Can You Live Without Facebook?
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The Facebook initial public offering (IPO) is being offered next year. This is the moment when people already associated with Facebook plan to make a killing by selling their stock and become millionaires.
Buying into the Facebook IPO
So what took Facebook so long to go public? For one thing, the company insists it didn’t need the money. Unlike most start-ups, Facebook has been doing well on its own. But by next year, will people be in the market for its stock? There is publicity already out there, saying that public interest in Facebook has waned.
I Wouldn't Use Facebook to Establish My Writer's Platform
Some writers swear by Facebook as a way to promote their work. I know my family and friends too well, and I can't control what they will post on Facebook. I wouldn't want anyone looking at their photographs or reading the endless rants. I am embarrassed at what is revealed here, and I would not expose strangers to my Facebook page.
My Facebook Gamer Friends Want Me for Farmville or Mafia Wars
I know this from my own experience with Facebook. In the beginning, I was introduced to Facebook through a few family members and friends, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. I think everyone goes through a period of using Facebook, but I do know people who don’t want to use it and never signed up for it. Two-thirds of the American public use Facebook, but there is still one-third who will have nothing to do with it.
I am aware that some of my Facebook friends don't know me personally. They are friends of friends who add me to their games like Farmville and Mafia Wars. The more people you have on your gaming site, the better off you will be.
Facebook is Similar to Having a Gym Membership
Once you start Facebook, it’s almost like getting a gym membership. Whether you decide to use it or not, your account stays there until you delete it. I did not delete my Facebook account. I merely ignored it for over 6 months. Yet, they kept contacting me through my email address until I deleted that, too. When Facebook posts reminders in your email, saying that your Facebook friends have something new to tell you or they have birthdays coming up, what’s the use? By not keeping up with my Facebook friends, doesn’t that tell you that people aren’t interested in Facebook anymore?
If You're Still Signed Up, Facebook Won't Let You Forget Them
After months of not checking into Facebook, I had to sign in with my email address and create another password. After skimming through my account, I noticed that the people who live for Facebook are still on there. It doesn’t seem to matter who these people are “talking” to. They always feel the need to announce what they’re doing, and it doesn’t matter who’s going to read their posts or look at their photographs. It doesn’t matter if what they’re doing is interesting or not. According to these people, any post is a good post. They aren’t very selective about what they publish on Facebook because it’s more important to show people that you are something.
I Don't Care to Know What You're Doing
If my life was as exciting as my Facebook friends, maybe I’d seriously think about hiring a publicist.
I’ve read about people being addicted to Facebook and being fired from spending too much time on social networking while at work. I also find it very strange when people have this need to find out what others are doing.
Facebook does not allow for lengthy posts unless you decide to email the person. I get tired of the endless snapshots and news of who is doing what. I can understand if people are in another state or a country and have a need to communicate, but I don’t understand posting about your life when a person is within reach. I’m talking about someone you can telephone or meet for a visit.
Most of all, I am tired of the reading all the posts with numerous spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It’s as if it isn’t important for anyone to take command of the English language, and it is acceptable to write and show people that you should repeat English 101.
Is Facebook Losing Ground?
“Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.”
After months of not using Facebook, I do know how to live without Facebook. While away from Facebook, I finally realized that it was just another type of noise coming at me. By eliminating Facebook from my life, the noise is no longer there. I don’t miss Facebook, so I am free to contact family and friends in person. This is real communication.
Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be in real life?
Can You Live Without Facebook?
Hi, J.S.! And Happy Holidays to you, too! My Facebook people go from boring to embarrassing. I don't know who's going to post a photograph of their new tattoo (they don't care about the body part) or the next crazy party (they don't care who's plastered). Most of these posts are far from being G-Rated. I used to post my blogs on Facebook, but I doubt if anyone takes the time to read those. They are too busy getting tattoos and going to parties. I don't have any serious readers on Facebook. All my Hubs are on my blog, and I like the way HubPages posts them. I haven't posted in my blog since October because I stay on HubPages. I am not one to understand the tech side of things. I don't Tweet. I don't think my phone handles it. Hahahahaha!
