It's no surprise that the use of social media within the government sector has been exploding over the past several years. The possibilities to improve government using social media are endless. Having a social presence is expected. It's progressed to a point where, if someone asks if your agency is on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+, and you respond "no," you're scoffed at. While it's tempting to jump into the water head first, you need to know what's waiting for you beneath the surface. Here is the story of how the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) started exploring the use of social media, the mistakes made and lessons learned, where the agency stands now, and what the future holds.