Helpful Tips for Posing Your Figures with Diagrams!

While scouring around Instagram looking at fellow action figure fans who specialize in figure photograph, I came across a great account with very constructive tips and a solid grasp of weight, movement and how motion can be created through poses. The Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/toyzology if you want to visit yourself (which I would highly recommend) and tell him we sent ya!

 Here's are some breakdowns of the key takeaways:

 Importance of Motion: Creating a sense of motion in your action figure photography is crucial for capturing attention. Even subtle movements can make your displays more dynamic and engaging.

 Weight and Balance: Understanding how weight is distributed and how figures maintain balance is fundamental to achieving realistic poses.

 Articulation is Key: The range of motion of your figures significantly impacts the types of poses you can achieve. Maximizing articulation allows for more dynamic and expressive poses.

Storytelling Through Poses: Effective posing can convey a narrative, whether it's a dramatic action scene or a more subtle character moment. 

By studying and applying the principles of weight, movement, and articulation, you can elevate your action figure photography and create truly captivating displays. 

 

How to Build the Perfect Gingerbread House / Acting with Andy

The holiday season is in full swing and Andy Pyles is leading the runaway train to Santa's village. On this episode of Acting with Andy, you learn, from a master baker how to shape, build and bake the PERFECT gingerbread house. 

We've all seen the traditional gingerbread houses decorated with frosting, gumdrops and minty candies. The smell of fresh gingerbread, the thought of the first snowfall and a Christmas tree brightly lit by a fie all spell the holidays. It's about to change with this tutorial of "How To" create a memory that will last forever. Learn a step by step on every aspect of creating something inspired from a Norman Rockwell holiday portrait. 

Please take a minute and subscribe to our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and remember to click like, comment and share.

Episodes of Acting with Andy are right here - 
Acting with Andy playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Have you seen our 1st episode of our new series, Count Clowny yet? Watch it now - https://youtu.be/F4OQJwpfEL0
Watch our award winning films - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

How Youtube Will Help Me Become a Better Filmmaker.

I certainly don't have all the answers, hell, like many, I stumble through most projects with a "learn as I go attitude". Its been about 6 months that I've been toying around on youtube. Ive made vlogs, fake commercials, some odd horror quick shorts plus plenty of comedy. If anything, I've become more focused on sound design, using music properly, learning the basics of editing and becoming smarter when writing.

Every advancement I've made was because I did not want to wait around for someone else. I have never been someone who "needs" someone, or like to feel like I do. Your at their mercy, if you do. Often they are less motivated and/or busy. I've had great collaborations and not so great. You have to look at the learning experience. "No one will care about your project more than you", I was taught this years ago and its the truth. This isn't a slight on anyone, just hoping that someone reads this who is waiting for someone else, and decides, enough is enough and I'm gonna learn on my own.

It's been a long few years for me and this "filmmaking" adventure. I've had some success and some failures. It's a tough pill to swallow when you're convinced you are doing something great and it gets 0 response. I don't have an ego about filmmaking, but when you create an idea, it can bruise your "creative ego" when its never blossoms and dies a tragic death.

Let's look at Youtube. Now my growth has been slow and steady, since I have started. The best part about Youtube is I can always be creative. I have started the Acting with Andy web series, plus I did a ton of Dimension Chat's and most recently I started the Count Clowny series. The last two weeks have shed a serious light on my aspirations. I've learned more about myself and what I want from this process. Let's take a quick look at what I have learned about "the audience" and how this can help:

I've learned this one very important fact - Creating content for youtube or online is very different than creating a film. Why? The audience is not vested and will turn off instantly as soon as they are bored. When you purchase a film, the tendency to give the movie time to develop and breath is much longer than in a "click through" environment like Youtube.

The benefit of studying the "numbers" like audience retention, demographics and instant/honest feedback will tell how well you're doing. I can see what platforms people are watching on (tablet, gaming console, desktop and phone), where they are located, male or females and when they click off the content. In "Youtube Land" you're doing a great job if you're holding 50% audience retention. To me, THIS the the most important factor when I look at the past week's video performance.

What does this mean when making something other than typical youtube fodder? People want you to get to the point quickly and keep that point. It's harder to slowly tell a story unless the viewers are really fans of your content, even then, sometimes you can lose some. Luckily, I have a solid group that believe and love what I'm doing. I'm so thankful for those who tune in weekly.

