By JT Ellison

Happy New Year! I posted this on Facebook today. The note is for my followers there, but the deeper message of love and squishy stuff is meant for all my people, whether on social media or this blog or through my books. So I thought I’d share.

And a programming note – lots upcoming, so stay tuned!

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Author Maggie Stiefvater posted a really interesting open letter to Facebook. There is so much in it I agree with, and some that I don’t. Now, my page isn’t nearly as big as hers, but the essence is there. You’ve come to this page, you’ve liked this page, yet only a small percentage of you see the posts.

There are ways to increase your chances of seeing posts from me – by clicking above on the “like” button and clicking on “Get Notifications.” But it’s still hit or miss.

We’ve been hearing rumors Facebook is going to start a subscription service for “business” pages, which Maggie discusses. And while the idea has its appeal, I find it a bit squidgy for Facebook to ask me to pay to reach the very people who have opted to follow me. Because to me, you’re not a number, or a statistic, or a “like”. You’re a friend, or a reader, who wants to be a part of my little corner of the world.

Listen, my goal here is to talk with you. To share my writing life with you. Whether it’s a silly meme or a heartfelt rant (ahem) or a fun poll or finding out what you’re reading, I’m genuinely interested in our interactions. While it would be awesome if every one of you rushed out and bought my books the moment you found out about them, our Facebook page – because it is OUR time together, and OUR conversation, right? – isn’t all about book sales and metrics. It’s about family, and community. A safe place to post how you feel, what you think, and strike up a conversation with your fellows. To get a glimpse into my world, and my creative life. I want it to be fun and inspiring and thoughtful. You’re my chickens. You’re my peeps. You’re my people.

If you’re only in it for the news, contest, etc., that’s cool too!

But I’m not reaching all of you who’ve chosen to reach out to me, because FB meters the engagement. Hey, they’re a business. We’re guests on their platform. They can change things at will. They could close my page and I could lose my conduit to you. What to do?

Here are a few ways to make sure you’re getting what you’re looking for from me:

1. To see my posts here – make sure you’ve checked on “get notifications” above

2. Don’t rely solely on seeing an update pop up in your newsfeed. If you make an effort to drop by the page regularly, I promise to make it worth your while.

3. Join my monthly newsletter http://jtellison.com/subscribe

4. Spend some time on my blog. http://jtellison.com/tao-of-jt/ Leave me comments. I’ll answer them.

5. Leave happiness and snowflakes and daisies in your wake everywhere you go. Karma will appreciate it.

Deal?

Via: JT Ellison