I’m gaining traction.
That’s the good news of my being active online, as a physician.
But here’s the bad news, at least as far as I see things.
I’m getting recognized as someone who’s eloquent, and has a growing reach.
Why is that bad, you’re wondering.
It seems like we all strive to achieve these qualities. So why am I listing this as “bas”?
I’ll tell you why.
Because people who follow me, including random companies I don’t know, and even colleagues I have nothing in common with, except to share in their degree, are endlessly tagging me into their work.
Why are you mass tagging, my friends?
When did it become acceptable to add 30 names to our posts, just so that they gets traction?
People, it looks spammy. Slimy, even.
It looks like you are begging for help, in my honest opinion.
Worse, it feels like you’re using others.
When did it become acceptable to add 30 names to our posts, just so that they gets traction? People, it looks spammy. Slimy, even. Click To Tweet
From my end, it feels like I’m being used.
It feels like all you need me for is to give your post visibility, and for free.
Allow me to clarify something, colleagues. This is my time. This is my space.
If I feel like giving your post a boost, then I will, on my own.
But please don’t tag me in every single one of them that you post.
Allow me to clarify something, colleagues. This is my time. This is my space. If I feel like giving your post a boost, then I will, on my own. Click To Tweet
I know others feel the same as I do, because I’ve spoken to them about this.
I’m not the only person who is tagged.
Please think twice before tagging.
Please have a discussion with someone you are tagging, to ask their permission before tagging, and to build an agreed-upon alliance that gives and takes.
If you tag me, then it needs to be about something I am collaborating with you on.
For example, if I’m a guest on your podcast, and you tag me, then great. I’ll share.
If I’m speaking at your conference, then great, tag me on that too.
But don’t tag me if I’m not even involved.
Maybe I want you to boost my posts too?
Have you considered that this would be the reality of how social media works?
Tags aren’t a free-for-all, and they’re a topic that needs to be discussed.
In summary, please don’t use my online presence as a rag doll and toss it around whenever you please, for your own benefit.
Please respect my space, and my time, both in real life and in the digital world.
Please give me the respect of asking me to collaborate on a post.
Signed, a physician that gets endlessly tagged.
