Q: It appears that you, sir, are a flip-flopper. Tell me, Ty, what happened to the whole "I'll never do MySpace-Facebook-LinkedIn" thing?-- Gary, Boston
Ty: Gary, good question and an even better observation.
Fact Number 1: Yes, I publicly declared--on more than one occasion--that I would never do MySpace-Facebook-LinkedIn or any of the other "social network" internet things. Why? I don't really care for superficial interactions and those all seem annoyingly superficial. MySpace? Please! In some cases I just don't really like people. So, I don't want to interact.
Fact Number 2: Yes, I updated a LinkedIn page for myself. See it here: [clicky]. Read it (c'mon, it's fun). See the me almost cry in the overly processed photo.
These two behaviors seem to come from two attitudes. Shouldn't there be dissonance? No. I can do what I want. Here me out: I am comfortable with changing my mind on this. I am comfortable with putting it all out there. Absolutely no cognitive dissonance, kids.Most importantly, here's why I did it (or, a la OJ, if I did it):
1) It's another art project. That's what I do. Did you read any of it? I put this on my LinkedIn page:2) It's another inlet to my art work. Oh-oh, look at me!!! It's mostly a vehicle for directing people to my site and my (art) work.
- I received this certificate of honor on a drawing in 5th grade (most proud)
- Band president, Claremont High School
- Finding truths, or closest approximations.
- Solving organizational puzzles and mysteries.
- Art. Beauty. Truth.
Background: There was a point where I would try to keep my professional/work life (Tyrone) and my private/arts lives separate (Ty). But, I'm letting everything fall where it falls from here out. I don't care. Well, let me restate that: I don't mind anymore. I'm comfortable with me with regard to this. I don't care if some job potential finds my LinkedIn thingy and goes to my blog or worse, podcast, where the words are crude, silly, odd, and if you don't "get it" seemingly hateful. I can no longer care about how people view me. Because...it's me...and "professional" shouldn't be exclusive of "real."
Foreground: And, most importantly "work" is just another arts medium for me. It always has, but now I accept that. So, "professional" means everything I do. I've been a semi-public figure for so long, I've decided why put on the act of having all of these life-modules. Yes, I work. Yes, I make art. Can't we all just get along?Now, why are everyone's (that I've seen) LinkedIn pages so goddamn boring? Eh? Who are you all trying to fool. I wouldn't hire such boring people in a million years. In order to do your work, you need skills. In order to do your work well, you need presence, depth, balance, and perspective.
Oh, and, I will never, ever (in a million years) do MySpace or FaceBook.
Just a guess (when I say "just a guess" I shrug).- (I am) Ty
