A totally roasting weekend (eating, funnily enough, “roast lamb”) has had me considering whether or not to sacrifice all my current social media platforms and tools for a solitary presence using Google Plus, or Google+.

I am not sold on the argument that Google+ is another passing fad, as already I can see how more in control of my content I am. The idea of “circles” certainly looks a better privacy proposition for the everyday user like me.

Wondering if the News of the World would have found a way to hack them though?

Anyway, I have migrated all my Facebook (FB) images into picasa, and so by default, into google+ and next I will see what other existing media and data I have on line can also be migrated.

I also have researched a little about google plus and came across “How Google+ Will Balkanize Your Social Life”

WTF has the term “Balkanize” really got to do with Social Media?

Maybe the idea of segragating content in a more controlled way is a step forward from what we all experience now. I mean, FB is forever being slated for exposing privacy flaws concerning the data WE put on line.

Balkanization though?

The word itself has such emotional overtones as a result of the “Terrible Nineties” in this region where I now live.

Whatever.

Maybe Google+ is what the Balkans need though as a tool for open communiaction without “Big Brother” (Veliki Brat) being able to snoop and thereby snuff out dissent.

For more about Balkanization click HERE

You know, when you commit to writing about almost anything, there should be an element of research, cross checking content to see how factual and credible the information is and if the story is interesting. Some of the basics of “Journalism”.

I look at things differently. I am not a trained or even experienced journo, rather a broadcaster that’s fallen (on occasions) into a “newsy” type of role.

Inform, Educate, Entertain = “Content is King”

Of course I know the principles and can give basic common sense advice on how broadcast journalism works, but when it comes to my blogging I just prefer to write about MY observations, the world as I see it.

Being a non conformist excites me!

It’s also my blanket excuse for my lousy spelling and grammar!

So having been back in the Balkans for a few weeks now, I have started to once again immerse myself back into the local “scene”, talking about hyper local events, listening to the gossip (Balkan people JUST LOVE to gossip!), feeling part of the “pulse” of everyday life.

My Facebook friendships have started to take on a local flavour as well.

In this region of South East Europe there seems to be a trend of what I call “jealousy paranoia”. Everyone it seems, loves to relish in either “rampant schadenfreude” or simply can’t bear to recognise that people have become successful through their own hard work and merit. An extremely weird and destructive characteristic amongst a group of people who are so warm and hospitable. I mean, when you think or even talk about Bosnia, “tolerance” doesn’t jump at you word association-wise now does it?

So, back to Facebook. Anyone here who gets mildly creative, wants to push the envelope or dares to be different with either style or content of their Facebook status updates is immediately branded an airhead, stupid, or even worse.

Being different simply isn’t on.

So how do the youth of Banja Luka for example, use Facebook then? Surely the peer pressure of publishing your life on such a dynamic social media platform would drive fear of public ridicule deep into the heart?

The answer it seems is two fold.

1. Facebook is used as a glorified “Chat Up” and “Dating” platform.

2. A place to post links to Youtube music videos (which some people do with AN almost addictive fervour).

Why the above?

No one seems able to provide a reason.

Mister Zuckerberg’s plan didn’t pan out too well here. Although Ceca’s could be.

Balkan “vets” will understand the description “Turbo-Facebook”

This is not to say however, that there isn’t a westernised, European, progressive and urban sub culture that is lever-aging Facebook as a social media information and influence platform.

There is, BUT this sub-culture is not in the ascendant.

YET.