+Jill Ball's Geneameme re Social Media... A little late!

Here are the questions from Jill about using social media - pitfalls and possibilities!  - and my responses:

1. Tell us about your favourite social media tool and why you like it.
Google+ is my favourite for many reasons.  It allows me to have circles of totally different groups of individuals passionate about their hobby or occupation, sharing it with the world.  It allows me to meet new-to-me genealogists with their unique strengths and skills in the field.  It allows me to learn so much about the field of genealogy.  And the relationships are priceless.

2. How do you use social media to further your genealogy career or business?
I don't have a business... am retired, but do some genealogy consulting with people searching for local ancestors and their lives, which is very satisfying.  My blogs, website, Facebook, Twitter, all add to my profile as a competent consultant.  I spend just under 2 hours daily doing the rounds of my social media; then go on to my life: genealogy research for self &/or client, work on my current creative writing assignment, talk/meet with friends and/or family members, go for walks, read books, garden, make big pots of food for the freezer including loaves of bread, etc.  
3. What advice would you give the cruiser who said “I must be living under a rock” and is not sure about coming out from under it?
If a grandmother of 70 years old  - ME - can enjoy G+, Facebook, Twitter (and use Tweetdeck), Tumblr, and more... and write a blog, anyone can pick one item and see how it fits into their life for whatever personal reasons there are:  entertainment, connections, education, and more.
4. What aspect of Social Media makes you grit your teeth?
Nothing.  Welllllll... complaining makes me delete the post and move on.  I don't have time for complaints, political or religious rants, or too many cute cats. 
5. How does social media assist with your CGD (continuing genealogical development)?
Ohmygoodness... I've found so much that's helpful using G+, FBk, & Twitter, finding resources to use, people to follow, tips to find, absolutely outstanding webinars, and more.
6. How do you fit social media time into your busy day?
I'm retired.  Every day is "anyday", and I manage to do most of what I want in any day.  Now if only I had money to match my so-many-hours!  
7. Do you have a story of how social media enabled you to connect with a long lost relation or fellow  researcher?
I've found a first cousin, several second and third cousins with photos and more details, made several connections with my Irish relatives.  Hoping for more... which is why I started blogging.  
8. You have a minute to share a piece of advice about genealogy and social media. Go for it. 
Several people have done webinars on the mechanics of using social media... such as Thomas MacEntee and Dear Myrtle... Go find those and follow them. Pick one item, and start using it daily to see how it might be useful/helpful for you personally.  Then pick another item.  Repeat until you're comfortable and can decide on which tools work best for you.  Oh... and don't forget the most important part:  ASK for HELP!!  People are so helpful and would love to provide directions and ideas to help you master something.  Just ask.   Finally - feel very comfortable deleting posts or deleting people from your social media group of tools - after all, it's your life and you're in charge of how positive or negative it is.  

Cheers.  I used to be quite the social media hermit, but I've learned to use quite a few and am getting more comfortable as the months go by.  Sorry it took me an extra day to get this done, Jill!