I have had a Facebook account for awhile now. I have said so many times I wish it would just close down. I remember other sites that are gone now that were more enjoyable. I like some things about Facebook but I haven't posted much since my last trip to England. This Hub reminds me of texting. I have spent more time texting when a phone call would have been easier. The technology is amazing but it creates distance even though it looks, from the surface, that your "connecting" with people. I'd rather meet out and have a cup of tea.
Cara, I am so lazy. I could shut down Facebook, but I leave it alone. When it comes down to it, social networking allows a person to hide. I've seen a lot of personal posts on Facebook that I can live without. I don't like finding out about someone's affair, family secrets or battles with illnesses through Facebook, but that has happened several times. I'm with you. I'd rather meet with someone over coffee, tea, a meal--anything! I do miss meeting with people in person, but I'm getting back to it. There's nothing like meeting a friend for lunch and talking away for a couple of hours. Catching up. You don't get that with Facebook.
I like the comparison of Facebook to a gym membership. I created a FB years ago since it is how my daughter's coach wanted to communicate with parents; he barely used it for that purpose and I haven't since. I think one reason some people use FB is because it actually makes them feel better about themselves. I wrote something about this a couple months ago, but basically people can put their best face forward and present a certain image of themselves.
I use Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends that are too great a distance to see very often. Other than that, I think Facebook is a place for overaged, high-school mindsets to get the attention they've never stopped needing. (Oh, that was ugly - wasn't it?)
I do not care about menstrual cycles, your toddler's potty achievements, or that your garden died in Farmville. Give me a break!
Like you, when I first got on Facebook it was cool. Then one day I looked at my page and said, "I do NOT have 532 friends! I don't even know 500 people. Who are they?" Then it was delete, delete, delete. Have I misssed them? Nah, not really. Can't even recall the names of the ones I deleted. haha!
But because of those friends and family I mentioned and because it's actually great for my blog promotion (separate page for that), I'll keep going back.
Unfortunately.
k, I worked with a trainer, and she told me that my gym had 5,000 paying memberships, but only 200 people were seriously working out. I had to laugh at that one because I know so many people who pay for their gym membership, but haven't used the gym since they joined. I do feel the same way about Facebook. Even when I don't use it, I haven't taken any steps towards deleting it. Go figure! I know my family and friends so well, but when they decided to act up, they'll do it on Facebook before doing it in person. I do know someone who spends a minimum 40 grand on travel every year, but it's not because he likes to travel. It's all about getting away from Missus and a very unhappy marriage that has "lasted" some 32+ years. If you don't know the person, they can sell you a positive image. When it comes to my Facebook "friends," I know better. Lots of problems behind those happy faces in the photographs. I do my best to stay away from the negativity, so I don't log on.
I think facebook has kind of blurred the lines between real friendship and the idea of friendship. I see too many people with too many "Friends" that I know in real life have only a few. It's sort of egotistical to believe that people are actually interested in everything you do all the time. I've learned that mine isn't that big so I have decided to go ahead and deactivate my account.
It is a great promotional tool for specific areas of interest say a band but I think people fail in this by mixing personal stuff in with it. I want to hear your music not what you think about congress.
It is also a great way for people to keep in touch with "Real" friends and family that are abroad.
For the most part it's all about how you use facebook but for me personally it's time wasted I will never get back nor will it ever be a fond memory.. Apparently I didn't use it correctly. :) Great hub!
Love your comments, Kim! I think I've got 13 friends and a lot of business and recipe posts, but I got tired of the noise. Unfortunately, a lot of people think of Facebook as a place to complain. I am retired, but there is no way I would have my boss and co-workers as Facebook friends. I could see myself posting vacation photos when what I did was call in sick. You have to be careful about what you post, so I quit posting a long time ago. You never know who will be reading your posts or looking at your photographs. Anyone can use your posts. It's scary. Even if I had something good to share, I wouldn't be headed to Facebook. There's nothing wrong with getting together with people to announce some good news. I will be doing that from now on.
As we are traveling Australia I use facebook to keep in touch with one of my daughters . I get a lot of viewers to my hubs as I belong to a group of travellers who are all over Australia and they enjoy my traveling hubs . Had about 50 hits one day from facebook !
"This is the moment when people already associated with Facebook plan to make a killing by selling their stock and become millionaires." - did you mean to say "living" instead of "killing"?
Everything else looks great to me!
