notes.husk.org/likes images.

Behind the tweet(s).

I’m listening to Pete Holmes’s You Made It Weird, the episode with Tig Notaro. I really enjoy Tig’s comedy (I have an autographed album cover) and am happy that she’s been so successful recently, especially in light of everything she went through a year ago (the cancer, mother’s death, break-up, etc.).

I’m enjoying the episode - it’s funny and thought-provoking. There’s plenty of stuff I don’t agree with that isn’t getting my goat.

But then there’s this chunk where she and Pete start shitting on Twitter (and other social media) with the classic criticism that it’s making people less engaged and present, and that it adds nothing of value in exchange for taking away so much of your attention.

And I’m sorry, but that’s just… that’s crap. I mean it’s crap for Tig Notaro because the set that recently leapfrogged her a couple of levels of fame had huge social media buzz (kicked off by an endorsement from America’s Asshole Dad, Louis CK¹). It’s crap for Pete Holmes, because his recent fame is attributable in large part to the very podcast he’s speaking on, and I think it goes without saying that podcasts don’t get popular without social media. I mean, you’re not gonna see a billboard for Making It With Riki Lindhome², you know?

Most of all, though, it’s crap for me. Because I’m in London, England right now, and that’s because all the followers and friends I’ve gained thanks to that waste of time called Twitter kicked in $6000 to help me fix my life. I have concrete proof that the time I’ve spent engaging with social media has been worth it to me. And that’s just taking into consideration the cash, let alone stuff like the comedy skills it’s helped me hone, the confidence it’s given me, the friendships (and relationships) I’ve made on this apparently frivolous microblogging service.

I’m sick of having to say this. I’m sick of otherwise smart people saying things that just aren’t true about something that’s so integral to the lives of millions of people. Absolutely don’t join Twitter if you want, absolutely refrain from grabbing a Tumblr blog if you don’t think it’s interesting to you, but don’t make an absolute statement decrying the part of the Internet you don’ t like as detriments to society and human advancement.

Or else I’ll blog about you³.

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¹ CK, of course, follows only one person on Twitter, despite relying on it to advertise his tour dates, TV show, and specials to almost three million people. But sure, dude, feel free to get so much from a service, give nothing back, and then go on late night TV and tell everyone they’re idiots for using this technology.↵

² Although there should be, because it’s a great show, and I hope it comes back.↵

³ If you think this last sentence is in any way sincere and not me making fun of myself, please unfollow me. It’ll save us both time in the long run. I love you.↵