I believe, Youtube has helped me and continues to help me develop my skills. I've learned more about cinematography because I need to make do with very little. I've learned lighting and camera tricks. I've learned how to write stronger (at least I think) and I've learned to be a better editor. Granted, I'm still very early in this and learning all the time. I watch tons of tutorials and I'm never afraid to research or ask others.

Count Clowny has taken a more prominent role for me. The second episode will begun to roll out a stronger tone in there direction that the story is heading. Each episode has a budget, usually less than $300, although some will soon become higher. Kim and I are funding this because its a story we want to tell. I'm hoping that with each episode, my abilities will continue to grow and you are along for the ride.

If you have not subscribed, check us out http://www.Youtube.com/RobDimension 

Acting with Andy - 5 Tips in Public Speaking

Ever have to deliver a speech in front of people and you were frozen with fear? Wish you had some help? Well, you're in luck. Our veteran life hack guru, Andy Pyles offers his top 5 tips in Public Speaking. How you start, how to close and everything in between. No more anxiety, no more fear...just confidence.

Please take a minute and subscribe to our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and remember to click like, comment and share.

New episodes of Acting with Andy are EVERY Wednesday, right here - 
Acting with Andy playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Have you seen our 1st episode of our new series, Count Clowny yet? Watch it now - https://youtu.be/F4OQJwpfEL0
Watch our award winning films - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Follow Count Clowny on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/CountClowny
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How to Get Started as an Actor - 5 FREE and easy tips to get started!

I get asked a lot, how to get started in acting and how to get the momentum rolling. I figured I would try to help by offering some quick and simple tips, based on what I've seen and learned after 20 years within the entertainment field. 

I have given several seminars on these types of subjects, especially within the professional wrestling field, including writing, acting and television production.

Getting started - Things have changed over the years and we are now able to reach and see a lot of people. People are constantly saying "I need extras" on social media. Most people, probably have gotten their starts this way...I did. Look for groups that focus on acting. There are plenty of groups on FB that focus locally, and these are a great way to meet filmmakers that are local. Just do a quick search and interact. Head to film festivals to meet filmmakers. Go to conventions and make contacts. You never know who you'll meet. All these tips will help you create a worth or value in your skills, ability and your impression. 

Things I would recommend -

Business cards - I can't stress this enough this classic form of professionalism. Would you take someone seriously if they wrote their name on a piece of scrap paper or on a business card with all their info? Think of it, it makes sense and is easy to look professional. Vistaprint.com can get you 500 cards for like $25. Invest in yourself. Research what types of business cards are recommended. RESEARCH!! Make your 1st impression a memorable one.

Website - This is another easy, no brainer. Creating a website based around what you're doing will let people know more about you.. What you like. Photos. Social Media platform info...all of this are ways for people to discover you. Again, you can buy a domain for $12 from GoDaddy and there are a bunch of free website builders. Look at other actors sites, try to make things clean and professional. 

Head shots - This is a bit more expensive, but well worth it. Having professional head shots available are a HUGE plus when looking for work. This will separate you from others. Be original, have fun and create different looks for different roles.

Demo Reel - if you have already done some work and have some things to show off, this is a great way to showcase all your acting chops for everyone to see. Plus, this can be shared on all your social media platforms. You never know who will see it and think of you with a role in mind.

Acting/Improv Classes - again, not free but a million times worth it. Getting comfortable in front of a crowd, learning to tap into your emotions and doing it on command are vital with being an actor. Remember, acting is a profession. You have to work hard at it to succeed, just like anything in life.

Things to stop doing? 

* Worrying about "likes" on social media. As a society we have become obsessed with "Likes". Likes do not mean anything. Speaking to people does. Having 5,000 friends on FB means nothing since only 2-4% see your newsfeed, which most times is new "friends" you've made and/or people you normally interact with, based on the algorithm. Think about these things. 

* Watch how/what you post and keep your cool on your social media. This will lose you any opportunity quicker than you realize. If you're troublesome online, people will think you are, a potential pain to deal with on set. Speaking from experience, based on some interactions I've had, I won't work with certain people regardless how "great" they are.

