In what ways do you communicate online?

Bloganuary – Daily Prompt

My initial thought for this prompt was focused on the how, i.e., which sites, apps, online tools, etc. Then I took a breath and thought about the question. The question is not “What sites/tools do you use to communicate online?” It is about the ways I communicate. It is a deeper question than I originally considered. Now, where do I go with it?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

As a photographer, I communicate visually. But that is not completely correct. I don’t post images alone (not always; some days I get lazy and I do), I write words. Maybe not always effectively, but I share some of me. Thoughts, comments, and intentions, all get attached to the images I post.

I add titles to my images. Some of the titles enhance the image or provide that extra bit of context. The titles can change how the image is communicated. They can influence how the viewer feels about the image.

And then I thought about communication. Where I feel communicate can be a one way street, communication is about an exchange of thoughts. I’m not always the best at communication, especially online. I will respond to comments on my posts but it is typically that, me responding, not initiating the communication.

I still refuse to call it a resolution but I want to be better at communication this year. There has been a lot of support from my online friends for my photography and this experiment I call a blog. I want to reciprocate that support and hopefully improve how I communicate.