Yes, I do find Facebook to be very useful and generally enjoyable. I think that our problem with these communications technologies is simply retaining enough control over the scope and nature of the involvement - participants, attention spans, and expectations of time commitments. I can definitely see where extreme time zone differences would encourage the use of Facebook or similar technologies. But I once had someone call me on the phone and say "Are you OK? I sent an email a couple of days ago and had not heard back from you!" 

Another good example is trying to download a "free white paper" or attending a "free Webinar" only to have the vendor email you several times and even call on the phone because they want to be of assistance.  Though they are sincere in their efforts, it means that you have to be ready for the consequences of any new interaction on the Internet where you expose yourself to new contacts and time commitments.

So I just tell business contacts I only check emails three times a day - morning, noon, afternoon. And I tell personal Internet contacts I check communications "every other day or two in the evenings." That has usually been enough of a buffer to take care of things.

John


****************************
John Phillips
Information Technology Decisions
www.infotechdecisions.com
865-966-9413

-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John James O'Brien
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 1:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Facebook

I resisted Facebook for some time for reasons already expressed. Then a 
colleague from my Swedish business interest asked me to give feedback on his 
page and I agreed, not knowing that meant establishing a page of my own to 
make good on my promise. 

Etc. Etc.

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