Writing Boots

On communication, professional and otherwise.

God is Facebook, Facebook is God

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I was mystified by some of the posts from my Facebook friends, until I realized:

They're praying!

"Hoping for a better day and for the strength to do the right things," a friend says, without further explanation.

"Pressing my own reset button and learning how to breathe again," writes another friend, who also appears to be mixing up her Facebook friends, who haven't a clue what she's talking about, with God, who presumably does.

"Every single one of you is on my friend list as a result of a conscious decision. I wanted you there! I am not only glad to count you as friends, but also family. Copy & paste this as your status if you cherish family & friendship. Thank you for being part of my life!"

You are welcome, my child.

Yes, people are praying to their Facebook friends, as if those dozens or hundreds of people form the face of God, and the ears. They're praying they are not alone. They're praying they're not the only one who feels the way they do. They're praying they are loved.

I'm a humanist. Praying to people actually makes sense to me.

So keep on praying, Facebook friends.

We're listening. And, for the most part, liking.

Why does this politician think he deserves another four years?

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My friend Pat McGuire was an English teacher until four years ago, when he ran for treasurer of Will County, Ill. He won. But now it's four years later, and he's in a race for reelection, and he needs to generate enthusiasm, lest a throw-the-bums-out mood causes people to vote automatically against the incumbent.   PMcG_lft_shadow

And really, what would be the harm in that? I mean, what does a treasurer do, exactly? Assuming he's not pocketing the property tax checks, what's the difference between a bad treasurer and a good one?

Communication, sez Pat.

In an e-mail to supporters explaining why we should take a chunk of a Saturday and drive to the aptly-named town of Plainfield, Ill. and march with him in a parade, Pat says it's traditionally a good event, with "an authentic, joyous atmosphere because it's homecoming."

He continues:

I also like the job I have and want to keep it. Cindy Cain of The Herald News called today because she's been assigned to interview both candidates for treasurer. I'm thinking of questions Cindy might ask me when we meet this Friday. One could be this: "Of what are you most proud of accomplishing as treasurer?"

My answer would be this:

"I'm most proud of establishing two-way communication with the public. My staff and I work every day to teach taxpayers who's who and what's what and what their rights are, and our efforts are paying off. More taxpayers know more about the property-tax system.

"The other side of the coin is that taxpayers tell us what's on their minds. That's why we wrote the fact sheet 'Why Did My Property Taxes Go Up?' and why we cut our budget.

"Taxpayers also suggest how we can improve our work. For instance, we keep a folder labeled 'Bill improvements' containing suggestions from taxpayers how to make the tax bill easier to read and more helpful. We've incorporated many of those suggestions.

"This is what democracy should be—an honest, ongoing, productive conversation between the government and the people."

Please let me know if you will march with us in Plainfield bright and early this Saturday!

Sincerely,

Pat

Sincerely, indeed. McGuire for Treasurer.

I should probably hold this item for Halloween, but what the hell

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A 50-year-old communicator I know has been out of work for more than a year.

This is a high-profile guy who directed internal communication at a number of Fortune 100 companies and also worked at a big-name consultancy. He spoke at industry conferences and wrote articles and even a book for communication trade publishers.

After dozens of fruitless interviews, he's tired of hearing the mantra: "You're just not the right fit for the team." (He's never sure what it means, though he's had plenty of time to develop some theories.)

So he and his wife bought a bar and grill in a local strip mall, and they take it over this week.

He's not the only blue chip employee communication pro I know who's under- or unemployed despite a solid resume and a 150-plus LinkedIn connections.

He's sorry to be throwing away more than two decades of communication experience.

"But I'm too old to sit around," he says.

And, much too young.

Cheers, mate. May your customers treat you better than the communication business and the economy have.