No really, what a week! In fact the last two weeks have been a ridiculous roller coaster ride capped off by Alphabet announcing that they’re pulling the plug on G+. The highest highs, followed by the lowest lows. What. A. Week.
The lowest low
I know for most of you, you can care less about the shuttering of the Google+ platform. If I only had a nickel for every article that mentioned how dead the platform is, I could take a nice vacation in Hawaii. But for those of us who actually spend time there, the platform has always been a bustling hive of activity. I can join interesting communities on a varieties of subjects from the most technical to the merely silly. I’ve met people on G+ who have profoundly changed my life.
For most people G+ was never a viable social media network. The complaint was always the same: no one they knew was on the platform, so what was the point? For me that was the point. An entire social media platform of people I didn’t know. Now that is my kind of adventure!
Thanks for the memories
G+ has been my primary social media hub for more than five years. I was not on the platform from the beginning. I’m not one of those annoying folks that came to G+ while it was in Beta and never left. My love affair with the platform was a slow burn, stoked by countless interactions with random strangers. When I post my toy photography to Instagram, I know the only people who will see it, will be other toy photographers. But when I post an image to G+, I’m introducing toy photography to fresh eyes. I’ve had countless interactions with fans who never even knew that toy photography was an art form. As a toy photography evangelist, I knew I would never find a more appreciative audience.
But G+ has been about more than spreading the love of toy photography near and far. It has also been an incredible journey of self discovery. There was one memorable year when I participated in three workshops lead by Shari Miller that allowed me to look deeply at my own fears, examine what was important to me and help me to begin dreaming about what was possible. All of this was discovered through the lens of my camera and a few toys. I’m forever changed by that experience. I’d like to think my experience was unique, but once you start talking to anyone who love G+, you will discover equally powerful stories.
One aspect of G+ that set it apart from other social media platforms is that the moderators, benevolent overlords or staff stuck with this product that went no where (depending on your point of view) actually knew who the most active participants are. They identified those folks and brought them together to promote both them and their work. There are countless stories on G+ where the employees tasked with G+ helped, guided and promoted talented users. Many a career has been launched by G+. And by career I mean with actual money, not just increased follower counts.
G+ has also been the clubhouse home of the community associated with our blog. As a group we have shared our images, behind the scenes set-ups, asked for help and participated in multiple challenges. Friendships have grown up and our mutual respect for each other has grown through the months. It is the loss of this home that hurts the most. Im used to finding my way on new platforms, but its hard for me to ask others to follow.
G+ you’ve been very good to me and I will miss you.
Social media is for making friends
One of the highlights of my past week was a visit from Tony Tulloch. I met Tony on Google+. Without G+ we would never have met, he would never have become a toy photography and I wouldn’t be using a Sony camera. Also there would be no G+ Toy Photographers Community without Tony. (No seriously, this is the honest truth!) Tony has been that influential in my life. So when he announced that he was coming to the states for a road trip, I was thrilled I was on the itinerary.
Even though I only had Tony for 36 hours, we made the most of that time. Because Tony has a passion for airplanes we visited the Museum of Flight and toured the Boeing Paine Field plant (Where Boeing makes the 747 and assembles the new Dreamliner). And since we also have a mutual passion for toys we went to a couple of toy stores. We even squeezed in a quick tour of the Museum of Pop Culture and saw the incredible Marvel Exhibit. Law Ruelos (Lego_Law) joined us for dinner one night, the toy stores and some Pho. We had great conversations, traded gifts, took our required sig fig group photo and generally had a good time. If you’ve ever been on a toy photography meet-up, I think you know exactly what happened: absolutely nothing and everything all at once.
Toys go with Pho, right?
Even though Tony’s visit was only 36 hours, we had a fabulous time. G+ plus may be ending, but friendships go on forever. (If it’s not Boeing, I’m not going…right Tony?)
Highest Highs
This past weekend I had the absolute pleasure of sharing my work at my hometown brick convention: BrickCon. I’ve attended this event multiple times, I’ve worked it for other vendors and I’ve purchased from many of the vendors. But to actually cross over and exhibit my own work…that was a heady experience.
