Thing 12 - social networking a blessing or a curse?

I've been using SWOT analysis to consider the question of social networking as a benefit or disadvantage in professional development & to consider new ways of utilising these online tools to maximimise their benefit. One of the main advantages that I've highlighted is that it is a remote system of development - anyone can join from anywhere without being restricted by geography, as a result it opens up even more opportunities for developing networks & professional knowledge. Unfortunately it's main advantage can also be it's main disadvantage as the fact that they're remote access online tools can mean that you're unable to continue to develop professional relationships into the 'human' world. However, I think the advantages & opportunities for social networking as a development tool far outweigh the advantages. For instance, if it wasn't for CPD23 I probably wouldn't have been able to make contact with such a wide range of specialist & public libraries or been able to get advice & support on such a wide range of topics. It has also meant that I've had the advantage of seeing topics & issues from wide range of different vantage points which has helped me to better understand the LIS professional knowledge base, as well as looking at operational & strategic tools from outside the LIS service as having the potential to support our projects & developments. Having a set CPD23 course to follow has also helped to foster a sense of community in other ways, for instance, ensuring that I remain in contact with the network & am keeping up to date with what's happening in different parts of the community as it can be all too easy to become wrapped up in your own specific projects & daily tasks, & to keep putting off the 'social' side of your professional development. With CPD23, on the other hand, there's a series of weekly/bi-weekly goals to achieve which reminds you that networking is just as important to your professional development as any formal training course & gives you the impetus to keep up with it.