I miss the good old days when you didn't have all this social networking. When people could actually "talk" to people.
It also comes in handy for buying /selling . I bought my kayaks cheap on facebook as we have a trading page at Kununurra which is well used so facebook isn't all bad.
What's Facebook?
I seldom go to Facebook anymore. I think it is because I use texting to keep in touch with my friends. I know others who cannot live without it, but I am somewhat concerned about the lack of security and people posing as others and using it for devious and sexual purposes. There are some verified stories out there that are over the edge. These are probably in the minority, however, so i still keep my account
Its too bad Myspace took a dive, it seemed more artistic and business based then Facebook, especially for musicians and writers.
I think Facebook will soon follow, been hearing a lot of negatives lately. I do believe business is business and personal families and friends don't mix.
We shall see...nice article.
Vapid Maven: Thank you for your comments and insights! I don't think I used Facebook correctly, either. If it worked for me, I would still be using it. I do find it strange to watch grown people being pictured in all stages of drunk, and I don't associate this with my idea of a good time. I did a lot of dumb stuff when I was young and dumb, but at least I kept away from cameras. Sometimes I do wonder if anyone is reading my posts at all. Which would mean that I'm wasting my time. Yup! Facebook can eat up your time.
freecampingaussie, you are using Facebook to your advantage, and I applaud you. If you had that many hits on your travel photographs, you are doing something right. You do have an audience. I usually get a lukewarm, "That looks like fun" for my vacation photographs. If, at all. I don't know how to reach these people, so I leave them alone. I do love to travel, and I just go back into taking photographs. When it comes to Facebook, I don't feel the need to share.
I know that sounds strange, Dedmoroz, but before the stock market took a dump in 2008, there were all kinds of IPOs out there, and people would buy the stock and make a profit off of them after they turned around and sold the stock right away. I remember waiting to close a deal concerning an IPO back then, but when the stock market tanked, so did the offering. People working for Facebook right now are willing to cash in their stocks once the company goes public. Of course, they have high hopes in making some cash, but that's the way it goes sometimes. I wonder why Facebook didn't go public when they were thought of as hot and heavy in the social networking department. Zynga's IPO didn't do that well, and they are part of Facebook when it comes to online games. Could this be an indication of what the Facebook IPO will do?
freecampingaussie, you are so ahead of the game. Recently, I had someone post puppies for sale on Facebook. I don't know why they even bothered because there was no information hooked to the post. People were asking how much the puppies cost. I mean, if you're going to sell something, you'd think the person would be smart enough and give the particulars.
WD, I hear you! I wish I never signed up. But, I let myself get talked into it. Now, people are saying things like, "Refer to my Facebook page." No, I won't do that. Ewwwwwww.
brakel2, I just learned how to text. I am now hoping that I don't write the way I text. You can get used to making all kinds of mistakes and shortcuts when you text. I haven't killed my Facebook account. At the same time, I have not been a participant.
Thank you, B.S. I didn't try MySpace. I am so behind with it comes to tech. I don't even Tweet. Facebook works for some people, but not for me. I'm close to my family and friends. Close enough to meet with them in person.
I admit, I've spent (and wasted) a lot of time on Facebook in the past, but I find that recently I've not been going on it as much as I used to.
Mainly, some of my contacts are very obnoxious with what they post on Facebook, and like I saw higher up in the comments, I really don't care about what new piercings or tattoos they got.
I mainly go on Facebook to say hi to relatives living overseas or show them photos; something I could do in emails. I also go on there to talk to classmates about assignments or discuss something.
Great hub Arlene. I have a fb account but rarely use it since I started on hubpages. I like you got tired of all the status updates that said absolutely nothing. My computer crashed due to a virus I recieved from playing fb games and my supposed friends list went up so high I had to delete due to not knowing most of them and then the family members increased and I didn't know most of them so now for me it is a thing of the past.
I would die without my Facebook. Working from home and being a full-time college student leaves me little time for a social life. With Facebook, I can still chat with friends and family while I am working on schoolwork. It is easy for me to talk to people while doing schoolwork if I am typing to them versus talking to them on the phone.
