adopted girls ages 4 and 5.

    I’m a one-time geek who is still a geek at heart but, quite frankly, doesn’t have the time to pursue all-things-geek. I’m what you might call a washed-up has been of a geek.

  49. I’m Karri. Friend of all nerds. I’m recently disabled and according to my husband, a throw away person. So after 22 years of marriage I am completely on my own and painting because I want to.

    4. Wow Karri – I’m so sorry!! I don’t know him but it seems your husband is a shallow tool. I hope you soar on your own, finding true fulfillment. Lots of hugs.

  50. Hey,
    I’m Jeanne from Germany, 24 years old and currently in my last year of university studying cultural sciences and English(dude, your languange can be weird! But also magical.) 🙂
    I love what you’re doing with this.
    I also want you to know that your blog helped me through rough patches a lot of times, so thank you.
    I hope you and everyone on here has beautiful holidays. You all rock.

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