Honestly I had no idea how my work would be received. I mean I’m not a builder, I’m a photographer! But I need not have worried, the attendees, my fellow vendors AND the general public couldn’t have been more supportive. I received so many great compliments, I heard great feedback on my imagery and I even received tips on my encaustic technique. It was pointed out that there was not ONE cat image in all the photos I exhibited. What an oversight!!
Here’s proof that I really do have images featuring cats!
Honestly there is no substitute for hearing directly from the public. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to sell your work or simply take your work to the next level – feedback is so important! So why we put a lot of stock in social media, nothing can substitute for in person interactions.
In fact this past weekend I learned how insignificant social media is. I believe the majority of the world can care less about FB, Instagram, Twitter, G+, Flickr, Pintrist, or whatever the platform of the day is. I’ve seen no influx of followers on any of my social media platforms after a weekend when I was exposed to over 10,000 attendees. What I did see is a huge wave of traffic at my web site over the weekend. I knew this would happen and I didn’t update it before the weekend. Ugh!! I need a clone!
Sure sharing your work in person is scary. There will always be people who don’t get it. But over all, the people who stop and ask with you will always be supportive and appreciative. The image of the jaded hipster pivot and turn back to my booth after catching a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, still makes me smile. The mother and daughter who came back and purchased an image of Leia who told me they couldn’t leave without her, makes my heart glow. To create art that is relatable and creates an emotional connection…is worth the effort.
Change is Inevitable
What a week! As my world continues to spin out of control I’ve been taking deep breaths trying to remember that change is inevitable. Sure G+ is closing, but the community is strong and we will rebuild somewhere else. I know there are big questions as to what we will do with our G+ Community. Rest assured I’m actively working with the G+ Moderators to find both a temporary and permanent solution. As soon as we know what we’re doing, we will let everyone know. Change is inevitable and we will find our way.
One of the many smaller highlights of the past week was that The Women’s Brick Initiative received a huge vote of confidence over the weekend (more on this as it develops). While this won’t effect what we’re doing, its nice to know we’re on the right track. Ands as far as social media is concerned, I still enjoy meeting new people. For my own social needs I’ve joined the Diaspora. I’m currently on the Pluspora pod, but whatever pod you sign up on, you can find me using the #toyphotography hash tag. If you decide to join this community owned social media effort, feel free to add me to your Aspects.
Mia McFurry returns from the social media wars. Although a little battered, she’s in good spirits. She may have lost an eye in an earlier skirmish, she gained a loyal friend: Jakob. Keep an eye out for these two as they explore a world beyond G+. (a huge thank you to Tony Tulloch for the ridiculously extravagant gift of an Olympus Zuiko lens which is now my favorite lens! And thank you to the talented Dennis Taylor who helped Tony bring his idea to life. All hail my talented friends! xx)
Change is inevitable. But before I move on, I want to take stock of what has been. I want to honor the amazing experience G+ has been. I’m thankful for all the experiences and lessons that I have enjoyed through this amazing platform. I know that inevitably all good things must come to an end, including G+. A huge thank you to all my social media friends who reached out to see how I’m doing. Now thats friendship!
What a week! I just hope that next week isn’t this exciting.
~ Shelly
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Sounds like an eventful wcoupke of weeks! I too have been very busy; traveling to attend a wedding and then a funeral. Ups and downs for sure. One thing is constant: I’ve always got my toys and camera with me!??
Thanks for the comment Joe. I certainly didn’t mean to imply that my week was any busier than anyone else’s. It sounds like yours was as big of a roller coaster book ended by the beginnings of adult life as well as the end. Nothing like keeping life in perspective. Im glad you traveled with your toys, they do seem to help keep the world in perspective.
My goodness. My heart pumped faster throughout this post. What. A. Roller Coaster. Shelly, thanks for capturing and sharing all the pain and glory here, and for getting to the other side. Phew! I’m excited to see, support, and participate in wherever this/we goes next. And those photos are magical and evocative — and so wonderfully YOU. xo
Thanks so much Doug! Im sure your week has been equally dramatic. I think what made it all the more intense was the political drama going on in the background; talk about stress inducing! But I will leave that conversation for another day. Thanks for your kind words regarding the community. I’m glad you will join us no matter where we land. There are some interesting option out there and Brett and I will be looking at them over the next few weeks. Stay tuned! xo
Yes. The political drama was and remains so important and heartbreaking. For another conversation and another day for sure. In the meantime, may friendship and love and kindness and honesty and justice and unicorns somehow prevail.
