Bridget Macklin

Social Media – do we need it?

This week I took the decision to close my Facebook account. I had been considering it for a bit but what tipped me over the edge was Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to end factchecking in favour of prioritising free speech. I am a great believer in free speech but I believe that this decision opens the flood gates to content which is not so much free speech as harmful rhetoric. The people who, in my opinion, stand to suffer most from this decision are vulnerable groups such as women, LGBT+ people, people of colour. People who already face disproportionate harassment and attacks.

My decision is a tiny drop in a vast ocean. It will make no difference at all. Indeed I am now left feeling rather disingenuous because I have left Facebook but I have retained my presence on Instagram, also part of Meta, so what am I playing at?

There is a difference between the two platforms in terms of their content which I could use to justify my actions but the fact is that artists really need social media.

I am stuck

between a rock

and

a hard place.

Artists are expected to have a social media presence in order to be taken seriously. They use it to discover opportunities for exhibitions, residencies and courses and to keep in touch with their communities. The ultimate irony is that virtually no-one will see this post because most traffic to my blogs is directed from my social media accounts. So I find myself between a rock and a hard place and I actually don’t know what to do about it.

Why Craft Festivals Are Good For Me.

Last weekend found me selling my wares at the Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair. Sixty or so stalls were set out and thousands of people visited. It was a long, tiring few days and I came home absolutely on my knees. By Sunday afternoon my head was banging, my body was fizzing and my feet were very sore. I was also hoarse from multiple conversations with potential purchasers and people interested in what I do.

So why do I subject myself to such a frenzy?

Firstly, it is a great opportunity to meet the people who appreciate your work. Handing a piece straight over to a smiling purchaser is very gratifying.

Secondly, it is a really good place to catch up with other makers. Creating in a home-based studio is often lonely. Sharing a weekend with like minded people is a great time to re-boot ones mood and have a bit of a sanity check.

Most importantly though, I had so many wonderful conversations this weekend. There were so many people who wanted to discuss ceramics, to talk specifically about what I do and to make enquiries about how to learn more. It is sometimes hard to know if you are getting it right and endorsements like this help hugely.

So, thank you – to the organisers, to the other exhibitors and most of all to the visitors to the fair – for making this a very memorable weekend.