Should I, or should I not, join facebook?

1. 83

   annartposted 11 years ago

   Should I, or should I not, join facebook?
   
   As a writer (though not one who depends on it for an income) I have been invited to join facebook a few times.  I know, too , that it can increase a writer's range.  However, I hear so many bad things about facebook and its pitfalls that I'm very dubious about joining.  Any advice out there?

   replyreport
2. 89

   JKennyposted 11 years ago

   Facebook can be useful for promoting your Hubs, as you'll likely be invited to join writers groups where you can promote your work and interact with your peers. Yes, it does have dangers. The best advice I can give is make sure you only share your work with your friends and if you do encounter a weirdo, then just block them- don't even bother interacting with them.

   replyreport
   1. 69

      AussieTreeChangeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good advice JKenny

      replyreport
   2. 38

      wqaindiaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is nice sharing with friends. But how to find enemies on the Facebook. I want to add them to Friends on Trial list  and remove their misgivings.

      replyreport
   3. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks James.  That sounds like good advice.  Good to see you; must have a look at your recent hubs!

      replyreport
3. 76

   JimTxMillerposted 11 years ago

   I've been on Facebook for years, and now I'm migrating to Google+. I keep my FB page up solely to maintain contact with distant friends/family. Besides privacy issues, FB management shows little to no regard for users, and the level of service has done nothing but decline in recent years. I would not recommend it to anyone.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's what I've heard from many others who also only keep it for distant friends & family.  Thanks Jim.

      replyreport
   2. 76

      JimTxMillerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Ann!

      replyreport
   3. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You're very welcome, Jim.

      replyreport
4. 63

   Snurreposted 11 years ago

   Hi Ann,
   
   it all depends on what you post and what sort of information you share. You don't even have to use your real name on Facebook, you can choose not to share your location and simply use it as a tool to  promote your writing. I used Facebook for work only for a couple of years and only then started adding real friends.
   
   If you're worried about your privacy, don't. It's really easy to block someone on Facebook and it's easy to report abusive individuals. So my advice is join, but don't let any of your personal details leak out.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your thoughts Snurre.  I'll bear all this in mind when I make my decision.  Much appreciated.

      replyreport
5. 81

   Stina Caxeposted 11 years ago

   I've been trying to use Google+ more lately.  But FB I use mostly to keep in contact with friends and family and share photos of my kids.  I do not use it to promote my hubs.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your input; it all helps me to form an overview.

      replyreport
6. 75

   wayne barrettposted 11 years ago

   FB can be useful for a wide range of things including your writing. If you are hesitant I would suggest just opening an account and then take baby steps until you are completely comfortable with it. I learned the good from the bad through trial and error, but that's because I jumped right in with both feet. If you only register but don't use it, the worse that could happen is that you decide it's not for you and drop it. In my humble opinion, there are enough positive's about the site to at least give it a whirl. Good luck and enjoy if you choose to try it.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Wayne.  I value your advice and will take it into account; it's a good option.

      replyreport
7. 68

   MarieAlana1posted 11 years ago

   I love facebook! I came from a small community(graduated with 50 people in my grade). Lots of us have migrated to other parts of the states over the years, but we all have facebook.We can all keep in touch that way. We have tracked down friends of friends with facebook as well. I believe that you should join facebook.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your comment.  Surely I can do that by using emails and Skype?  I'm also bothered about spending so much time on line.

      replyreport
8. 81

   phillippeengelposted 11 years ago

   I actually consider Facebook as an alternative but tangential website for social networking. Although Facebook has make breakthroughs in the definition of social networking, as we can hear people talking about it, cajoling the public to 'like' them, etc, too much of it can be perilous. If you are surfing Facebook the first thing in the morning, then that isn't beneficial. If it starts to make inroads into your healthy lifestyle, then I do not recommend that you continue using it. The world does not comprise of only 'likes' and digital pages. There can also be 'hates', 'envy', 'love' and others in real life. And your true nature may be affected by the veneer of supposedly trustworthy digital information.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your other tangent on this subject.

      replyreport