Has Social Media Changed For Writers?

When I started this blog about five years ago or so, writers were already being encouraged to have a social media platform. The truth is that I quickly found I enjoyed interacting with other writers and all the amazing information out there that I was able to slurp up. It really is wonderful and amazing the resources available these days that weren't there before. Even if that means simply reaching out and interacting with like minds from your home. 

I found Twitter and blogging to be my primary interactive sites, both places that I enjoyed the conversations and information being shared with other writers. I had tons of fun on Twitter chats. It's something I'd still love to do, but find my time less now that I have another kid. 

I still enjoy these platforms, but have heard whispers (or maybe a few shouts) about blogging not being what it used to. I've added FB, Pinterest, Instagram and Tumblr to the social media mix, managing all of the above with IFTTT so that I can simultaneously post to more than one medium in case there are people out there who interact with me only on one and not another. 

But something else has changed as well. I'm now a published author. Well, I was before, but I mean I've published a novel and have more in the works. So now I want to not only continue interacting with other writers, but my time has decreased AND I want to find potential readers to interact with. 

So what does all this mean?

I enjoy this blog and the group blogs I post on (scene 13, Enchanted Inkpot, First Five Pages Workshop, etc.) but I haven't been as interactive as I like lately. I've had to prioritize. I love finding new posts about craft, but I don't seek them out quite the same as I used to. That's the honest truth. I want to. But I am only one person and I need to make writing my first priority (aside from family obviously). 

Here's the bottom line: And I believe this will NEVER change. 

Participate in the social media that means something to you. If you are genuinely interested in participating and communicating with others then it shows. If all you want is to do it because you think you will get people to buy your material, forget it. It's like writing, you shouldn't write something because you think it's trendy if it isn't what you're passionate about. You can tell. And let's face it, if you're writing, you have to LOVE what you do or you'll never make it for the long haul. 

It's the same with social media. Do it because you care.

What do you think?