Success vs The Not

Success vs The Unsuccessful

I came across this chart/poster that inspired me to write. I often wonder what to classify myself as; since I write almost daily, we will stick with writer. Lately I have been working on my future...when I say that, I mean what will this year hold? Sure, across the last few months I've written out goals for this year but sometimes, things happen and they change the path you follow.

Now, looking at this chart, I can only speak for myself. I can look at both sides and say to myself "I want to be successful". What does that mean? Success can have countless meanings...if you follow this blog, I've written a lot of positives that I've come across. I've shared my personal life on my podcasts and interviews. I sometimes think it's a challenge to get better, so if I put it out there, I now have to work harder to be better. I've never been one to sit and whine about what I should be getting, I just continue forward, work harder and believe in myself.

I've been fortunate, I've been a published writer, online and in magazine print. I've performed on television live and in front of over 10,000 people (and kept my cool). I've developed a podcast following, from both the Extreme Odd Couple Podcast and now Monster-Mania Radio, plus recently, I've written, starred and produced my own film. Were any of things handed to me? Nope...and that's what makes me the happiest. The difference is, Am I satisfied? Nope.

   When looking at the chart, some, including myself have said I'm a little of both. I can agree with that. Let's see what I feel I work the hardest at : Giving Gratitude - I always am thankful for opportunities. Giving Credit - look at any of my articles or even this site, I also am the first to say, I had help and who helped me. Talk about Ideas - constantly, I even have a list of ideas in my phone. I am always thinking of something new and working things out. Share Info and Data - yep, can't tell you how many times I helped people start their own podcasts. Why would I not? Want Others to Succeed - Yepper - look at all my reviews..I share constantly and have no problem with it. As for film making as an example, the battle isn't about each other, we are all in the battle to get Independents more recognition. Accept Responsibility for My Failures - I sure do! Blaming others will get you no where fast. It's the truth. Accept it for what it is..and move on. Our show Late Night at the Horror Hotel failed due to poor planning, poor choices and it can sit on my shoulders. I'm accepting of that. Forgive Others - this is a tough one, as everyone wants to hold a grudge. I can say this - if you burn the bridge between us, my decision making about things having you involved will be different for the future. I've given people plenty of second chances...call me gullible. Most times, I just move forward and worry about me...but it can be hard at times.

Now, what do I need to work harder on? Fly by the Seat of my Pants - hahaha...who hasn't? I think as I've gotten older, I strive to put plans into motion but I think sometimes, it just happens. Watch TV Everyday - No doubt about it...I am a TV junkie. I watch a lot of movies...but, honestly, in a lot of instances, I am trying to learn. I look for new camera angles, the use of shadow, how people edit, placement of shot or even how one movie pulls me in more than another. 

Someone had mentioned - Keeping a Journal - well, I consider this blog as my journal. I often write about a thought, an inspiration, reviews, personal experiences or whatever. Also, I podcast...this is where I have shared everything with complete strangers. The nearly 30,000 listeners that I can't thank enough, get to hear me talk about Horror, my life, share times with my best friend and even my own failures. I have no problem with passing along info. I've gotten emails from people that have said "Rob, your talks about marriage helped saved my own marriage". Or even people asking for advice. My response is simple "Be the best you can be...believe in yourself." I didn't help save anything..YOU helped save it..if you didn't want it saved, it wouldn't have been. 

I encourage people to look at the chart, don't focus on one or two specifics...focus on the general idea of being a better person. 

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! Part 2

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! 

Part 2

We are back for another weekly dose of "Social Media Etiquette. It is I, the King of Social Media, Rob Dimension who will guide you through the rights and wrongs of connecting, staying connected and not being a nuisance.  

If you are lost already, let me refer you to my past blogs about social media success:

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! - Part 1

Keys to Being Successful in Social Media

We are now going to look at common courtesy to keep the friends you have made. You've made friends but the key is, too keep them. 

Humor - Oh boy, where do I begin with this one? Social Media is basically an "Open Mic" session for everyone who feels the need to steal a joke (Hack), add some en-lighting comment that your day would be shit without, or even show their charm by adding some sexual innuendo to your already shitty day. Not everyone is funny, yet 99% off your social media feed attempts "the funny". Most times your humor is just that...YOUR humor. Posting witty banter on people's post's, especially on their "Wall" almost always seems to be an eye roller or a sigh for the person who has to get the countless notifications from their unfunny friends. 

