During the past week, I finally got on the stick and started using my Facebook account. After just a day or two I became convinced this is a utility which should be embraced universally. I am positive that it is going to completely replace my use of email to individuals whom I know but first I have to get those folks to join! I feel compelled to write some of the reasons:
Better Privacy:
| Standard Email | Your account can receive messages from anyone including those who spam. |
| You can only receive messages from those people whom you've personally accepted. |
Increased Ability to Locate Former Colleagues / Friends:
| Standard Email | None. |
| You may enter as much information as you wish about yourself. By doing so, others can find you. This may include your former school or work. The more you offer the greater the chances of being 'found'. It's still up to you whether to accept the requests for friendship or not. |
Inclusion of a Free Public Web Area:
| Standard Email | None. |
| A public wall exists on which others can add text, link, photos, etc. It's like a small web site of your own. You may use it for public messages or leave it for friends to write on. |
Added Ease in Sharing Photos:
| Standard Email | Generally, it's a hassle as the photos must be resized then attached or added. They stay with the single message only. |
| Photos are easily uploaded and then linked to those in them. They can be commented on. They stay online with the accounts. |
Improved Method for Sharing Links:
| Standard Email | Sure, mass mail your cute little gem to everyone and risk pissing some people off with unwanted mail. |
| Leave your items on your public wall. Others may view, leave suggestions, or add new ideas. Or ignore! |
Superior Ability to Message in Groups:
| Standard Email | Send a single message to many addresses. |
| Create a group area, public or private, where you invite others to participate in message board type discussions. |
Increased Ease at Planning Events:
| Standard Email | None. You just have to send out a multitude of messages and sort out the resulting replies on your own. |
| Create a specific appointment and get those friends on the system to easily RSVP. |
There's more. Much more. So if you've received a barrage of requests from me to sign up there are a few of the reasons. Here, I have to give my hats off to Candy W. Fuller for embracing my request so quickly and completely. Maybe this is a teacher thing.