Well, G+ have really been a place talk. Few places today can say that, a place to talk. So, I am better at listen then to talk but still. Where to next?? Many wonder this. I take the time and say thank you to all of you whom I am been talking to, to all whom I listen to..you have leared me a lot! Without G+ and Insta I think my voice would be so silent. Thank you guys ?
P.s Hopefully I will meet some of you IRL d.s
Stefan, please dont give up on G+ just yet. We will keep the lights on until we find a new home. Hopefully we will find another place that will let us interact and talk like the supportive adults that we are. What would our community be without our quiet friend Stefan? Also Im beginning planing our 2019 US meet-up. Maybe you can join us next year? Now THAT would be awesome!!
What a week indeed! It bummed me out as well to see so many reporters trashing G+ and completely dismissing it as a viable social network. Was it the biggest? No. Which I think is what made it so special. I will truly miss our community there, but am hopeful that we’ll be able to build something awesome somewhere else.
Congratulations on a successful BrickCon! I’m happy to see you putting your work out there more and more.
And I too am so thankful for Tony’s visit. My wife and I only had a quick dinner with him, a couple hours tops, but had SUCH a wonderful time. I can’t wait to begin shooting my own custom koala figure, and admire how great a storyteller Tony is!
No one wants to see a platform they enjoy bashed in the press. But I guess that is the nature of reporting these days. G+ was / is a platform for adults interested in having conversations. Sure they aren’t always pleasant, but they are always respectful. That cant be said for other platforms. We will find a new home. The Federation and MeWe have interesting options moving forward and of course Flickr could be a great interim solution.
BrickCon was crazy fun. Mostly because I was seen as a peer to the other vendors and participants, not a second class citizen. The respect was nice to feel.
Isn’t Tony the best?? What a talker!! But I didn’t mind, because it was always interesting. Im glad you had a chance to connect. I know he was really looking forward to it too. He cut our visit short so he could see you! Lol!!!
I’m sure there are reasons why a Facebook group can’t take the place of Google+ , but with likeminded people participating, and great admins steering the boat, I’ve found certain groups to be extremely active, positive and engaging. And almost everyone is already on FB, and is familiar with it’s use, which certainly couldn’t hurt membership or participation. What FB wouldn’t be is a way to get thousands of followers, like I think G+ might have been. But if the idea is to engage, discuss, share and grow collectively as a community them FB isn’t bad.
Lol! Really FB isn’t bad? 87 million people had their information compromised this year alone. The data breach on G+ potentially effected 500,000 people. Although as of this writing, Alphabet can’t find any evidence any information was compromised. The “breach’ was en excuse to pull the plug on a platform that has been on life support for several years. I think I made it pretty clear in this post that likes, followers etc is of no interest to me. Connecting with one person (ie Tony) or in person at a convention, has more value to me.
I will not cast aspersions on anyone who is in a private FB group. I respect their decisions. In fact if the G+ mods want to create a group on FB they will have my blessings. But I for one will not be there. Ive never done anything the easy way, and my next social media jump will undoubtedly not be for everyone (or even anyone). Luckily the community has expressed a commitment to stay together and they’re happy with a small and tight knit group over large numbers of participants.
Personally Im waiting to see what MeWe does. The guys (always guys!) behind this platform are creating a pay to play version. I appreciate their honesty that they have to keep the lights on. And really, am I the only one to have a sudden uptick in sponsored posts in my Instagram feed since the founders left?
I am still processing my US trip in my head and my brain has almost joined my body’s timezone after the 18 hour difference. To have the G+ announcement drop two days before my invitation to Sunnyvale was disappointing, but it did put social media more in perspective for me.
The meeting of toy photography friends from the East coast to the West (and points in between) was an absolute highlight of my journey and I believe it proves how important face-to-face connections are to support our online presence. We should never forget how important getting off the computer/tablet/smartphone is and getting out into the world to mix with like-minds. Not everybody has this luxury, but if it’s available I encourage toy photographers to meet each other and enjoy time together.
Thank you to all who took the time to meet with me in the US. A special thanks to Shelly for running my life for 36 hours. It took me almost a week to process all of the great stuff we did.