I joined Facebook (And May Need Therapy for it)

I took the leap and joined Facebook. Don't bother linking there to see my page unless you're already a member--you won't be able to see it.

I'm feeling ambivalent about my membership. I keep hearing through writers groups and web sites that as an author I "must" have a page on Facebook. I "must" create a presence in an arena that draws 65 million. Fine. That part makes sense. Out of 65 million, there's got to be a cat lover or two out there who would like to buy my book.

But like everything online, you can't just pop a page up and expect people to show. You have to make the time to create an interesting, readable page that draws people in and keeps them coming back. You have to search out friends and list them on your page to prove to the world that you are, indeed, capable of attracting and retaining friends. You have to add photos, new content, and check in frequently.

Blah, blah, blah.

I am what is known as a "late adapter." Or rather, a reluctant late adapter. I'll eventually embrace a new technology, but I am going to bitch and complain the entire time I do.  And so it is with Facebook. I posted a profile and slapped my picture up there. I listed some books and movies I like. Now what? I have to search out high school friends I've ignored for 20 years and say, "Hey, want to best buds and link to my page?" Yech.

At times like this, I long to be my friend Melody who adores exploring all things new, fun, and web-related.  She wouldn't collapse sobbing over her computer after 20 minutes spent attempting to figure out how to set up a business page on the site. She wouldn't curse the man-children who came up with this site in the first place.  And she would possess an attitude of positive open mindedness that she would soon not only grasp but enjoy said technology.

I am not Melody.

But my page is up and that is progress. I will wait a few days before I log back on and once again attempt to figure out how to set up a page that sends people to my Lessons In Stalking website. Because, to be frank, I'm in this to sell books, not make friends. (I have enough trouble keeping up with the remaining 8 people out there still willing to associate with me on a semi-regular basis. Hand me 50 online friends and I will lose it.)

I may have to lighten up. Melody is already on Facebook and at lunch the other day she was explaining to me the "Poke" feature. If you want to say hi to someone you "poke" them online. I looked coldly at her. "There will be no poking in our Facebook relationship," I said. "One poke, and you are banned from the friendship list for life."

I think I'd do better to just send out postcards. More my speed, dont'cha think?