Scone: Social networking -- Knowing when to say when

Here´s something to chew on with your morning coffee:Yes, all the cool kids are doing it, but when does social networking go too far? Right about now, according to MSNBC columnist Eve Tahmincioglu, who compares the current networking craze to Marcia Brady signing up for every club in high school, and says there certainly can be too much of a good thing if professionals aren´t careful.

And while I´m teetering on Marcia territory myself (you can find me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter), I agree with Tahmincioglu´s main point that while social networking sites can help you form and re-establish professional connections, that the best way to network is - wonder of wonders! - face to face.

It seems in our hyper-connected culture where Blackberry thumb is a true medical condition, we seem to have literally lost sight of one another. And while I´ll never hearken back for the days of the old boys club where men networked on the golf course, at least it was in person (and they were getting some exercise!).

That said, social networks do have a valuable place in communicating effectively 21st-century style. Let´s all just beware we don´t cast our net too wide. But if you´re already too far gone, here´s some guidance on how to rein yourself in.