Things I've Learned from Gatlinburg Social Media
Uh oh! This can’t be good, right? Well, not necessarily. I’ve been on Facebook as Gatlinburg NOW for…oh, around eight years. For the most part, it’s been a fantastic place to share my thoughts and experiences as an Ohio resident making Gatlinburg our permanent vacation spot. On the other hand, it can be as toxic as the experts warn. I feel very grateful you love Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains just as much and more than I. Because of that love and desire to be here, you have taken time from your day to express your feelings. I really do appreciate it, and at times, I don’t feel I deserve to have such a loyal following
On the other hand, I do have the occasional negative comments. Most of which I don’t pay any mind, but there are a few that will bother me. I am human, so I would be lying if I said I just shake off all the haters online. I understand it happens. I certainly don’t lose any sleep over the negativity. Now that would be a me problem. Specifically, I’m going to explain a few things I’ve learned from growing my Page, mostly from the Facebook side.
Some Will Never Have Anything Good to Say
Yes, I’m talking about trolls. If you don’t understand, quite simply, it’s people who comment just to voice their displeasure or get a rise out of someone. It’s part of the reason we have a problem with the unsettling anxiety and depression in our kids. I’m not saying we should get rid of all social media platforms, because that makes it sound like I’m also against violence on TV and video games. All of which requires some form of moderation, and kids with good parents will set some limits. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and if you’re a parent, it’s impossible to know what’s too much. Anyway, I digress. With me, I know it comes with the territory. And it’s that simple reminder that keeps my passion going.
Gatlinburg’s Never Going Back to the Way It Was
I would love to go back in time to see the old Gatlinburg. One of my favorite movies of all the time is the Back to The Future trilogy. It just struck me as an awesome way of seeing how things were and how they changed. While I understand the longing to see the Gatlinburg of the past, it’s just not ever going to be that way again. If that means you go somewhere else on vacation, then that is your choice. I know many of you will always voice your displeasure over this fact. I myself would like to see it retain that mountain town aesthetic, and there are still signs it’s alive and well, even if it doesn’t seem that way with the different…uh, shops that are there now. After all, the Smoky Mountains are right next door, and nobody can build any new cabins or gaudy tourist attractions in this sensational, glorious piece of land.
You Are The Best Followers I Could Ask For
See, I don’t have all negative things to say about Gatlinburg social media. You have all been fantastic followers. I never expected to have this many. Anytime I see a nice comment or a picture you decided to share from your visit, I smile on the inside. It makes me realize your love for Gatlinburg runs as deep as mine. It is you who doesn’t make me feel crazy for obsessing over everything about our visits. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t love it so much to want to be here all the time. I don’t know if I’ll ever realize that dream, but you have taught me that it’s perfectly fine to feel this way, because I have heard you loud and clear how much you cherish every visit. And for that, my heartfelt thanks to you!
The best thing you could do for me and my Publication—besides reading my posts—would be for you to subscribe. I would be honored to have you as a paid subscriber as well. Not only does that mean you support and like my writing, but it also will be of benefit to you seeing this Publication grow and evolve into something I can put much more time into. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you enjoy my perspective on Gatlinburg!