February 23, 2016 
DG&B 
Recently I’ve come across a fun account on Ye Olde Twitter that is tweeting out lines from PG Wodehouse without any context or citation:
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never been able to bear the sight of a kid with golden curls. I always feel the urge to step on them.
— PG Wodehouse (@wodehouseoffice) February 19, 2016
Lord Emsworth uttered a cry of rapture. The Empress was feeding.
— PG Wodehouse (@wodehouseoffice) February 18, 2016
I read yesterday that Shakespeare is not alive. It steeped me in a profound gloom.
— PG Wodehouse (@wodehouseoffice) February 9, 2016
For me, these are a super-fun way to re-experience an author I already love, and I’m now itching for a deep dive into the Wodehouse canon!
But I also got to thinking today about the importance of context, especially on Twitter. I’m sure we’ve all seen listicles on Buzzfeed, Someecards, etc., rounding up hilarious comments during live events, notable folks’ opinion on a current event, and other person-on-the-street-style reactions. These posts can be very fun, but is it always a good thing for a single tweet to be taken out of the context of your Twitter feed, where your regular followers and others in your social media circles are aware of your values and priorities, or may be following an ongoing conversation you were having that the compilation missed?
No one wants to be offensive or hurtful to others and it’s certainly important to be aware of your words’ impact on those who read them, especially in a public forum like Facebook or Twitter. And sometimes folks use the “out of context!” excuse to cover-up for views that are simply offensive. On the other hand, social media is a tool for sharing our personalities with others, especially when it comes to artists engaging with fans, and social media often provides a platform for important conversations about tough issues like racism, sexism, or homophobia. So it’s important to keep in mind that our social media posts can be taken out of context, and to be alert to hurtful or damaging statements in or out of context when using social media for genuine interactions and productive conversations.
What are your favorite tips for honest but respectful social media posts? Any best practices you’ve found for limiting the out-of-context danger of Twitter?
My three social media rules are:
1. Do not respond (aka don’t be defensive)
2. Before I post anything I ask myself “Are you willing to stand 100% behind this?” If the answer is no I just don’t post it. If the answer is yes I try to make sure I know exactly what I’m talking about.
3. Don’t share anything I haven’t fully read and understood first.
These have managed to keep me out of any trouble. So far.
This excludes Buzzfeed lists of adorable kittens and dog shaming, of course. Those are share on impulse…
I tend to keep social media light. I do not engage with (or tweet) sensitive subjects, such as politics or religion. This does not mean I don’t have my own opinions; I merely think social media is a wonderful tool to connect with others, to inspire, to be inspired–and controversy does not lend itself to these things.
Just my two cents!
Great post! 😀
Social media to me is a waste of time, but to the best of my recollection, the first Wodehouse quote is from a book called LAUGHING GAS-highly recommended, as all his stuff tends to be. The reason someone\’s tweeting this stuff is that Wodehouse and others of his generational ilk had a grasp on witty repartee and narrative style which is rapidly becoming a lost art these days, in no small part because social media has spread the idea that everyone has something worthwhile to say and all opinions are equally valuable. Unfortunately, most social media addicts\’ efforts bear far more resemblance to Lord Emsworth\’s vague potterings than to Uncle Galahads\’ adroit rejoinders. It\’s fun in a snackfoodish way, I\’ll admit, (Why else would ISIS be threatening to kill the CEOs of Facebook and Twitter for cutting off their chatter stream?) but an athlete who has plans regarding the Olympics avoids the Carls Jr. across the street………………..