| Social media is a perfect vehicle for connections | | | | be repositories for family videos. In most cases, |
| between family and friends. While it has many | | | | however, the video information remains available to |
| marketing opportunities there is a more personal side | | | | the public for viewing. If privacy is a primary concern |
| to social media worth exploring. For instance, families | | | | there are programs such as BigUpload that will allow |
| used to connect only through the occasional letter | | | | you to host a video or other large file and select |
| that may be passed around from one family member | | | | email addresses to receive access to the files for |
| to another and photos of grandchildren were passed | | | | download. Family Forums or Blogs - the use of a |
| along in Christmas cards. Today social media is having | | | | forum or blog can allow the various personalities of |
| an impact on how scattered families can remain | | | | your family to shine through. They can also allow you |
| connected. Beyond the useful emails, the use of | | | | to coordinate potential gatherings or gift exchanges. |
| social media can allow families to access a number of | | | | Due to the dynamics of family there might even be |
| methods to help keep others up-to-date on family | | | | the occasional bit of tension - even cyberspace can't |
| news. Slide Shows - this is a photo tool that can | | | | change that. The use of social media offers great |
| allow you to send highlights of a special event in the | | | | opportunity for families to enjoy the privacy you |
| life of your family such as a birthday party, | | | | want with the connectedness you desire. When you |
| anniversary or family trip. In a matter of moments | | | | participate in a social network you can also branch |
| your family can gain access to a visually pleasing | | | | out to visit other friends without disrupting the |
| presentation of your most immediate adventures. | | | | privacy you need. If you desire a more public profile |
| Social Networks - many social networks provide a | | | | you should check with the social network to see if |
| privacy setting that only allow approved members | | | | they allow a second account. If they do, the second |
| into your personal network. For all intents and | | | | account can be used to keep in contact with a more |
| purposes this type of network allows you the | | | | public audience. Social media provides a unique |
| privacy you may desire in sharing family news, audio, | | | | opportunity to connect families in the 21st century. |
| video and photos in one convenient setting. Other | | | | Perhaps it is an idea worth pursuing. |
| family members can also set up a privacy account, | | | | Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. |
| which allows a no-cost alternative to family | | | | He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other |
| connections. YouTube - Video sites like YouTube can | | | | web projects. |