9/11/2001. Twelve years later. Much has changed, especially online.
I was at kind of a loss as to what to write for today, given that I write about authors and marketing. But as I looked at what I have scheduled across my social media channels, I realized that it’s a good time to address what’s appropriate to share on specific days such as this one that affect so many in the U.S. and beyond.
WHAT NOT TO POST
- Skip the self promotion. I suggest not promoting yourself or your books on 9/11 (unless your book has to do with the event itself). It seems to go without saying but mark my words, people will promote their books and their services today and won’t give a thought or care to the significance of the day. Most likely this has more to do with automation and RSS feeds — something most people set and forget. Take this as a reminder to look over your applications and check what may be automated.
- Humorous quotes. I have a sense of humor. I write satirical humor. Yet, this is not the day. (True story: I once scheduled in a post about humorous gravestones and the incredibly talented artist who creates them. As terrible luck would have it, that post went out on the day of the Sandy Hook shooting. I was mortified and I learned my lesson.) I’m known for my humor, but even I’m skipping that today.
WHAT TO AVOID
- Flame wars. Regardless of your political leanings, 9/11 is an emotional day for millions. If you have a disagreement with someone over any kind of ideology, I suggest shelving it for another day. You never know who you’ll offend/how many potential readers you can lose. Be conscious of how your words can affect people when emotions are heightened.
- Business as usual. I’m sharing a few key quotes that seem apropos to the tone of the day, a few pix, but I won’t schedule in anything much beyond that. Yes, it’s a work day, it’s business as usual…except, it’s not.
- Being insensitive. We cannot imagine what New Yorkers went through then or since, as well as in Pennsylvania and D.C. While I don’t recommend walking on eggshells, I do recommend authors be especially cognizant of inadvertently hurting someone’s feelings through careless comments today.
Everyone grieves differently — remember that also. If you become upset by the events of that day, stay off social media altogether. Sometimes that’s the best course of action when so many images and memories will be flooding our streams and walls. Some find comfort in that, others can be triggered into sadness and depression.
Do whatever feels right to you.
It’s important to remember these days and to act with respect across all aspects of our online lives — anytime, but especially today.
