I think this time of year it’s totally understandable that our levels of online engagement drop off a bit – especially in your case! You have moved countries temporarily after all – the fact you’re managing to write as many considered posts as you are is truly amazing.

I think this does point to the need for embedded networking as part of our standard practice – or even before that, the recognition of why it should be and the benefits of doing so.

I think this extends beyond the individual too. I believe organisations should be investigating the values of formal and informal networking – both online and offline – and the affordances they offer both specifically and holistically.

From the standpoint of staff development, if people are finding value in the informal networks they develop over time, then the realised benefits are ultimately fed back into the workplace in one form or another.

But if use of new media is seen to be an irrelevant pass-time, or a purely technical framework that’s superficially bolted-on rather than a core communicative activity that’s embedded in practice, then the true opportunities may never be realised.

Anyway not sure where that came from And yes, both kids are doing great! We are all in fact.

Hope you’re well too! Talk to you later,

Mike