Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! Part 2

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! 

Part 2

We are back for another weekly dose of "Social Media Etiquette. It is I, the King of Social Media, Rob Dimension who will guide you through the rights and wrongs of connecting, staying connected and not being a nuisance.  

If you are lost already, let me refer you to my past blogs about social media success:

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! - Part 1

Keys to Being Successful in Social Media

We are now going to look at common courtesy to keep the friends you have made. You've made friends but the key is, too keep them. 

Humor - Oh boy, where do I begin with this one? Social Media is basically an "Open Mic" session for everyone who feels the need to steal a joke (Hack), add some en-lighting comment that your day would be shit without, or even show their charm by adding some sexual innuendo to your already shitty day. Not everyone is funny, yet 99% off your social media feed attempts "the funny". Most times your humor is just that...YOUR humor. Posting witty banter on people's post's, especially on their "Wall" almost always seems to be an eye roller or a sigh for the person who has to get the countless notifications from their unfunny friends. 

Rule of thumb, use your comedy on YOUR OWN WALL. If your joke is in your feed, no one can complain. I mean they can, but rightfully, they can simply click the "Unfriend" button. I never mind anyone using that option. 

Honestly, how many friends do I have on Facebook? About 3,000...by my calculations, that's about 2,995 too many. I have a very close circle of friends but I'm an attention whore so I friend everyone...hey, at least I'm honest.

Let's recount the Humor rules - No stealing jokes...this is a HUGE no-no. If you can't be funny without stealing someone else joke, then pass. You're not fooling anyone. Also, refrain from adding your unfunny 2 cents from people's walls. I know it's tempting..I know you have the perfect "that's what she said" spot...just pass on it. If someone is in your Facebook friends list is guilty of this often, first, show them my site...I need the hits, then just click "unfriend". Trust me, Facebook is a fake friendship builder anyways. 

Awful idea..don't do it!

Tagging of Photos - Holy hell, this is a BIG pet peeve of many. Ok, we met, we took a picture, you want to tag it..awesome, I like that. I enjoy seeing my picture, I'm very egotistical (although mostly, I just bitch about how fat I am). What really bothers me is being tagged in photos that A) I'm not in. B) I have nothing to do with, even though you think I'll appreciate it...trust me, I don't. And C) That is some spammy type sales gimmick, usually sneakers. I only wear Adidas Superstar shell tops (Run DMC style) so unless it's a promotion for cheap people to get me a free pair, not interested.  

The above picture is a good example of things to NOT tag people in. I don't care if you think I'm sexy, dumb, or super smart (My Mom has told me 2 of those 3). Let's use our brain people, do you really want this dumb shit on your wall? Or even worse, have to hunt through your photos to find pictures of the real you? No one appreciates this things, except old cat ladies who also enjoy enjoy dressing their cats in costumes according to season. 

I appreciate meeting people, I like to remember those times..(mostly) and seeing those pictures. I don't enjoy seeing myself tagged in photo's of CM Punk with a headline "What will WWE do now?" (I honestly don't know, don't care). I don't care where your Wrestlemania seats are, unless you bought me a ticket. No one else cares either...that's the truth.

Let's refresh Tagging Pictures on Facebook - Do NOT do it! Unless it's an actual picture of that person, don't do it. Best rule to follow.

The Birthday Wish - the Birthday wish on Facebook has become an important factor in "online friendships". It's someones Birthday and you want to wish it, awesome...I encourage you to do so. People like attention (including me) but I've seen a change in the Birthday wishes. 

If someone doesn't wish you a Happy Birthday, your world will not end. Believe it or not, some people aren't on Facebook all the time...it's almost crazy to think that someone people have lives, work or even leave their house...I know, crazy. Worry about your real life friends, get a party started and get some gifts...or sit in your room, cry and eat ice cream (that's what I do).

