dumping facebook

In the last few months, a couple of higher profile people in my social media circles have dumped their Facebook accounts. Deleted them. And subsequently made a big deal about it on their blogs and twitter stream in an annoyingly superior tone. 

Whatever.

I will not be dumping my Facebook page. Facebook (and other tools like Google +, LinkedIn, and Twitter) have given me the opportunity to expand relationships and build new ones.  Have fun and share sorrow.  Cook, take pictures, and tell stories. 

It gives me connection - the Navy took us to at least 10 different states and I have friends in all of them. Facebook allows me to stay connected to friends separated by time and distance; I can watch kids grow up, at least with pictures; and it allows me to learn and share things I didn't know we had in common. Seriously, I worked with +Karen Kerr for years and had no idea that she could bake and take pictures until Facebook. 

It provides opportunity for collaboration - Facebook has given me a chance to work on projects, blogs, recipes, pictures, and just plain fun. For free.

And I can use it for communication.  I share information with work friends including work-related happenings, job openings, events, and pictures of Mr. Handsome. 

While some may say goodbye to Facebook, I won't be one of them.