There’s an interesting debate going on this morning over at FriendFeed. It appears that Robert Scoble has blocked one of his followers (I’m not going to name names, if you want to find out who it is, I invite you to seek it out yourself. Go ahead. Google to your heart’s content. I’ll wait).

You back? OK. Well it appears that some feelings have been hurt as a result of this “cyber-shunning”. Scoble is being called elitist.

Oh, come on, people.

If the biggest part of your day is hoping that some “A-list blogger” (a term, incidentally, coined by the media and fans, not the bloggers themselves) is going to give you the time of day by @replying you on Twitter or responding to your FriendFeed comment, then I’m afraid you’ve got this social media thing all wrong.

The popular bloggers (Vaynerchuk, Scoble, Brogan, Belmont, Laporte, and so on) give of themselves daily to inform, entertain and enlighten their audience. You may like them, you may not, you may be indifferent, but the fact is, they are people too and as much as their fans love to get their continuous undying attention, there are only so many hours in a day. I have personally engaged some of these folks in conversation on more than one occasion and I find them to be extremely approachable, friendly, and helpful – as long as I am respectful don’t over stay my welcome, and make a valuable contribution to the conversation, then I, in turn get to stay at the party.

Social media is about sharing, I agree. But ultimately, everyone has control over who they share their information with. I block people on Twitter and FriendFeed all the time, for various reasons. Maybe our interests aren’t compatible. Maybe they are spammers. Maybe they are offensive to me. Or perhaps I just don’t like their approach. At the end of the day, its up to me who I choose to engage with. And if I don’t engage with you – don’t take it personally.

We all have the right to shape our own social media experience. Nobody, including those with many fans and followers, is under ANY obligation to be “friends” with everyone. So Robert Scoble doesn’t want to be your friend? So be it. You can still read his blog, and comment, and participate on that level.

You don’t have to be invited to the A-list parties to have a good time in this space. In fact, you may have a better time forming your own communities, having your own conversations. Becoming your own “A-list” blogger. You may even get some fans. At the end of the day – respect others, and you will gain their respect. Be an active participant, but contribute value. The community will thank you for it.

Photo credit: Lightfoot from MorgueFile.

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Today is Gary Vaynerchuk’s Good People Day, and I know that there will be a lot of people blogging about good people that everyone knows about. I’m going to talk about some that maybe not everyone knows about. If you are not on the list, it’s not because I don’t think you are good. Anyone who is part of my life right now is in my life because they are good people. I weeded out the un-good ones long ago.

So, here’s my list, in no particular order, and why I think they are good people.

My parents, Joe and Evelyn -  They’re good people because I wouldn’t be here without them, and because they are sweet, kind, generous and loving. And they don’t care when I mess up.

My brother, Mike - He’s good people because he’s the only guy I would ever want for a big brother. And cuz he doesn’t care either when I mess up. And because he’s a good Dad to my nephews.

My husband, @G_reg - He’s good people because he married me. And he puts up with my crazy ideas. And he loves dogs and cats.

My friends Cheryl and Andre and Caroline – They’re good people because I’ve known them longer than almost anyone, and they are really really good at being good friends.

My friend Joanne – She’s good people because she is wise and giving and loves people for who they are.

My friend and business partner Jen – She’s good people because she is one of the most generous people I know and she lives from the heart.

All of the Web friends I’ve made over the past year or so – guys like Jay Moonah, Mark Blevis, Bob Goyetche, and Chris Brogan – They’re good people because they are the very definition of good people – positive, friendly, caring, and generous. You know that the minute you meet them.

The friends I’ve reunited with via the Web, like Stacerella, Stew, and Lexie – They’re good people because they are the real deal, the kinds of friends that you have forever that will be there no matter where your lives take you.

And, Gary Vaynerchuk – whom I have never met in person, but who has proven himself to be one of those very very good people.

Who are your good people? Feel free to comment and let the world know!

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