Rule of thumb, use your comedy on YOUR OWN WALL. If your joke is in your feed, no one can complain. I mean they can, but rightfully, they can simply click the "Unfriend" button. I never mind anyone using that option. 

Honestly, how many friends do I have on Facebook? About 3,000...by my calculations, that's about 2,995 too many. I have a very close circle of friends but I'm an attention whore so I friend everyone...hey, at least I'm honest.

Let's recount the Humor rules - No stealing jokes...this is a HUGE no-no. If you can't be funny without stealing someone else joke, then pass. You're not fooling anyone. Also, refrain from adding your unfunny 2 cents from people's walls. I know it's tempting..I know you have the perfect "that's what she said" spot...just pass on it. If someone is in your Facebook friends list is guilty of this often, first, show them my site...I need the hits, then just click "unfriend". Trust me, Facebook is a fake friendship builder anyways. 

Awful idea..don't do it!

Tagging of Photos - Holy hell, this is a BIG pet peeve of many. Ok, we met, we took a picture, you want to tag it..awesome, I like that. I enjoy seeing my picture, I'm very egotistical (although mostly, I just bitch about how fat I am). What really bothers me is being tagged in photos that A) I'm not in. B) I have nothing to do with, even though you think I'll appreciate it...trust me, I don't. And C) That is some spammy type sales gimmick, usually sneakers. I only wear Adidas Superstar shell tops (Run DMC style) so unless it's a promotion for cheap people to get me a free pair, not interested.  

The above picture is a good example of things to NOT tag people in. I don't care if you think I'm sexy, dumb, or super smart (My Mom has told me 2 of those 3). Let's use our brain people, do you really want this dumb shit on your wall? Or even worse, have to hunt through your photos to find pictures of the real you? No one appreciates this things, except old cat ladies who also enjoy enjoy dressing their cats in costumes according to season. 

I appreciate meeting people, I like to remember those times..(mostly) and seeing those pictures. I don't enjoy seeing myself tagged in photo's of CM Punk with a headline "What will WWE do now?" (I honestly don't know, don't care). I don't care where your Wrestlemania seats are, unless you bought me a ticket. No one else cares either...that's the truth.

Let's refresh Tagging Pictures on Facebook - Do NOT do it! Unless it's an actual picture of that person, don't do it. Best rule to follow.

The Birthday Wish - the Birthday wish on Facebook has become an important factor in "online friendships". It's someones Birthday and you want to wish it, awesome...I encourage you to do so. People like attention (including me) but I've seen a change in the Birthday wishes. 

If someone doesn't wish you a Happy Birthday, your world will not end. Believe it or not, some people aren't on Facebook all the time...it's almost crazy to think that someone people have lives, work or even leave their house...I know, crazy. Worry about your real life friends, get a party started and get some gifts...or sit in your room, cry and eat ice cream (that's what I do).

This brings me too the next part of the Birthday wish - The generalized "Thanks to everyone who said Happy Birthday" or even worse...the "like". If your friend takes the time to write "Happy Birthday" plus maybe "Hope you have a great day" they have clearly taken the time out of their day to express their appreciation for you. Yet, you can't acknowledge it, but to send a general "thanks"? Total dick move. People always say, "well, it's the thought that counts...no reason to say thanks", you know as well as I do, if you've spent any time on Facebook that your friends are needy. You had better say "Thanks Tom, you're swell" and maybe include a smiley face or something. Trust me, Tom will then not be pissed when you tag him in a picture of your Cat, dressed as an elf. 

The "like" - I've said this before, the like function on Facebook is the laziest form of interaction, the second is the Retweet on Twitter (yes, I do both, don't judge me). "Liking" the Birthday wish is a bit of a slap in the face. In other words, they can take the time out of their day to give you a nice gesture, writing it out, doing their homework and your response is one fkn click? Wow, some ego you have! Do the right thing, tell them - Thank you.

Let's Refresh "Happy Birthday" posts - If someone wishes you a Happy Birthday, don't be a smug, celebratory turd who is too busy opening up gifts, eating cake and enjoying your day with your family and loved ones...your Facebook friends want your damn attention too!

You're entirely welcome for this course, share with your friends, while it's free. Someday, I shall be standing in front of a classroom full of people that want to know, "How can I be popular?" Until then, follow me on Twitter RobDimension and keep checking back here for more tips that will help you survive.