You know, so many people have so many opinions to give when it comes to social media and our involvement in it.  I am sure that you must often encounter the same conflicting takes from your friends and family members that I do.  Some love it, enjoy the interaction, the connectedness, deriving a great deal of pleasure from portals such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Blogs.  Others just find it far to invasive – probably speaking more about Facebook. Then, there are those of my generation who just simply think that this stuff is gobbledegook – something that was foisted upon us by alien invaders.  Just too out there!!  I must say, just thinking about all the various reactions, cracks a smile on my face.  I mean, why on earth are we still having so many varied reactions to the Social Media.  It is well and truly entrenched into the fibre of our societal interaction.  It should not even be a topic of discussion any more.  Think about it – do we still discuss the pros and cons of a microwave, a computer or any other tech apparatus that has become part and parcel of modern living?

Having said of that – my take is obvious.  I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the social media communities that are out there.  Yes, I am selective in the ones I am actively busy with, but that I feel is how we should manage our social media profiles.  And when I think of the friendship that I have made online with those within our blogging community, I cannot help but smile.

The Design Tabloid was launched properly and actively in 2011.  During the course of the last three years, I have come to know a few regulars via our online presence – connecting with bloggers even one step further via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  Even though we may only have encountered each other once or twice in person, some closely, some in passing at an event –  I know that I have developed a friendship with them.  One that I feel safe in – could be due to the fact that it is from a distance and has a certain safety factor coded into it as such.  But, we have walked along side each other over the years and I have enjoyed watching their lives unfold.  Much like I would enjoy watching the life of a personal friend, or colleague, or network member unfold.  I think they rock as much as their blogs rock.

The  few  local (die-hard) bloggers I am referring to are the likes of Vicki Sleet of “I Want That“; Kim Gray of “Kim Gray Lifestyle“; Lana of “Lanalou Style“; lovely Leila Fanner of “Leila Fanner Studio“; Lelanie Slater with her “Of Beauty and Love” blog and, as of today, the proud owner of Ampersand Social Stationery an online stationary shop (whoop whoop) and Kathryn Rossiter of “Becoming You“.

Then there were some other really lovely people that we encountered in the early stages as well, who for reasons of their own have had to reduce their blogging activity.  Such a pity because they were  awesome people, but family and work commitment did not afford them the opportunity of staying online as bloggers. Gals such as Idonette, Kim Stephens and to a lesser degree Bianca Packam. Miss you gals and hope that once your lives and families have settled a bit, that you will make a comeback into the blogger-sphere.

My question here to other bloggers is this:  have you too developed friendships within your blogging communities?  Have you managed to find friendships via social media online avenues?  Hope so.