By now, everyone has heard the news that Pinterest has surpassed all other social media sites and has earned the coveted spot of “number three” in terms of users behind Facebook and Twitter.
While LinkedIn and YouTube fell in the standings, Pinterest has adopted a loyal following – and especially amazing – while still in beta phase by invitation only.
According to a comScore study, the number of Pinterest users that visit the site daily has increased by 145% since the beginning of 2012.
But, before you join the Pinterest party, there are some things to keep in mind.
First, here is Pinterest’s mission in the company’s own words: “Our goal is to connect everyone in the world through the things they find interesting. We think that a favorite book, toy, or recipe can reveal a common link between two people.
With millions of new pins added every week, Pinterest is connecting people all over the world based on shared tastes and interests.”
NO PRIVACY SETTINGS
While Pinterest’s appeal is its visual-oriented content comprised of photos, images, illustrations, videos – some with links and some without – don’t get so caught up with creating categories, or in Pinterest speak, boards, that you upload personal photos with family members, personal cars, and your house or apartment with identifying details like numbers and street signs.
At the current time, there are no privacy settings similar to Facebook or Google Plus, and boards cannot be made private, similar to customized Facebook lists or customized Google Plus circles. The bottom line is that anyone with Internet access can view your boards.
COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Since the site is in beta phase, copyright and trademark police are not swimming around the site, therefore, all users must be on their best behavior about using images. Give credit if an image or link is not yours – be a respectable member of the Pinterest world.
ABOUT YOU
There is a bio section at the top of each page next to your profile photo. Don’t leave this section blank in your haste to set up your account, but don’t be overly-wordy either.
While users will learn about you from your boards and pins, everyone wants to read a quick sentence or two about you. Also, you can share your website URL, your Facebook URL, and/or your Twitter URL.
SHARING CONTENT WITH FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Currently, you can log in to Pinterest with your Facebook or Twitter passwords. While this allows for shared content on both major sites, you can add details about your pins (in Pinterest speak, an image added on Pinterest) to Facebook and Twitter, this sharing of passwords may not be the best idea.
Consider a safer alternative – although not a quicker option – use a unique password for Pinterest, and if you want to share content on the other sites, enter the details by logging into either Facebook or Twitter separately.
COMMENTS
You can make comments about any pin. You have more than 140 characters (reference to Twitter), and everyone will be able to read your comments. Remember, similar to texts or emails, the comment could be misinterpreted, and your sense of humor may not be understood by all. So be polite, courteous, and friendly. And if you like a pin, you can always click the “like” button.
If you keep these concerns in mind, you can and will have limitless fun with Pinterest. I have become a fan and invite you to check out my Pinterest page at http://pinterest.com/tips4tech. If you'd like an invitation, comment below, and I’ll send you one.
Allan Pratt, an infosec consultant, represents the alignment of marketing, management, and technology. With an MBA Degree and four CompTIA certs in hardware, software, networking, and security, Allan translates tech issues into everyday language that is easily understandable by all business units. Expertise includes installation and maintenance of hardware, software, peripherals, printers, and wireless networking; development and implementation of integration and security plans; project management; and development of technical marketing and web strategies in the IT industry. Follow Allan on Twitter and on Facebook.
Cross-Posted from Tips4Tech
