Facebook is too loose, LinkedIn is too tight, Twitter is too useless. So where do engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs with hands-on skills go to find kindred spirits that can help them realize new products, processes, or businesses? A few credible sources such as IEEE Spectrum, Professional Engineering Magazine, and ASME's magazine have broached the topic recently to see if engineers and social networking can not only coexist, but thrive and prosper in a productive manner. I think the answer is a resounding yes, but that's what ELFS is all about - bringing engineers together to get stuff done. But take a look at these articles to see for yourself, and to also discover other places where people like us can get together online.
IEEE Spectrum - Online groups and sites are cropping up to cater to specialized interests
ASME - Engineers Make Practical Use of Social Media
PE Magazine - Social Net-Working
What do you think? Can engineers make valuable use of social media to further technology and practical innovation? Or is it just a time-waster and real innovation only happens offline?
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Admin
I just read this 2011 report discussing a detailed survey of EETimes readers about their social media habits. There are a couple of surprises, but the gist is that social networking hasn't boomed in engineering circles the same way it has in the general populace, and for good reason. But engineers DO find high value in niche social media sites, rather than Facebook and Twitter. That's what ELFS is all about.
Check out the slideshow - what do you think?