Someone recently criticized me of being unavailable and inaccessible, especially in light of the fact that it appears I’m “online” all the time. I’d say that one of those is most definitely true.
But what’s the difference? Here’s my take on it (and I agree with Pastor Steven Furtick’s thoughts a while back).
It’s true. The man’s “criticism” about being unavailable is definitely true. I’d say that’s the truth for most people. We just don’t have enough time to engage with everyone all the time, even if we’re online.
But that doesn’t mean that I’m inaccessible. I think most people who are in the social media space are very accessible. We’ve given tons of different avenues for response, dialogue, and connection.
And that’s the beauty of the “online.” But, we have to be respectful and cognizant that there’s a difference between “availability” and “accessibility.”
What’s your take?
[Image from BlueCinderella]
Jay says
I agree with your take. You and I both use Gmail and I use Google talk for IM. So there are times when I see your status as "available." It doesn't mean however, that I should send you an IM and expect you to just stop whatever it is you're doing and have a conversation with me. As an IT director of where I work, I'm online all day. However, in between times like this when I'm dropping a comment or throwing out something on Twitter, there is work to do and as such I am going to be unavailable.
Adam_S says
I agree. I would use an illustration of a cell phone. I carry it with me all the time. If I am changing a diaper (a frequent occurrence in my house) I do not stop and answer the cell phone. I have people complain that I don't answer the phone a fair bit, but then they won't leave a message. I assume if it is not important enough to leave a message it is not important enough for me to call you back.
chrisdat says
Net etiquette in the new world of social media needs to evolve, and I’m trying to be patient. I too am online most of the time due to my work. For some new friends to social media they assume I am available to engage immediately, particularly FB friends. I’ve learned to try and turn off online status on FB. But then there is Skype and Google talk which is an important tool for work.
It’s a tough call. I have dear friends who are just learning to connect. They send messages like How is your day going? Appreciate the question, but I hope they understand if I don’t always reply. Sometimes I send them a note letting them know that no insult meant if I don’t reply to their every message. (Some just don’t get it). I’m becoming a master of one word replies. (Tip learned from watching, John:))
Working on patience, graciousness and priorities. Juggling….
fmckinnon says
Man, you've got to be kidding me – someone is arrogant enough to criticize you for that?
Faye says
Spot-on, John.
Ahh yes, the bane of the new world of social media. First of all, on Facebook — no one knows when I'm "there" because I opted to appear offline even when I'm not. I tend to do that for all the places I can.
A while back, our pastor talked about creating margin in our lives. Something I'm so not good at, but I'm learning. Our youngest son and my father (age range 27 to 85) — neither understand. If we have a home phone and I don't answer it, then I must surely answer the cell phone! Neither will leave a message and both are astounded to learn that I was doing something totally asinine when they called… taking a shower, visiting with someone, taking a walk….
I agree about the etiquette statement. We all tend to think that we should be able to get all our text, IM, tweets & phone messages answered RIGHT NOW! However, when the shoe is on our foot, we feel differently — or else we fail to build that margin around ourselves and lose control.
Margin. Even though my jobs call for me to be online a lot, I'm learning to be patient with others and myself about communicating. I try to remember back in the day when we had a party line and had to wait just to USE the phone, much less getting through. There were no answering machines. No voice mail. We just made a note and called back later — if the line was free. If I go there, I can think about just how important my call or message is in the whole scheme of things. Most of the time, it's really not.
Justin Wise says
Dude. I find you to be completely accessible. Keep on keepin' on.
Ancoti says
I think it is more a question of attitude, of willingness to engage than it is of the amount of time you are logged in. You can lurk, or surf and skim along in your bubble; or you can seek out and interact.
Graham Brenna says
Yeah man… we're all pretty accessible. But people need to understand that twittering and blogging don't pay the billz. That's why we all have "real" jobs too! For the most part… it's our "real" jobs that fuel our content for our blogs and twitter.
JakeSchwein says
That is the forever battle of anyone in public ministry, whether that is online or not….available versus accessible
Adam_S says
I think that is is an issue that many pastors do not know how to balance. Someone is dying because of a car accident and they want you to go to the hospital, yes you should make yourself available. Someone needs a ride to the airport at an inconvenient time, not so much.
I had some pastor friends that were let go from their church. There were more issues than this, but this was one of the reason. There were people in the church that thought that they should be available 24/7. My friends thought that it wasn't healthy (they were a co-pastor couple). It really came down to one very needy family. They would call the pastor at all hours of the day and night. When the one of the pastors would refuse to help on a minor matter or wouldn't help in the way that this needy family wanted they would call the largest giver in the church (who at the time they were let go was the chair of the deacons) and want him or his wife to help. The large giver often wouldn't help either, but they wanted the pastor to do the dirty work for them so they wouldn't feel bad.
mikes says
it is very impt that we are accessible in many ways than one. but availability? people can't expect us to be always there. i mean we also have a life outside the blogging world, right?
Jim says
i've not had that experience with you!