This brings me too the next part of the Birthday wish - The generalized "Thanks to everyone who said Happy Birthday" or even worse...the "like". If your friend takes the time to write "Happy Birthday" plus maybe "Hope you have a great day" they have clearly taken the time out of their day to express their appreciation for you. Yet, you can't acknowledge it, but to send a general "thanks"? Total dick move. People always say, "well, it's the thought that counts...no reason to say thanks", you know as well as I do, if you've spent any time on Facebook that your friends are needy. You had better say "Thanks Tom, you're swell" and maybe include a smiley face or something. Trust me, Tom will then not be pissed when you tag him in a picture of your Cat, dressed as an elf. 

The "like" - I've said this before, the like function on Facebook is the laziest form of interaction, the second is the Retweet on Twitter (yes, I do both, don't judge me). "Liking" the Birthday wish is a bit of a slap in the face. In other words, they can take the time out of their day to give you a nice gesture, writing it out, doing their homework and your response is one fkn click? Wow, some ego you have! Do the right thing, tell them - Thank you.

Let's Refresh "Happy Birthday" posts - If someone wishes you a Happy Birthday, don't be a smug, celebratory turd who is too busy opening up gifts, eating cake and enjoying your day with your family and loved ones...your Facebook friends want your damn attention too!

You're entirely welcome for this course, share with your friends, while it's free. Someday, I shall be standing in front of a classroom full of people that want to know, "How can I be popular?" Until then, follow me on Twitter RobDimension and keep checking back here for more tips that will help you survive. 

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! Part 1

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! 

Part 1

A lot of people have commented to me about the "Key's to Being Successful in Social Media" article, I figured I would try to shed more light on some "Do's and Do Not's" from Facebook. Starting to wonder if I need to write a book on Social Media.

If anyone remembers Myspace; the carefree basic introduction for many to the crazy online connection service, it almost seemed like an easier place to "play". Connecting with friends, meeting new people online that share the same interests and of course, being spammed by 3rd rate bands that want you to "listen to our demo". It was a simpler world. In walks Facebook and the social media explodes!

As Facebook grew...and grew...and grew into the publicly traded failure, free social media leader that people continually complain about, things have changed, and with change..comes rules. Well, at least I think there should be rules. 

Add as Friend - Oh yes, the ole' "Add as Friend" button that is the gateway to possible new friendships or rekindling of old flames. I just made it sound much more tempting and dramatic than it really is. 

Everyone wants to make friends, but when clicking "Add as Friend" button, comes responsibility. New friends can be eager, but just how "relaxed" of a friend connection is too relaxed...or how eager are you? That's why I'm here people.

It's always polite to post, after making a friendship connection, "Great to meet you" on your new found buddy's wall, yet it almost seems a little too anxious and overzealous too me. If we meet in person, a possible hand shake might occur with a "Nice too meet you" in a casual discussion, so I still feel this is acceptable. Now, after having said that, please refrain from posting some "Nice to meet you" photo that comes off as generic or is, possibly sending some "I like what you like" message. Remember, you want to be liked, not being a regret on an acceptance. 

Sending Messages -  Oh man, where do I start with this one....how about Politeness!

Let's say we have never met in person and maybe occasionally share a "like" on a photo; it's safe to say, being polite needs to be at the top of your list. 

Let me say this, before continuing; I'm not really even a fan of the private message. Connecting is always good, maybe start off the message with "I hate to bother you". With starting off that way, you're already admitting to being a bother...that scores points with me.

Being blunt is always a turn off, seriously. "Like my page. (link)". Yes, I have received those messages. My reaction is to click on that person's profile and delete them. Trying to bully someone into "liking" something is rude plus, we have all heard Pee Wee Herman give a PSA about Peer Pressure....well, and crack. 

Anyways, Who would I send a private message too? My rule of thumb is this: If we have never met in person, I don't see the reason to send a message. I will post on that person's wall instead; maybe a compliment, a casual remark or even a light-hearted pun (usually more like a smart ass comment...but you see it your way, I see it mine). Remember, the key to being successful is too be cool, not a nuisance.

I would say "Use your better judgement" but after opening my inbox, daily, I see that might not be the best option. If you have life altering news, by all means, inbox me...if you're plan is to say "Like my page"...pass and click "unfriend". 

That's part 1 for Facebook Do's and Do Not's, I hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you online!

Obviously, I don't take any of the serious or consider myself any kind of professional.