Minding your Pinterest Manners
Pinterest is currently the hottest and fastest growing social media site of 2012. It is refreshingly different from all other social networking sites, in that Pinterest is a beacon of simplicity where individuals “pin” (bookmark) their favorite things – recipes, photos, craft ideas, art, etc. – onto pin-boards and create an organized collage of sorts. It is different because it is a gathering of your own personal interests. Yet, it is similar to other social media sites since you can follow each other and collect creative ideas and inspiration.
Of course, where there is social interaction, there are certain etiquette guidelines that should be considered:
- Hold the ego. Pinterest is not about bragging, showing off, or self-promoting. Pinterest is about personal interests and inspiration. The other social networking sites give you plenty of opportunity to promote your business, awards, promotions, etc.
- Be considerate. Each person’s pin-board is designed to reflect their own personal interests. Therefore, there should be no criticisms of another’s thoughts, hopes and dreams. Connect with people who are like-minded and share the same interests that you do, or search for new interests and ideas.
- Properly credit your sources. When you pin someone’s photos, recipes, artwork, etc., be sure to properly credit the “original” source. They deserve credit for their magnum opus. Sending them a message and letting them know you pinned them would be an added bonus.
According to http://pinterest.com/about/, it is Pinterest’s mission to: “…connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting. We think that a favorite book, toy, or recipe can reveal a common link between two people. With millions of new pins added every week, Pinterest is connecting people all over the world based on shared tastes and interests.”
Pinterest has a marketplace feel to it – it is a place where you see people and ideas and places and products alike – it is refreshing, open and welcoming. Check it out and enjoy!