Cardia, I have to laugh at myself for being so hooked on Facebook's Mafia Wars. I was so hooked at first that I went to a family gathering and borrowed a laptop to play. That was so rude of me, but I was hooked on killing and robbing imaginary people online. I have since snapped out of it. That was such a long time ago. Facebook was fun, but on a long-term basis, it didn't work for me.
I went over a full year without facebook. I only started using it again, because Bing and Yahoo search engines get to know you through Facebook. But the people I know through Hubpages I share my work with them through Google +, not Facebook.
mljd: Thank you! Facebook has become something of the past for me, too. I have no interest in logging in because I know I am wasting my time. I don't think it's important for me to announce every move that I make, but people do it all the time on Facebook. If it's not what they're doing, it's what they've acquired or who they're with. Jeeeeez. It's not that these people are working on world peace, you know?
JenJen: You have made Facebook work for you. I didn't. I think it has to do with my Facebook friends. I could laugh at what they do for attention, but it gets old. Usually, they stick to Facebook to communicate. Most of the time, I won't hear from them because they prefer the posting to phone calls and visits.
Flora, I know little about Google+, but I do understand your point. Google+ is still another thing for me to learn. I don't see Facebook as a way to promote my Hubs, but my former writers' group swore by it when it came to establishing a writer's platform. There are so many ways people use Facebook, but you have to make it work for you. If someone visited my Facebook page, they would be more interested in my Facebook friends and would automatically bypass my work. I doubt very much if my Facebook page pulls any readers to my writing.
Arlene,
I have a Facebook page; but, I never think to check on it. It's kind of a boring page. I have had a few hits from Facebook. I also have a twitter account. Most of the people following me are tweeting spam, or they are females looking for sugar daddies. I am being kind in my description of what is happening with the females. So, I respond by tweeting announcements of my new articles on Hubpages. Views are views.
Leroy, I guess some response is better than no response, eh? Just kidding! My Facebook friends are more interested in themselves. Most of the time, I feel like I'm at one of my high school reunions if I do log onto Facebook. When people try so hard to impress you on Facebook, it's time to shut it down. I attended one high school reunion, and that was it for me. Whether it's in person or online, you do get what people are doing.
I enjoyed your hub and agree with so many of your observations. What started out as a way for friends and family to connect, has turned into no conversation and a whole lottttttttttt of game requests. I use google plus for pics to share with family. Never have and never will post family and grandkid pics on facebook, or here either for that matter.
Hi, oldandwise. Thank you! If I had kids and grandkids, I would not post their photographs anywhere online. You will never know where their photographs will pop up. That could be traumatizing. I remember reading about these attractive people who posted on Facebook and became unpaid models for foreign ads. What a surprise when they found out! I gave up on monitoring my Facebook page. My interests change, but it seems like you have to jump through hoops to try and get what you want out of Facebook. I've given up on Facebook, but at the same time, I do realize how much I value my privacy. Facebook posts and photographs are risky. I haven't posted anything on Facebook for over a year. Yes, I can live without Facebook!
I have a FB account but has not use it to promote any of my hubs, or post anything on regular basis, maybe one posting every 6 months or so..but checked FB to see activities of my friends and children!!!
greatstuff, I am retired, and so are most of my friends. I can easily meet with them when I do volunteer work or attend meetings that have to do with my hobbies. Or I can pick up the phone or email them if we want to meet for a long, leisurely lunch. I enjoyed Facebook when it first came out, but now it's like fast food to me. I believe my family and friends deserve more attention than little blips online. For some people, Facebook works. Since I haven't been a Facebook participant for months, I'm comfortable leaving it that way. I do plan to do better in 2012 as a real person instead of consulting Facebook.
Like greatstuff, I use FB to see what my kids are up to! That doesn't mean we never talk to each other lol. I really don't have the urge to sign in on a regular basis and detail my daily life.
Steve, my life is so dull. If I posted everything I did, I would get snores from everyone. I don't have kids, but I do have friends who are retirees with plenty of activities to keep them busy. But many people think we would be interested in what they do, so they post their moves. Unfortunately, they post their EVERY move. I don't care, so I log in. But no matter how long I stay away from Facebook, I'll log back in and see the same people. If you've got something so interesting to say, why not say it in person? That is, if you're nearby.
