We’re so impressed that you are reading blogs – and even more impressed that you are reading ours! Seriously, what a wonderful comment. We are nothing, if not unusual.

I am always reminded of a quote from a man I deeply respect, Kody Bateman. He said “Appreciation wins out over self promotion every time”.

You keep providing such great content – I should quit Twitter and just follow you. I’d get a lot more out of it.

By the way, just for a chuckle. The guy who wrote the back comment (I feel his pain) wrote a book about how to Twitter.

We live in interesting times.

Great book review in Salon this morning about a new book for people feeling unable to concentrate…Twitter is a culprit.

http://www.salon.com/books/review/2009/04/29/rapt/index.html

Speaking of “hidden treasures,” no one is out there reading more, discovering more and learning more than Pat Foltz. She knows where all the treasures are hidden – online or off. This morning I saw someone who wrote on their Twitter page – “my back hurts.” I think that’s what you mean.

It’s great to be able to write about such engaging and thoughtful people. I just have to say that you are both “Hidden Treasures of the Internet” – the kind we love finding one way or another on the web.

Thanks for letting us use you as subjects – and thanks for your comments.

–Gwendolyn Brooks

How perfectly said…but for some people, I don’t want to know about their life, even distilled. And I am sure they feel the same about mine

Thanks for the kind words and for caring about something important and not peripheral as so much on the Web seems to be. The research on what leads people who work in organizations to perform well over time clearly shows that a culture of arrogance breeds distrust and fear which are killers of productivity as well as human and organizational health. And you are right, it is all about relationships, for it is only in healthy and trusting relationships that people are transformed over time and achieve that for which they were purposed and called to. It’s no accident that the greatest “commandment” was and is to love God and love your neighbor. The devil is in the execution and humility will always be opposed by our desire to be over and above others. A tough battle but one worth waging. C.S. Lewis also wrote well on this subject if further reading is desired. Thanks for your good work. This website was a delightful treasure to find. Keep persisting,

Ray

When we demonstrate our authenticity and take time to listen to the other person, it builds a bank of good will. If you start with the pitch in SM, you are pretty much like the person who hands out business cards to everyone without checking to see if there is a match in interest, need, or compatibility.

That’s what makes getting to know Kneale and you, Michael, so much more rewarding. Perhaps it will benefit our businesses or perhaps we will have a fun, growth-producing time!

It is important to remember we don’t have to follow everyone who follows us. If there is too much “Look at me” in your stream, let the person go off to wherever he/she will get the desired attention. It leaves space for those of us who want conversation to transport us.

It’s all about the people. It’s the relationships that eventually make a person, and eventually make a business. Too many people seem to think they can skip the part about developing a relationship – and move directly to the pitch.

We’ve made several cool new connections on things like Twitter, that is true. However, I have to say that lately the onslaught of marketing, sales and self-serving hype (not to mention trivial drivel) is making us question any of the time we spend there.