Seriously?

I saw something on Facebook today that struck a nerve (of course that happens every time I get on Facebook). I have over 600 "friends," and the issue I am talking about did not stem from someone I know. Given my number of "friends," the odds are you won't be able to figure out where I saw this, so I'm not really worried about offending anyone. Though even if I did know this person I think I'd still say something...perhaps just in a softer tone. So if you're reading this and you know me, I'm 100% sure I'm not talking about you, and I'm probably close to 99.9% sure you wouldn't even know who or what I'm talking about, though I'd be you could find something like this unrelated to this situation!

I've listed the pros and cons of Facebook before. Great way to stay connected...see pictures...reconnect with the past...yada yada. Great way to get yourself into trouble...offend someone...get fired...get yelled at...become "that person" in someone's life...yada yada. This is obviously a get yourself into trouble kind of situation...and you'll really be in trouble with me if you ever do something like this!!!!

When someone has big news to share-LET THAT PERSON BE THE FIRST TO SHARE THE NEWS! If you find out a friend is getting married before it's "Facebook official," DON'T WRITE ON THEIR WALL!!!!! If you find out a friend is having a baby and they haven't mentioned it on Facebook, DON'T WRITE ON THEIR WALL!!!! I mean seriously...do people really need to be told that there may be a reason someone hasn't announced some kind of big news on Facebook? Obviously they do...this wasn't the first time I've seen this happen.

Why should you take my advice? I actually have a few good reasons in addition to the "I'm just right" statement. Maybe the person wants to call all their close friends and relatives first. Call me old fashioned, but I like to share big news in person, with a phone call or what I guess is no longer so impersonal, e mail. I don't want my friends to feel like they are lumped in the pile of all 600 people I'm "friends" with (sorry if you read my blog and aren't on my "call/e mail list"). Don't ruin the fun a person has announcing something big...don't steal their thunder. Don't offend Facebook using grandparents if you perhaps got the first phone call about an engagement or a baby! They'd probably like to hear the news before they see it on a wall. People actually get very hurt by this kind of thing, and I don't think it's always people being overly sensitive.

Just because a person has a Facebook account does not mean they want every aspect of their lives "put out there." Respect that. Don't hold everyone to the same low standard you have for what's ok to put out there! The smartest thing to assume is that someone else is more private than you.

I'll say it again...DO NOT SHARE NEWS ON SOMEONE'S FACEBOOK WALL IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY ANNOUNCED IT OR GIVEN YOU PERMISSION TO SAY SOMETHING! If they made an announcement or posted a picture it's ok to put it out there. What's considered news you ask? I'd say stay on the safe side. Anything having to do with marriage, babies, jobs, death, moves, something you'd feel hurt by if someone told the world before you got to, something you'd feel slighted by if everyone else in the world knew before you! I'm just saying use some good judgment!

Yes I ranted. I haven't blogged in over 3 months...I'm long overdue for a little ranting!!!