I have a facebook account to connect with friends but I'm not a diehard. I only check it once in a while and I don't ever post anything personal, since it's so out there. Interesting topic, for sure. Rated up.
angin, the same people who introduced me to Facebook are still at it. I only wish they would do something different because their posts are so ordinary. The kids, the vacations, the new car, etc. It's so important for them to "share." I don't have celebrities on my Facebook page. Never have. But at times, I want to pick up the tabloids and read some celebrity trash, instead. These Facebook friends really want that attention. I don't do anything on Facebook. I lost interest. I wonder why??? Thank you for the vote up!
Arlene...
What was it that came before Facebook? MySpace? The next "Social Media" site to be on...trust me...my techie friends have their opinions on the 'next generation' of Social Media Platform...most of which...I do not understand.
The endless feeds of where someone might be enjoying "sushie" on yelp (??) ...I can do without. ...I do like using the instant message function of FB...allows for a real conversation during the middle of the business day...with someone who knows English 101...and I want to chat with.
Have a Great Day!
Thomas
Thomas, I am so grateful that I did not make one of the cousins a Facebook friend. She appears in all stages of undress in her photos, and is the type of person who dances with other women on the dance floor. You can only imagine how she is pictured with these women, but she's one less embarrassment that I have on my Facebook page. Whether you are writing or are pictured online, you will never live it down whenever you do something so very wrong. I have gamers invading my Facebook page, too. All they do is invite me. And if I'm online, I have a relative who wants to play one of those online games. Pool? How can you play pool online? Maybe I need a vacation from all of this. I never did try MySpace. I am so behind when it comes to the tech world. Should I consider this a blessing?
I would most certainly consider that a blessing. I also missed the Myspace phase and joined Facebook about a year ago. Like I said...certain folks...certain times. Beyond that everything gets blurry...happily...
I don't twitter either.
Thomas
I don't Twitter, either, Thomas. So I can have the choice of being a Twit or not being a Twit. I have a cheap phone that doesn't include Twitter. I don't have the mind for Tweeting. I have a hard enough time with the codes used for email. LOL LMAO That's about it. I really don't want to try too hard . . .
yes i can !
By the end of this week, ImChemist, I am joining you as a non-Facebook user. Ahhhhhhh!!! I think I've been gearing up for this most of this year, so now I'll be starting the New Year without it. Oh, what a feeling! And Happy (Facebookless) New Year to you!
Arlene, I've thought about closing my facebook account plenty of times, and the only reason why I still have it it's because my family lives in Tampa and I'm in Miami. So we don't get to see each other much (especially now with the gas prices!) and when you have a family like mine... well, let's just say that it's better to text and see the pictures online than to invite them over to my house.
But I agree with you about the facebook drama. People seem to post such stupid things. I often joke about it with my husband and we start coming up with comments like - "I'm growing a pimple on my nose" and "OMG! I ran out of toilet paper!" Seriously, this is pretty close to the type of comments that facebook users post. Such a waste of time!
Thanks for the article. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you so much for your comments and insights, klarawieck. Many people I know have made Facebook work for them. I had no such luck because in my family, you never know who's going to post what. And coming from one cousin who is newly divorced and having her flings, it's not very flattering for her to been seen drinking with one of her new boyfrieds. Believe me. I can't tell any of them apart and have never met them. I feel that "unfriending" someone from Facebook is so hurtful to some people. So when I pulled out, it was a package deal. I had not participated in months, so I doubt if I was missed. I got tired of the people who had to log every move they made on a daily basis. But since closing my account, I have been better about meeting family and friends for a long, leisurely lunch or dinner. I love catching up with them that way. My Facebook page was everything but professional. When networking with other writers, I could not separate friends and family from business. I did not want to expose associates to my cousin's wild weekend photographs, so I did away with Facebook! I don't miss it at all.
J.S.Matthew 5 months ago
Hello Arlene!
I do keep a Facebook account but I rarely sign in. I usually use it to promote Hubs that I enjoyed reading (including this one). I definitely have no interest in it going public and I don't think anyone will make money from it (other than the people that already own it privately). I can live without it but I do have to say that I like seeing other people share my articles on Facebook. I feel pretty much the same with Twitter, but I like Twitter a little better because it is less commercial. Interesting article! Happy Holidays to you!
JSMatthew~