These are just some easy tips to start with to help you break into acting, if that is your goal or dream. These tips are enough to hopefully get you noticed by someone and get you going without feeling overwhelmed. I hope this helps anyone who was looking for guidance.


About me - I got my start over 20 years ago, when working for the Warner Brothers Network. I have written commercials, award winning short films, plus countless blogs, like this one. I have acted, performed and worked hard at honing my craft. I have also given numerous seminars based on these basic tips, plus crowdfunding. Make sure you check out my youtube page www.Youtube.com/RobDimension 

How to Write a Great Script - Screenplays Made Easy - Acting with Andy

Today's Acting with Andy, our own life coach, life hack guru, actor extraordinaire Andy Pyles breaks down the screenwriting process, creating an easy, "How to", write a great script. Covering the entire process and made simple, for beginners to the most advanced. Known within the industry as a "do it yourself"er, Andy could give this seminar at any acting school in the country. 

Acting with Andy is every Wednesday and a free service. Andy Pyles claims to have been a background actor in over 7 movies. He hosts weekly lessons and free acting class. 

Andy Pyles has been recognized from his walk on roles as an extra in some of your favorite sitcoms like Seinfeld, Friends and Home Improvement. Most times his scenes were left on the cutting room floor, Andy never complained and persevered. Moving forward, living on the streets, honing his skills for survival. If you need inspiration, Andy is your man. 

Make sure to follow Andy on the twitter http://www.twitter.com/AndyPylesActor 

*Keep in mind, this is only a parody and for your benefit and the benefit of others, do not follow any of his advice. 

Please take a minute and subscribe to our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and remember to click like, comment and share.

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My Production Company - http://www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com

Glamorous Makeover Tutorial - Look Hollywood on a Budget by Andy Pyles

On this week's Acting with Andy, life guru Andy Pyles offers a makeover tutorial. If you have ever wanted that perfect "Glamorous" Hollywood look, but were restricted by your budget, then today is your day. Advice on mud masks, simple make up applications and even a "DIY" face lift are all included. This is a must watch for anyone looking for fame within the elite lifestyle. 

Make sure you subscribe, like, comment and share with all your friends. Acting with Andy comes to you EVERY Wednesday, only on our youtube channel! 

Make sure to follow Andy on the twitter http://www.twitter.com/AndyPylesActor 

*Keep in mind, this is only a parody and for your benefit and the benefit of others, do not follow any of his advice. 

Please take a minute and subscribe to our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and remember to click like, comment and share.

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My Production Company - http://www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com

I Compose Your Mid Life Crisis Survival Guide

It seems everyone hits that period in there life when we begun to question our own existence. It usually happens around 35 yrs old, but sometimes it can happen later. When you think of "midlife" you think of the middle of your lifespan. Being 46, I can only assume my mid life has already happened. While I didn't have much of a mid life crisis, I can certainly relate to questioning "why" on most accounts. 

Why do things cost so much now? What kind of language are the kids speaking? Why is everything blurry when I look at it? These are probably the age old questions I'm asking here.

On this week's Acting with Andy, our resident life guru, Andy Pyles once again offers some solid advice on how to become a film director WITHOUT film school. Yes, you're reading hat right...without the tuition of multiple years of schooling. You to, can become a world famous director like Spielberg, Lucas or apparently, Andy Pyles. So, sit back, watch and learn from the master.






*Keep in mind, this is only a parody and for your benefit and the benefit of others, do not follow any of his advice.

Make sure to follow Andy on the twitter http://www.twitter.com/AndyPylesActor

Please take a minute and subscribe to our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and remember to click like, comment and share.

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My Production Company - http://www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com

How to Become a Director WITHOUT Film School!!

Want to become an accomplished film director? Debating about film school? Don't bother!! Andy Pyles, world renowned actor and director offers advice and tips about how to skip all that and get right into the action. No books, no tuition...just straight knowledge from the master. 

*Keep in mind, this is only a parody and for your benefit and the benefit of others, do not follow any of his advice. 

Make sure to follow Andy on the twitter http://www.twitter.com/AndyPylesActor 

Please take a minute and subscribe to our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and remember to click like, comment and share.

Follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/robdimension

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My Production Company - http://www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson - How to be a guest at a BBQ

Make sure you subscribe http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension

Do It Yourself - DVD repair

Ever have a DVD that won't work because its scratched? Well, you're in luck, today I show you how to repair it. Its a little DIY clinic. 

Make sure you subscribe 

http://www.youtube.com/robdimension

Today you get 2 new Acting with Andy episodes!!!

Extra Andy!! Andy Learns PokemonGo! Become a Pokey-Mongo Master!

Pokemon Go with Andy!! An extra episode of Andy today who tries to become a Pokemon master. Learn about "Pokey-Mongo", "Pikadilly", not to throw your phone plus some much needed tips. Enjoy and subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension 

Crowdfunding 101 - Let's Start Here

Crowdfunding is lost. Why? Let me answer.

First, if you aren't aware of what crowdfunding is; it's simply when a filmmaker (I know there are a lot of other reasons to crowd fund but let's stick with filmmaking) turns to the internet site Kickstarter, as an example, creates a campaign, a pitch video, posts what the project is about. Then, fans, the crowd, people who become interested, donate to the project to help make this dream a reality.


So far, so good.


Now, I will lay the blame on the filmmakers. Some do it right. Those are the ones who achieve their goals and actually do better than they hoped. The ones who look to blame everyone and everything except themselves are the problem.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN - keyword in planning is plan. This is simple. Do your homework and research what you're making, what crowdfunding platform would work best. Look at costs and finances. Have a back up plan in case your goal is not met. Know what you're making...do you need insurance, permits, new equipment? What needs to be paid for. Look into everything. Make a check list. How much will it cost to crowd fund? To make and deliver your perks? Look at everything. (I won't touch on pitch video or perks today, but stay tuned for a future video or blog)


Stop creating multiple crowdfunding campaigns asking for help 3-4 times to get one project done. You're already asking people to take a chance, now you're looking terrible and potentially ruining the experience for them, and the next project they might invest in. You could start a chain reaction that damages others dreams. Be responsible.


You are a filmmaker, in essence starting a business. You need to budget yourself and your project. If you can't do this, don't crowd fund. Do not ask for anything that is beyond your means. Stop asking for unrealistic numbers. Don't have a following? Then the chances of you succeeding is small. Maybe crowd fund for a small project, make and complete that and build faith in your current customers and potentially build a larger audience.

Stop and PLAN

Here is the blunt fact - stop being lazy, stop blaming others, start researching and show others why they should invest in your project.


Look at your project as an outsider and be honest: would you donate? Do you care if this gets made? Does the pitch trailer look like a professionals work?


Before I launched my campaigns, each of my 3 projects I used crowdfunding (all successfully reached their goal, the last reached the goal 36 hours after launch) I was studying pitch videos, reading books, googling for help online. I asked others and paid attention and stopped using excuses like "Well, Rob Zombie was crowdfunding and thats where the money went!" Stop fooling yourself. His fans aren't investing in yours. "But Rob, you don't understand"...actually I do...that's why I'm being honest. I treated my investors like partners and shared things along the way and tried to show them bits and pieces along the way. I delivered on all 3 projects. I worked hard, lost some money but didn't let that stop me. I made mistakes but I would NOT let people down.


That's it for today. Crowdfunding works. It's not begging unless you make it begging. The people investing are proving they believe in you. Have integrity and don't let them down. Prove you're a professional and make something great. You can take this advice and make the best project possible or ignore help and realize you made a mistake, costing you much more than a bruised ego. Look around, plenty of advice/help out there. Best of luck.


Until next time, want to see my films? Visit www.youtube.com/RobDimension and watch for free.

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson: Hobbies & R.I.P. JoJo

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson: Hobbies & RIP JoJo

Join Andy's inter web acting class as today, Andy shows you skills with weights, dealing with doohickies and takes a moment of silence for JoJo. Don't forget to share your hobby with Andy by tweeting him on the Tweeter @AndyPylesActor

Remember to subscribe to my youtube channel www.youtube.com/RobDimension

New content goes up every Wednesday and Friday. Plus you can subscribe to this blog and be notified when new articles hit. Stay tuned as something new is happening almost every day! Thanks for watching and here are other sites to remember:

Follow Rob www.twitter.com/RobDimension

On Snapchat - @RobDimension

On Instagram - www.instagram.com/RobDimension 

This site www.RobDimension.com

Have a great day!

