Digital Presence-Rebecca Skloot

1.  *   https://twitter.com/#!/rebeccaskloot

    

   
    I don’t like the use of abbreviations in Skloot’s tweets, such as,  ‘Gr8’ and ‘u’r,’ the use of ‘Gr*’ is especially troubling because it makes me think of Avril Lavigne and middle school.  I understand that these are tweets and that they are only allowed to be a certain length, but they seem unprofessional and make me question her seriousness as an author. Twitter, however, is a great place to make contact with other writers. 

2.             * http://scienceblogs.com/culturedish/

      This blog works really well. It shows up to date stories about the Lacks’s, it has stories about                       current happenings in the science fields, and the blog format allows for bigger posts. This format works because we can see things Skloot is interested in, and we get more information (which would seem near impossible) about the Lacks’s and their story as it continues to change and grow. It also shows that she is still interested in the subject that she spent so much time on, and that she is looking at the world through a similar lens.

3.             *  https://www.facebook.com/rebeccaskloot

          I think this is such an important platform and one that works really well for any public figure. Facebook is such an interesting tool for anyone that is slightly famous, because they are able to get MASS feedback. For some reason, I feel that people are slightly more voyeuristic and/or forthcoming on Facebook than they are on other social sites. Of course there is a drawback to MASS feedback, being that not everyone takes the time to comment insightfully or articulately. However, Skloot seems to be getting decent feedback from the entries I’ve browsed.

          Form 2 and 3 are the most successful at portraying Skloot as an author. I will begrudgingly admit that 1 is good for administrative things; stops on a book tour, where she is/when she is there, things like that. Overall, Skloot’s online presence is pretty rounded. I also find it impressive that she responds to so many people!