If you are new to Facebook stop before you hop on the FB
seat preparing for takeoff and ask some experienced users to give you a few
tips on how to properly use this social network to your advantage while not
embarrassing yourself and others.
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| My FB Homepage |
I’ve read a lot of articles on “Facebook Etiquette” over
time, especially 2-3 years ago when FB was new to me and many others of my
generation. I joined FB on February 2,
2009. The only reason I joined was because my dear cousin told me if I wanted
to see his pictures I had to join, but prior to that I had no interest in it.
Since then I have enjoyed it greatly and have reconnected with many old
classmates and far away family members.
I have decided to construct my own etiquette list based on
things I have observed over the past 3 years.
- Do not leave a comment under a status update that is completely unrelated to the update. I posted a YouTube clip of an Aerosmith music video once and someone left a comment that said “Hey, are you working tomorrow? I need something.” Really??? This would be a good time to send a “Private Message” or PM.
- Be careful when it comes to posting on your friends’ walls. If you aren’t absolutely sure they will appreciate what you are about to post, then don’t do it. They are free to delete anything on their wall, but then you may feel awkward.
- I usually stay offline for chat, but many don’t and do not even know they can go offline. Don’t assume that just because FB chat says they are available that they even want to chat. And don’t be offended if they don’t respond to your chat message, some people either don’t have time or they are not really sitting there in the first place.
- Please hear me! If you have 15 pictures of Maria’s 8th birthday party that you want to share with your FB friends, upload them as an album and post the whole album at once. None of us enjoy having our news feeds filled with 15 separate posts of each individual picture. Which brings me to my next point…..
- When you sign on for the first time in hours, remember that if you go through your news feeds and share every pretty picture, inspirational quote, and witty saying you see, then you have just filled my news feed with a dozen or more posts in a row. I am probably not going to take the time to read all of them and most others won’t either. Remember—Quality over quantity!
- Facebook has given many of us a voice that never had one before. For many they haven’t just gained a voice, they’ve gained a platform. If you have a concern or even an opinion about something going on in your community, it is in my opinion acceptable to express your concern, as long as it is done in a mature and tasteful manner. If you put a little thought into it you can get your point across and still be honest while not making yourself look like a ranting idiot. Make sure you read what you wrote before you hit the share button.
- We all have an opinion and I am glad. How much fun would it be if we all agreed all the time? On the other hand there is a time when we need to know when to keep our mouth shut. Most people enjoy a friendly debate, but if you disagree to the point of being driven to curse or throw around threats then you should rethink your strategy. It is also not cool to get in debates with people who are not your friends, but commented on a mutual friends’ status. Speak your mind as directly, honestly, and mannerly as possible and then move on.
- Before you write that post about how wonderful your spouse is and how much fun you always have with grandchildren, or how happy and blessed you are to have the job you have, etc. remember…. Some of us actually live in the same town and see you on a regular basis. We know if you are just making up a bunch of hogwash.
Now if you will excuse me I have some notifications to read.
