While eating at Hibachi Express today, a member reminded me why I started ValdostaConnect.com. Sebastian told me about his experience on the website. Although Sebastian lived here, he did not know about the site until his friends, who are Valdosta natives, called him from Maine and other states inviting him to join the network. After talking further, I learned that he graduated from the class of 94.
Operating a social network is not an easy task. The creator may have certain goals and objectives in mind, but social networks can take on a life of it’s own. I’ve been trying to get a sense of where ValdostaConnect is going. Are we the strong united community that I’ve worked towards, or are we individuals just connecting with our own circle of friends?
During the first year of operating, it looked as though we were beginning to come together like a strong online community (hundreds were joining weekly), but I soon saw that most had their own reasons for connecting. “Valdostans United” was not the agenda. I must admit it was disappointing to see that the majority of members weren’t really going beyond the people that they already knew. Had I talked to a Sociologist he would have told me, that this was to be expected because people don’t act that way offline. Most people only have a small group of core friends with whom they stay in regular contact.
So why continue ValdostaConnect.com, if people are not networking in the true sense of the word, but only staying socially connected with only a few close friends (even though they may have over 200 friends on their list)? I’ve thought about this after not seeing the amount of participation and community spirit that I envisioned. The conversation with Sebastian reminded me why I kept the site going. I am able to reconnect with people whom I haven’t seen in years (and everyone else that joins can do the same). Is it necessary that members also accomplish some noble community goal or mission? No. The important thing is that we get an opportunity to touch bases with friends and share some fond memories (if only for a moment).
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