Friday, November 09, 2007

What I'm loving about Facebook

Having heard many of the various opinions on Facebook's use as a social networking tool and the next Big Networking Site, I decided to give it a shot about last week. Having been burned (or rather, extremely annoyed) by MySpace last year, I wasn't expecting much.

Turns out, now I'm addicted. There are many reasons why, but the primary reason is that it adds a more personal level to professional networking - I can get to know people on a deeper level than just their work history or immediate needs. And this, to me, is what real "networking" is all about - creating a network of mutually supportive people.

Some other things that I'm particularly jazzed about:

1. The Visual Bookshelf Application: This is one of Facebook's many add-ons, but I love it because, being an avid reader and someone who is always finding books that would be just GREAT to read if I have the time, I can actually compile a list of not only the books I've already read, but the books that I notice in magazines, blogs, etc. that I really WANT to read. Very helpful - and there's something gratifying about the narcissism of showing off your vast reading experience to folks. Just sayin.

2. I can import my blog directly into the "notes" section of my Facebook profile. This is a great time-saver, and gets the blog (and my work, now that I'm starting to post work updates to the blog as well) additional exposure without requiring extra time from me. HUGE plus.

So, anyone else on Facebook? What do you like about it? What would you change?

2 comments:

Roughstock Jess said...

m, I wish GDD was more active! I'll have to look into that blog-import function; that would be pretty cool.

I'm liking FB for it's functionality, but I can't help but feel like I have far too many social/business networking tools going on.

Stupid computers. ;)

J.

Dani Nordin said...

Hey jess,

It'll get there, I think - we just need to pay some attention to it, and draw some attention to it so that folks actually comment. I have to admit I've been a bit lax (trying to avoid the computer for too long).

In terms of the social-networking stuff, what I love about Facebook is that it automates the same thing that I was using MySpace for - instead of having to go in and post links to my blogs manually, I can just import them, and a whole new audience gets to see them. This pleases me. I don't really bother with MySpace anymore, nor do I really bother with Gather, which I was on for a while last year. I think that, with LinkedIn and Facebook, I finally have a good system going.