PokemonGo: What's the Harm?

Did you ever feel left out? Sadly, by the posts some people have been making about the worldwide phenomenon, PokemonGo, it seem's like a lot of people are feeling left out and want to rain on others happiness. I can't tell you how many posts I see on social media that just tear apart something that is so harmless. Am I naive? Am I missing something? Is the devil dressed as a little, chubby, yellow pocket monster?


First, let me share why I see the good in Pokemon as a whole. In 2000, I opened a retail store at the very beginning of the Pokemon craze. My store focused on Japanese animation and naturally, we carried the Pocket Monster cards, plush/stuffed animals and whatever else we could, because the trend was hot. Fast forward to several years later when we opened our largest retail location and became home of the east coast's largest Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) league. Imagine, every Sunday, having 80-100 kids weekly, in your store, battling, playing and creating new friendships. This is when I saw the good in this crazy little game.


Some of the children that came in dealt with social and mental issues. From anxiety to Asperger Syndrome to Autism to physical handicaps. Most times they never left their house except to come to our store and the parents shared the stories with us. These kids wanted to meet new kids, make friends and have some fun. Pokemon allowed this to happen. No one was looked at as different, no fights every broke out. Not even tears were shed from what I remember. This is when Kim and I realized that this game helps bring people together. We, as a couple feel in love with the good in this game.


Now, here we are again, 2016, our store is nothing but a memory but our old friend Pikachu and the

gang have once again made their way into our lives. Yet, so many on the internet hate to welcome him....trust me, it's not Team Rocket in disguise. It's harmless.

Ok, so here are the benefits to PokemonGo from my perspective:

1. Getting Active - Yes, in order to play this game, you gotta get your ass moving to catch them all. You must accumulate walking miles to hatch eggs, take small adventures to find new breeds and head to gyms and pokestops. I know, walking? Pfft. (We are clocking an average of 10,000 additional steps per day because of this app)

2. Community - I can tell you this first hand, when we walked around our neighborhood, we were met with people of all ages stopping us, sharing where other Pokemon were and just laughing and having a great time. Again...tell me how this is bad? I can't tell you the last time Kim and I walked through our town and talked, laughed and enjoyed the time. This game brings people to together.

Does it have it's draw backs? Of course, but don't worry the media will make you aware of those issues. They love creating fear and telling you the bad stuff in the world.

Here are MY tips:

1. Watch where you're going!! I recommend using the buddy system. (I know..silly). The buddy should be someone who doesn't play and can watch your surroundings like cars, trees or dog poop.

2. Respect people's property - I know you can catch a Gastly in the cemetery but, let's try our best to be respectful. The slight chance of that elusive Pokemon being on private property can and will happen, but you, being responsible will walk away or do your best to follow the law.

3. Have Fun - don't let people bully you into not playing. You can be any age and you can tell everyone about how much fun you're having. Don'y worry what others say. Have fun.

Thanks for taking the time and reading this. As you can see, we have seen Pokemon change and affect people's lives in the most positive way. Any time you can see someone who is dealing with issues, smile and laugh, it's the best feeling in the world. Please share this blog, and check out my Youtube page http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension - Now go out into the world and catch those Pokemon.

PRO-fessional Wrestlers Starter Set list (or any small business owner)

PRO-fessional Wrestlers Starter Set list

(or any small business owner)

This past weekend I was told I'm too old school, so I sat and tried to wrap my head around that statement. Lets start with this - if you are in ANY independent business where YOU are the spokesperson, what do you need? Hmmm...now I have been my own boss several times in my lifetime in fact, even now, as a filmmaker, I am on my own (more or less) and I'm the one who is responsible for how I present myself and my products. 

Let's start with what should be a "no brainer". 

1. Lets start with YOU and your appearance. How do you carry yourself and by 1st impressions, what will others think of you? Well, if you start this answer with "I don't care...I know me." Ugh, then you're in trouble. Do you look professional? After all, you say you are a "Professional", so for starters, you should at least look like one. Now I understand an entire suit at times can be a little much, but would it kill you to wear nice pants, a nice shirt and maybe a suit jacket? Remember, you are trying to show others that you are different than the audience. You are an attraction. If you look like a "regular" guy, why on earth would anyone want to pay you like a professional? Remember, this is even before you step to the ring. Also, if you say "They'll pay me once they see me"...again..ugh.

