OK, I’ve been active on Facebook for a couple weeks now, and I must confess: I don’t get it. (MySpace, I get.)
It’s cool getting “friend” requests from people I’ve met in person or “know” through their blogs. But I also receive requests from people I’ve never heard of. That’s OK, as long as we have something in common (Reformed Christian, “very conservative,” “conservative,” that sort of thing). I also don’t mind requests from strangers, as long as they tell me how they know me. What really bothers me are friend requests from people whose main goal is to collect “warm” bodies. I know the type. (I’ve got 300 Facebook friends!) And all those “poke me!” “toss me!” “hug me!” applications. Oy! 
What am I not getting about Facebook? Maybe my online networking skills are underdeveloped. Do active Facebook users still have time to maintain blogs and pursue other interests? Is Facebook meant to replace or supplement blogs? Are such questions even relevant? Hit me up at lashawn [at] lashawnbarber [dot] com and share, if you’ve got the time.
MySpace, I understand. It’s ugly, but bands are over there. I want to nurture my growing interest in writing about music (digital downloading, mainly) and to network with bands and fans.
Perhaps it’s too soon to judge Facebook. Maybe I haven’t found the right use for it yet. I read the site’s getting a facelift. Hey, more power to ya! When I became active on Facebook, I mentioned finding the day-to-day obsessiveness funny. It’s not just funny anymore; it’s hilarious. And sort of mundane. Anyway, thanks for listening.
Update (2/28): Music on Facebook? I just might have to change my tune about it (bad pun not intended).
Later…Come to think of it, I already knew about the music page feature. It isn’t as robust at MySpace’s music pages, though. One day, perhaps…
By the way, thanks for great advice on “getting” Facebook.
