>I truly can't justify wasting my time doing it when I could be producing things that anonymous people appreciate and rely on.
On the other hand, anonymity just means people take and take from you, and there is less of a human mechanism to sympathize with (on both sides of the equation). It's oh so common to see a creator start to despise their audience because the more savory people are just that damaging to their mentality.
I think it really depends on what your goal is. I think "true networking" feels no different from making a close friend, finding someone you share passions, goals, and missions with. Someone you can call to grab lunch with out of the blue for no special occasion without feeling awkward. But in professional standpoints, you don't need a lifelong buddy if your goal is simply to get a new job or a promotion. I guess being honest with that can help cut that tension.
On the other hand, anonymity just means people take and take from you, and there is less of a human mechanism to sympathize with (on both sides of the equation). It's oh so common to see a creator start to despise their audience because the more savory people are just that damaging to their mentality.
I think it really depends on what your goal is. I think "true networking" feels no different from making a close friend, finding someone you share passions, goals, and missions with. Someone you can call to grab lunch with out of the blue for no special occasion without feeling awkward. But in professional standpoints, you don't need a lifelong buddy if your goal is simply to get a new job or a promotion. I guess being honest with that can help cut that tension.