I’ve actively updated my status on Facebook for a long time, but really only casually participated even though I’ve added applications, pages and have several hundred friends. I’ve looked at Facebook more like AOL 2.0 than a place I really look to spend time, but recently a few things have happened that have gotten me to pay much more attention.
Many of the people I interact with are people I have known in person for a long time either from high school or college and more recently, work. In other social spaces, my friends tend to be virtual first though I’ve met quite a few people in person as well. The number of recent connections from old friends has greatly enhanced my desire to participate on Facebook. I know that’s the point, but I’ve had an account for so long yet really not had much discussion with long time friends until the past 6 months or so.
What really got my attention though was when I posted some pictures this week from my recent business trip to Dubai. As a long time Flickr user I have resisted Facebook photos. The people tagging is very cool, but there are many more features in Flickr and the focus in much more pure.
The recent pictures I posted received more comments on Facebook than I’ve ever gotten on Flickr and the fact that the people talking to me are mainly (some virtual buddies too) people I know adds more value to the conversation. Not to take anything away from my virtual friends of course, but sharing the experience with people I’ve known for a long time really does create a richer personal experience.
Technorati Tags: Facebook, socialnetworking, social, photos, flickr
The photos is definitely one of my favorite features, but to me, the real benefit to Facebook is the built-in chat. Granted, I have it pulled into Digsby, but even so, it allows me to connect with people who aren't really into AIM, MSN, or Yahoo! or anything, or who are otherwise relatively disconnected.
I suppose, then, my use is similar to yours in that it allows us to connect with the disconnected, so to speak. I've even chatted with both my mom and my dad on facebook already, though I'm not quite sure how they got accounts, lol.
I have a rule, I don't add you as a friend unless I've met you in meat space. It helps make my Facebook experience an absolute blast. Really only connecting with the people I know.
I think it's when you use these tools like they were meant to be used, IE: as a way to enhance the connection with the people you already know, that they really start to shine.
Welcome to a mature use of social tools instead of racking up 1000 friends just to say you have 1000 friends.
I have a rule, I don't add you as a friend unless I've met you in meat space. It helps make my Facebook experience an absolute blast. Really only connecting with the people I know.
I think it's when you use these tools like they were meant to be used, IE: as a way to enhance the connection with the people you already know, that they really start to shine.
Welcome to a mature use of social tools instead of racking up 1000 friends just to say you have 1000 friends.