One vs. Many

As promised, I have a few more tips for communicating on Facebook...

I think one of the main things that people forget about Facebook, is that you are communicating with MANY vs. one on one. Let me explain.  When you post on someone's "wall" most believe that they are just speaking with that person...so not true.  Think about it. On average, most Facebook users have friend lists of over 200 people. Still think you are "just" posting to ONE?  Probably a good idea, before you hit the send/reply button, that you remember that you are communicating with not ONE but MANY. Would it be best to send a private message instead so you actually are communicating with ONE?  

Next up...

How many of you have a "record?" (Scratch that. You probably should keep that to yourself). Truth be told, anyone who has a Facebook account has a public "record."  Scary? For sure. Even if you have your privacy settings adjusted to optimum security, when you post on your wall or someone else's wall you have a PUBLIC "record."  Again, ask yourself if what you are posting would be best in a private message.

but WAIT, there's more...

Those who know me well, know that I am fairly fluent in sarcasm. While this translates well in face to face communication, it does NOT translate well on Facebook.  There is no way to let someone know you are being "sarcastic" until after your post is taken the wrong way. Think about all of the people who may not have the benefit of seeing your entire conversation, that part especially where you say "I was kidding." You guessed it, probably best to leave the sarcasm for face to face conversations.

Moral of the story?  

*Remember you are NOT communicating just with your "friend" but ALL of your "friends" and all of their "friends." 

*Be clear in your message. No sarcasm or private jokes that can be taken by others in the wrong way.

*Keep your public record "clean." 

Communicate wisely, my friends. 

Facebook Status Etiquette

Let's get something straight right away...

I am NOT a perfect communicator even though I am a "communication specialist."  There. I said it. Cat's out of the bag... I don't always use perfect grammar, spell words correctly, or communicate effectively while using Facebook. I also over use commas! (The horror!) I may also use far too may ellipses.............................

Whew. I feel much better getting that out of the way. 

I do think, however, that I do a good job with communication etiquette while using social networking sites.  I DON'T think a large portion of the population does. OUCH! I threw a lot of you under the bus, didn't I? 

Here is an example as to why I feel this way.

Status:  Spent a great morning with my family.

Reply:    Did you get my text yesterday?

Reply:    Sorry I didn't call you back.

Reply:    Are you coming to my party?

Reply:    How's your _________(insert any health issue here)

Reply:    How'd that "situation" go at work we talked about?

Reply:    Are you still hungover from last night? (I wish I was kidding about this one.)

Now really. If you were standing face to face having a conversation with someone, would you follow up their declaration that they had a great morning with their family with one of those responses?  NO. NO. NO. NO. NO (and if you would then you and I need to talk.)  You would NOT yet so many people DO this on Facebook statuses.  I really could go on and on and on but I think I've made my point.

I bet some of you are saying "So, Miss. Communication Specialist, what SHOULD we be saying then?"

So glad you asked...especially since this is the point of this blog post right?

Here are a few things I ask myself BEFORE I hit reply.

*Would I say this if I were face to face having this conversation?

*Would I walk into a room FULL of people with this person and say this LOUDLY for ALL to hear?

*Would I want someone to say this on MY status or wall?

 I think people just forget that they are still having a CONVERSATION while on Facebook. It is the nature of this beast called social networking yet, I think with some education we can begin to navigate this medium more effectively. 

Somebody really should make some parody videos of the above situations in REAL life, shouldn't they? I'd like to personally invite Justin Timberlake to do one...does anyone know him?  Please say yes. :)

Stay tuned for more posts on Facebook etiquette. In the meantime, I'd love to hear what your tips are for using social networking sites.