Looking at Facebook

Sooner or later I knew I'd have to write about Facebook. Everybody is, with the movie about it's founding coming out now. I've tried several times to figure out why it's so popular and I just can't get there. Writers are told these days that we must have a presence on the social networking sites—mainly Facebook and Twitter—because "that's where the action is." I'm still trying to find out what this action is.

I thought I found the answer when I tried to set up a Facebook group of Writer Friends. I sent out several invites, but nobody wanted in and I can't figure out why. We're not competitors. Writers' works are as different as fingerprints. Plop a pumpkin on a table in front of thirty writers, ask them to write down what they see, and you will get thirty different stories. I had thought it would be nice to share the many ups and downs of the profession with fellow writers, but when nobody answered the door, I got the message. That's a pretty loud "No!"

Facebook is good for reconnecting with old acquaintances, relatives, and friends. I went there when I started and it was fun for a time, but it didn't last. After updating family news with them, the conversations between us stopped. My children are all Facebook friends with me and we share a bit on Facebook, but we tend to use e-mail a lot more. My grandson showcased his wedding photos on Facebook this summer, and it did a great job. I am trying to determine if there is any advantage in using Facebook vs. e-mail for this sort of thing. I do like the idea that e-mail assures the user's privacy.

I'm not a techie lover, I'm not a computer gamer, and I have only a little free time to browse around on my computer, so I am still looking for a good, positive use for the site. Do any of you have ideas for me? Please write and tell me what you enjoy about Facebook. What keeps you spending delightful hours on this particular website?

Looking for something good and helpful in Facebook,
Margaret