No, I'm not thinking of joining Facebook. But I have recently received many requests from others to "become friends" on Facebook (which really confuses me, because I always thought I was friends with these people). So I figured it's about time that I explain why I will probably never have a Facebook account:
#1 - I am a decidedly private person. Having a blog was a HUGE stretch for me. But the one saving grace of blogging is that I - and I alone - control every bit of content that appears on this blog. (Well, except for the Comments section.)
#2 - I already struggle with the constant pull of the computer. Take right now, for instance. I really should be cleaning my kitchen. It is at the top of my To Do list. But instead, I am sitting at this blasted computer, typing about how I don't want to become addicted to the internet. From what I've seen of Facebook users, the addiction can get even worse. I just don't want to go there.
#3 - I have a strange (and fairly inconsistant) aversion to anything "trendy." Yes, I'm aware that blogs are trendy, particularly among mormon women. And so is Guitar Hero (which I enjoy). And wearing cute scarves (although mine is handknit, so it's not quite "trendy"). But for the most part, if EVERYONE is doing it, then I probably won't. I don't own a pair of crocs. I don't say "uber." And I'm not on Facebook.
#4 - My final reason may sound a bit snooty, but I really don't mean it to. It goes back to my shyness and privacy. I just don't think I really want to be "found" by random people that I may have known years and years ago, or by complete strangers who know someone that I know, but whom I don't know myself. Nathan (who has a Facebook account) loves this aspect of Facebook. He is always finding people or having people find him, and renewing old acquaintances. It works for some, but I'd rather just stay a hermit with my small little group of friends/family/blog readers.
Don't get me wrong. I know that there are a few readers of this blog whom I don't know. I think that's cool. Read on. Leave a comment if you want, and a link to your own blog. Eventually, maybe we'll "get to know" each other. That's how I like it to happen . . . slowly and gradually. Not with a "poke" or someone "writing on my wall."
So, no, I have no plans to join Facebook. But I'd still like to be your friend. C'mon over to my blog, send me an email, or stop by for a cuppa tea anytime you want.
12 comments:
I am SOOOO with you on #4! I hear my brother telling me about so-and-so from high school (remember him?) and what he's now doing... blah blah blah. If I cared, I'd have stayed in touch, right?! I'm not big on class reunions and this just sound like one GIANT class reunion! Blek!
I do wish I was close enough to stop by for a cuppa tea. I love reading your blog so I'm glad you've got that going on and Guitar Hero and Rock Band are so fun.
Right on!
I think you just don't want anymore people writing on your walls. You've already got Adana to do that!
I joined facebook so I could do just what you hate...find people I had lost touch with. I'm terrible at keeping in touch with people, and it truly doesn't mean I don't care about them. I just get wrapped up in my everyday life and don't get around to it. So far I've avoided the addiction, I only check every once in a while to see what people are doing, and I hardly ever fill in the "Jenny is now..." spot, so I've felt like I'm keeping my privacy. But I do enjoy hearing from old friends every now and again.
You are soooooo your father's daughter. Except he probably thinks a blog is where frogs and mosquitoes live.
i think you can block people from writing on your wall and it totally NOT cool anymore!!! come on!
You do not need to use your real name -- uh, so I've heard. ;-) Yes, that makes it harder for your kindergarten playmates to find you, but if that is your goal, no harm no foul. Current friends/contacts can find you if they wish be searching for your email address. You do have some privacy controls -- you need not accept all friend requests, you can control access to photos you post, etc.
I post most of my political links and Pearl Jam links on FB, rather than on my blog, and I also post random silliness that is too far OT for the mailing lists I am on.
Having said that, FB can be a massive time sink, with people sending each other cyber"gifts," etc. I also made the mistake of finding the "chat" option the other day -- woops; friends began IM'ing me just to tease me. :-P
As with the rest of the internet, I think it all boils down to, are you using it, or is it using you?
You can say uber if you want... Thats not really a trendy word.
Thanks, Sheri, for clarifying the "uber" thing. You are my go-to girl for knowledge on all things hip and cool.
So here's a replacement: I don't drive an Element or Prius. Those are trendy, right?
Oh Brooke, We are friends! My sister and others have been trying to convince me that facebook is great. I told her that I just don't want to keep in touch with anyone beyond my last 2 years of college (which I actually do on my own). Am I curious about where people are? Sure! I actually want to know who is fatter, who is balder, who is still looking to find an old friend. Maybe not the noblest of reasons. Mr. Joe is actually trying to force me to be on, he will send me notes etc. So I have a "Page" without a picture or information other than Mr. Joe is my friend. I think I am going to force Joe to just email me. Oh, I'm cool...I don't really even know uber...remember the whole IPOD discussion we had once...yea, hip!
Here, just for you, is an article from Slate: "Everyone else is on Facebook. Why aren't you?"
http://www.slate.com/id/2208678/
;-)
I'm with you...which is why I linked this to my blog.
http://twelvemonthsinthecreek.blogspot.com/2009/02/25-random-things.html
Post a Comment