Getting Started with Instagram

[Kell]

.... But why does that matter?

We live in a world where nothing stands still. Or at least, not for long.

In the grand scheme of things, nothing matters.

But in terms of IG in particular...

Let's say your daughter is enjoying some success with the platform. Like you and many others have said, to get the most out of it, you have to put a lot into it. So she's invested time, effort, possibly even her own cash into building a brand and presence on IG.

And then they change what it's all about and you're left on a platform without the value or the kudos it once enjoyed. Why does that matter? Well, because you're surrounded by people who are out purely for clicks and to try and make easy money, it takes away from the genuine people who either want to share knowledge or build a business. I have nothing against people using it genuinely to try and advance themselves. But there's no form of real control. There has long since been a cry for a dislike button - in the way that YouTube videos have.

It's the online equivalent of an old school shopping mall. When they open, they want to attract customers so they invite stores that will do that. There's lots of prestige in having a bricks and mortar store there. Then, the owners decide to let just anyone open a store. Before long, lots of the prestige shops pull out and the empty spaces are taking up by by scam artists and fake products. Everything you've worked hard to build is gone. It actually devalues your brand by being there.

As an example. I've twice bought products through a Facebook ad - and both times the products took forever to arrive and were not as advertised. There is no one policing these platforms. I made a complaint to one of the companies on their public page and got a two-week ban from Facebook. So now, I will never buy anything else from a company advertising on Facebook or IG.

As another example. An ex-colleague of mine (who was always much better about talking himself up than actually doing any work) got fired from his most recent job. He's now set himself up on IG as a medium. By that I mean a spirit guide, not his shirt size. And I know he's a complete charlatan. But he's making money out of it - doing private readings for people and preying on their grief.

When I'm talking about things being driven by money - I don't mean the hosting company, I mean the people posting.

 

[lemo]

know lots of people who use Insta for promoting all sorts of business,

I do not run a business and therefore no need to advertise it. I'm not interested in other people's professional businesses, even if they don't want to pay for that advertising, and I'm not interested in paid advertising at all.

But if social media is only defined as an advertising opportunity for anyone who wants to keep their business going, then yes, I am old and can do without it.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

Let me help you with that.

I do need a lot of help at my age...

Seems I was wrong its 3 times.

As I've already explained; I'm echoing social perceptions, which are based on negative stereotypes. At no point have I actually said anything directly derogatory to anyone. And there's an element of self-deprecation involved too. Perhaps that went unnoticed. Anyway. Let's move on.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

I do not run a business and therefore no need to advertise it. I'm not interested in other people's professional businesses, even if they don't want to pay for that advertising, and I'm not interested in paid advertising at all.

But if social media is only defined as an advertising opportunity for anyone who wants to keep their business going, then yes, I am old and can do without it.

Social media is pretty easy to ignore and not engage with. And yes; it is mainly driven by profit motives. Very little is for free, and this has always been the case. It's all driven by the same neoliberal orchestrated Capitalism that rules our world. This should not come as a shock to anyone.

 

[Cobra]

At no point have I actually said anything directly derogatory to anyone.

I just found it curious that I never quoted you, and you weren't alone in the "oldie" comments.
But you decided to pick up the gauntlet.

And yes; it is mainly driven by profit motives

That we can agree on ....

 

[RedRobin]

I do not run a business and therefore no need to advertise it. I'm not interested in other people's professional businesses, even if they don't want to pay for that advertising, and I'm not interested in paid advertising at all.

But if social media is only defined as an advertising opportunity for anyone who wants to keep their business going, then yes, I am old and can do without it.

.... Instagram is not defined as only a promotional opportunity for anyone who wants to keep their business going. It is much broader than that and offers strong social life and also inspiration. But if you can't see that then it's simply not for you, so ignore it.

 

[RedRobin]

In the grand scheme of things, nothing matters.

But in terms of IG in particular...

Let's say your daughter is enjoying some success with the platform. Like you and many others have said, to get the most out of it, you have to put a lot into it. So she's invested time, effort, possibly even her own cash into building a brand and presence on IG.

And then they change what it's all about and you're left on a platform without the value or the kudos it once enjoyed. Why does that matter? Well, because you're surrounded by people who are out purely for clicks and to try and make easy money, it takes away from the genuine people who either want to share knowledge or build a business. I have nothing against people using it genuinely to try and advance themselves. But there's no form of real control. There has long since been a cry for a dislike button - in the way that YouTube videos have.

.... My daughter has already demonstrated her business acumen to be flexible and change - She has already moved away from Etsy for example. Instagram is just one promotional medium or tool out of many.

There is room for everyone. Relaaax and cherry pick only what excites you.