Just So You Know, I'm *Not* Ignoring You.

Dear everyone who keeps DM-ing, @-ing me, and Facebook-ing me: I'm not ignoring you. I'm in China and can't access either site. In fact, I can't even access this site. In fact, TypePad is pretty hit or miss too so this may or may not post. So forgive the silence. It's not you. It's me (and the great firewall.)

It's funny how much people in the Valley have taken to Twitter and Facebook as primary methods of communication. I've always said for one-to-one communications email is still the best, most direct way to get an answer from me. Early on, Facebook messages had an advantage because most non-college users would get fewer messages via Facebook than email. That meant you were more likely to stay at the top of someone's in-box or at least catch someone's attention. But the lack of ability to respond from email means I usually go weeks without replying to Facebook messages, even when I'm in the US. 

As for Twitter, DMs are a great way to rattle off a quick message, but I never understand why, say, PR people think it's a good idea to pitch reporters over Twitter. If it's interesting, I'll write about it. If it's not interesting, the medium doesn't make it so. There are two things that annoy me with DMs: If I'm at my computer, I'd rather just send you back an email. It's easier. If I'm doing it over SMS I'm always worried I won't put the "D" and it'll go to everyone.

Am I alone here? Facebook and Twitter are awesome at doing new things. But email is still email.

Hey, did I mention? I'm in China! To anyone wondering, the trip is going great and the China portion of the book is hugely coming together. I've actually written several thousand words, which is far more than I usually write when I'm on the road. Of course that means I haven't written much for TechCrunch this week, but I've got a few interesting posts and videos coming. I just arrived in Shenzhen today; in a few days I'll go to Hong Kong; then back to Beijing. Ironically, I've been told there's better Peking Duck in Hong Kong. That duck is going to have to work hard, because I had some amazing duck last night in Beijing with Kaifu Lee. Little known fact: When Lee moved to the US he moved to Tennessee! So he knows good food. We also had soup with shark fin, pork neck, fried livers with black pepper sauce, and many other delicious things that have all blurred together in my slightly-still-jet-lagged mind. (I had to draw the line at the thousand year old egg.)

Since I have no idea if this will even post, why don't I keep rambling? I have to give a HUGE shout out to the Opposite House in Beijing. It might be one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at. For one thing, half of the lobby staff remembered me by name from my May visit. One asked if I was finally getting used to reading books on the Kindle. That is impressive! There are places I frequent daily in San Francisco that never remember me. Sometimes Mr. Lacy forgets.

The other night someone came up to me in a bar and accused me of having a crush on China. I really do. There's something electric about being in this country that just makes me smile and feel lucky that I have a job where I can pick up, fly around the world, and interview fascinating people all day. So, thanks people who pay me and long-suffering husband!