2. Business cards, how I love thee. I can't tell you how inexpensive business cards are and how much more professional they make you look. Lets say Vince McMahon comes to your little indy show and says "Frankie Spots, I want to hire you...do you have a card?" "Ummm...no, but you can add me on FB or give me a follow Vin." You see how insane and awful that sounds? Having a glossy 2 sided business card is fantastic. Have your logo, your contact email, your pages and on the opposite site, maybe a nice photo with a small bio. 1st impressions people!!

3. A great website would really look fantastic, you know? Again, a small investment that can make you stand out against others. A domain through GoDaddy.com is less than $15 a year. Plus, plenty of free sites are out there and so simple to use. Instead of sharing everyone straight to social media, write a recap of the weekend and share THAT on social media. Mention others you performed with, mentioning the company, showing that YOU are a leader and take it serious. Have your next appearance dates, merchandise and even some matches available so people can check them out. Also, update it regularly. I can't stress this enough....it takes 0 time to just create a blog entry. 

A website doesn't limit what people see. The public is looking for content to read and watch, its what we ALL do. YOU can give them that and therefore build an audience that might leave their sofa and come watch you and buy your merchandise. If you respond "I'm not good at it", then start to take it serious and learn. Its simple to create a basic site. 

Now, obviously I could list more, but lets not overload your senses and make this simple. Later I will add youtube page, a banner to hang at your merchandise table, what and what not to share on Social Media and more.

Now, am I old school or just expecting more from professionals? 

Today's Thoughts - Professionalism, Snobs & Having Value

Today's Thoughts

Professionalism, Snobs & Having Value

Conducting Business Online - Nothing bugs me more than someone hijacking a thread on Facebook, of all places to try to discuss business. Let's be serious for a minute...do you, at any point, think that is the appropriate place? If you want to be perceived as someone serious about business, then you should act like it. Email or private message are better resorts than posting on someone's wall about how great your website is and you want to sell stuff or whatever. Have some sort of professionalism.

Stop Being High and Mighty - The thought that someone else might know more than you is just a dreadful thought, right? NO...Life is a learning curve, knowledge is power and your brain is a sponge. I write a lot of bullshit on here..seriously, I know it. Somethings you might think "Hey, he has a point" while other topics might make you roll your eyes. There are a lot of people I don't like but I have too admit, sometimes I can learn something from them. I truly believe that we learn something new everyday, at least I try too. 

I get it, you think you know everything, so does my 13 year old, but chances are, you're both wrong. In Professional Wrestling I learned a very valuable lesson from Afa the Wild Samoan, he told me "Son, when you are in a new locker room, keep your ears open and mouth shut." He's right, it's a process I've used in everyday life, since most people have a tendency to speak their minds and tell you their business. Trying to speak over someone or getting them to see your side, it's often a lost cause. Be open minded and never, ever be afraid for help or advice. It might not be the help or advice that you want but, getting another perspective can be eye opening.

Having Value - Everyone has a value or self worth. Everyone wants more for themselves. This category falls into the "believing in yourself" field. It is so hard to believe in yourself, you have self confidence. Those that come off as cocky, gloating individuals are more scared than you are, they are frail and fragile. I think I'm somewhere in the middle. I lack self confidence, often say I don't need anyone's approval yet always want it. My brain is like a Rubix Cube, it's different colors based on my moods, it gets twisted easy and is often left a mess. Hey, I'm honest! 

I've talked before about believing in yourself, but think of it this way...if YOU don't think you can do it, how can you expect anyone else to think you can. In most times, it's your job to prove yourself. If you're like me, you take a "No, you can't" and change it into a "Yes, I can" or at least do your best trying. So, look upon today and stand tall and gain some value. 

I'm really starting to sound like some sort of self help nut, I'm not. Writing this helps me through my life, hopefully, maybe you're dealing with a self doubt issue, want to contact someone about something but are afraid of doing it wrong or sometimes, you close your mind to others. 

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.