What Shel Silverstein Knew About Social Media

“If you are a dreamer, come in.

If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean-buyer.

If you’re a pretender, come site by my fire, for we have some flax golden tales to spin.

Come in! Come in!” -Shel Silverstein

Upon reflection tonight (while making mini-funfetti cupcakes) the above poem came into my mind, as its one of my favorites that I often think to myself. That’s when it hit me.

Shel Silverstein knew all about social media before it even existed. Social media gives the same invitation that Shel’s poem up above does, because the technology is a means to an end. It invites us to join with others and pursue our passions, interests, and beliefs no matter what the occupation or desire. No matter who you are – “dreamers, bakers, hopers” – social media invites you to join in.

On the same note that Shel invited all to follow their own path, he also added a similiar warning that most today are still afraid of missing: their opportunity, in his poem, “Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda.”

“All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas,

Layin’ in the sun,

Talkin’ bout the things

They woulda coulda shoulda done…

But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

All ran away and hid

From one little Did.”

The point? Social media offers numerous opportunities no matter what your passion or believed purpose, so join in, explore, ask questions, seek knowledge and ACT, so you aren’t left repeating Shel’s poem, and instead can say, “I DID.”

Liked what you read? Feel free to share with others: and/or connect with me on Twitter – @socialbttrfly.

4 thoughts on “What Shel Silverstein Knew About Social Media”

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Ari Herzog January 29, 2009 at 9:32 pm

You wanted to grow up and be like Jimmy Jet but feared shrinking into the TV set, right?

Derek Showerman January 30, 2009 at 8:18 am

Great post and wonderful insights. My girlfriend is a big book reader and we talk alot about books in relation to Social Media. So this really connected the dots for our conversations. Keep up the great work.

Qui Diaz January 30, 2009 at 8:23 am

Great stuff. There is such beauty and sanity in the fact that I am not the only person who uses Shel for big life allegories.

Did you ever look into his dark history? Very interesting, a little disturbing, like most bloggers 😉

admin Post authorJanuary 30, 2009 at 10:05 am

@Derek Glad I could add to your guys’ conversation.

@Qui Glad I’m not alone either. I figured people would either be with me, or be like, come on now… and no…I am not familiar with the shadiness. Off to Google to investigate. =)

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SocialButterfly

Exploring the Art + Science of Social Change.

4 thoughts on “What Shel Silverstein Knew About Social Media”