Stephen Yeargin

I do not blog on MySpace. Social networking sites, in my mind, are not home to my online persona but rather a means to connect with people you have met along life’s journey. I do keep updates here, where I write “mostly about politics, news media, technology and hockey.” I sometimes put photos and other junk on here as well.

Here lately, I have noticed a trend for classmates from high school (both in Greenfield and Nashville) to add me as a friend on Facebook and MySpace. It is great to find out what has happened in the five or six years since the last time we spoke. In fact, my mind frequently goes back to those times when I see something that reminds me of childhood. The exchange is fairly cordial, learning about their lives, who they married, where they work, and what comes next. I share the update for my side of the coin, check up on their profiles every now and then to see what else is happening. I would assume they do the same.

Then, one day, I am deleted.

My first reaction is to assume that I have said or done something to offend them. More likely, I do not fit within their normal circle of friends (I never post to MySpace other than this message or the occasional comment) and become the subject of “Why is he on my friends list again? CLICK”. But I tend to hope it is the first one. Because I have made a habit out of saying things that can upset but ultimately are aimed at making you consider my point of view. This brings on quite a few disagreements or even the occasional hostility, but at least we know where each other stands.

So here it is. If you have not seen me in a while and want to find out what is going on on my side of the world, stay tuned to this site. My profile is public and I never post bulletins (or read them for that matter), so you do not have to be on some special guest list to satisfy your curiosity. If you feel so compelled, you can add me as a friend on MySpace, but that carries no more weight with me than exchanging the occasional e-mail or leaving a comment. If you do add me, you can bet that I will drop in on your profile every now and then to see what’s up. I guess that is how we all stay in touch in this overly connected world.

Are we good?