You Kids And Your Facebooks
I am something of an internet recluse; I have (mostly neglected) accounts on a number of fora, blog (sporadically) in a few places, and occasionally write for online publications, but I avoid social networking like the nasty social disease (HAH! PUN!) I'm pretty sure it is.
That said, Facebook seems to be the future of not only professional networking but personal communication. My lack of a Facebook site means I miss out on a fair number of opportunities, parties, and personal news from close real-life friends, not to mention about 90% of the professional networking in my industry that doesn't happen at conventions. Ordinarily, I'd say "Fuck 'em if they can't send an e-mail," but I'm starting to suspect that I'm being a stubborn curmudgeon in the face of massive social change. And recently, circumstances have conspired to make my main practical excuse for avoiding social networking sites a somewhat less pressing concern.*
I realize my impression of Facebook is colored by my cynicism, misanthropy, and general dislike of Web 2.0, so I'm counting on you fine people to let me in on the Truth of the Matter. Is it really just the time-sink to end all time-sinks, an endless dilution of interpersonal relationships that's teaming up with Twitter to replace genuine personal communication with sound-bytes and bulletins? Or is there something awesome that I'm missing? And can I be a professionally and personally effective writer, editor, and human being without a Facebook account?
*Maybe. I won't know for a few months how long said circumstances are likely to last, so this isn't a particularly urgent question.
That said, Facebook seems to be the future of not only professional networking but personal communication. My lack of a Facebook site means I miss out on a fair number of opportunities, parties, and personal news from close real-life friends, not to mention about 90% of the professional networking in my industry that doesn't happen at conventions. Ordinarily, I'd say "Fuck 'em if they can't send an e-mail," but I'm starting to suspect that I'm being a stubborn curmudgeon in the face of massive social change. And recently, circumstances have conspired to make my main practical excuse for avoiding social networking sites a somewhat less pressing concern.*
I realize my impression of Facebook is colored by my cynicism, misanthropy, and general dislike of Web 2.0, so I'm counting on you fine people to let me in on the Truth of the Matter. Is it really just the time-sink to end all time-sinks, an endless dilution of interpersonal relationships that's teaming up with Twitter to replace genuine personal communication with sound-bytes and bulletins? Or is there something awesome that I'm missing? And can I be a professionally and personally effective writer, editor, and human being without a Facebook account?
*Maybe. I won't know for a few months how long said circumstances are likely to last, so this isn't a particularly urgent question.