Why I facebook

I set up a facebook account in the spring of '08, but didn't really do anything with it until early '09. Since then I have become an avid facebooker... some would say I'm addicted. Who knows, I may start an FA group... facebookers anonomous, but don't hold your breath because it won't be anytime soon.

So why do I facebook? I'm glad you asked.

1. Because I can. The technology is available, free of charge, so I use it... hope it remains a free service, but I would probably subscribe for a fee.

2. Family. facebook allows me to stay connected and clued in to my family members who are themselves facebookers. By posting regularly, we share with one another the happenings in each of our lives. It is the next best thing to actually seeing them daily.

3. Friends. I realize, in facebook terms, the word friend has taken on a different connotation. Really, for me a better word would be connections. Although of the 600+ people I'm currently linked to on facebook, probably 90% are people who I know, or have known and who know, or have known me. One of the things I have enjoyed most about facebooking this year is re-connecting with people that I had lost track of... some from as long as 30+ years ago... people who I grew up with, worked with, hung out with at significant times in life, but due to the fact the "life happens" just lost connection with.

4. Fun. For me, facebooking is FUN! I really get a bang from posting out of the "flow" of my life. If something happens to me that I think is funny, sad, crazy, serious, helpful, etc. I post it. I've had more fun reading comments on posts that give people a "laugh on me" than should be legal! Laughter does the heart good, and I'm always glad to help out.

5. Interest. I am genuinely interested in what is going on in other people's lives. I really like reading the status updates of all the people I'm connected with on facebook. But not so much all the games.

6. Influence. I read voraciously and most of what I read provokes me to think. facebook allows me to reach out and "touch" people with what I'm thinking and learning. When I read something, or otherwise have a thought, that "turns my crank" I post it in hope that it will help someone in facebook land. I regularly receive feedback in the form of comments thanking me for timely posts. I don't do what I do for the accolades, but it pleases me to know that the happenings of my life may help others in some small way.

I could say on, but I think you get the point. For me, facebook IS NOT a waste of time. But I do have to manage my addiction, lest it manage me.