A couple days ago, I shared a post about Facebook where I asked Does Hate Make You Feel Better? I had a couple comments that I thought were good to share as well. I had a couple days to think about them. So here are my thoughts.

Gary wrote:

I read (part of) an interesting article today that posited that the opposite of love not hate, it's indifference. Makes sense, and just sharing since you brought it up 🙂

I've heard that before in regards to business. There's nothing worse than indifference for a business. You want them to love or hate you. While I do think indifference is also a horrible thing, I still believe hate is also the opposite of love.

Gary also added:

Other thought, as I've had this discussion lots: people how espouse hatred in the manner in which you describe are either fundamentally afraid, or they have control issues. In most cases I believe it's a control issue. People want to dictate what others can and can't do in order to appease their own sensibilities/biases/shortcomings/ignorance/whatever.

I totally agree with Gary here. The guy who was wishing Obama would be killed (let's call him John) is ultimately afraid. John built up a nice business and his profit margin is threatened by things like Obamacare. I heard John post it would cost his family $1000 per month. I agree that's pretty ridiculous. With John's business, one small change and he could up the creek trying to pay that. I can't imagine.

John feels helpless and feels like the death of one political official who differs from his view will solve the problem. It won't. It just makes him look mean.

(As a side note, check out this video to depress you about healthcare: Why Are American Health Care Costs So High?)

Troy also emailed regarding my latest Celtic Geek episode. He's had a bunch of problems recently with Facebook and is trying to fix it with tech support. He didn't sound too remorseful that he was having problems though. Because…

Well, imagine for a minute that you couldn't access Facebook. How disappointed would you be?

Personally, I'd say, “Shucks!” Then smile and get back to business. 😉

Facebook is not a necessity of life. And as Troy pointed out, he was happy that he had other ways to follow my music, namely, my podcasts. That sparked an idea…

Maybe it's the introvert in me that doesn't like Facebook. It's like a big crowded party. There's lots of people and so there's no easy way to talk to people one-on-one. That's how I prefer to chat with people. That's why I was happy to respond to Troy and Gary's emails (aside from the fact, they are both awesome!). It seems stupid to me to respond in a public forum. And so I don't.

Could being an introvert online be very similar to the offline variety?

Recently, someone mentioned Seth Godin (one of my marketing idols) and his social media presence. He has none. All of this blog posts go straight to his Facebook and Twitter account. But he doesn't manage those. No one does. But he often writes provocative blogs that people love to share.

I don't usually produce content that people love to share, but I like that style. The idea of dropping off Facebook is absolutely lovely. I'd rather you subscribe to my mailing list or one of my podcasts. I'd rather you listen and smile from my music than an inane Facebook picture that degrades someone else.

I also prefer smaller groups. On- or offline.

In 1968, The Monkees produced the film Head. My friend Cathy explained that after two successful seasons of the TV show which made them international celebrities, they were trying to break the pop mold that they were founded on.

It's kind like that. Sometimes, I feel like I just want to alienate people because it will help me be able to focus on the people who truly care for what I do. I can create a smaller group that is more passionate than the bigger one.

Mind you, I try not to do that. That's kind of rude, but when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I just want to crawl back into my cave and hide.

Finally, I did get some feedback about the new microphone for The Celtic Geek (from the Quidditch World Cup episode). He said it sounded awesome, but since I started using it, I've lost some of the personal feel to the show.

That's a great message. Microphone mastery is difficult. My goal for the next few episodes is to try and bring back the personableness. And I would LOVE your feedback.

Here's the deal. I am NOT great at consistency. Maybe it's because I'm an artist, but consistent at anything is a challenge for me. I have noticed that some of those little facts from the beginning of the show disappeared. The point is I need your help.

My goal for The Celtic Geek is to keep the show about you. I want YOU to be a part of it. So if I stray from that goal every few episodes, email me. Make suggestions of cool websites or bands… or con experiences.. or new games your playing. Or just tell me I'm a wee bit off track. That way, together we can keep it as a show that you LOVE to listen to.

Thanks, and Slainte!