Today Marks my 10th Anniversary on Facebook

When I logged into Facebook today I got a message stating that today marked the 10th anniversary of my joining.  When I first came on board I thought that I would use it as a method of communicating library services to NJIT students after attending a seminar on that topic.  That obviously didn't work out, but I certainly found other uses for it.  The entire concept of "Facebook friend" is open to interpretation.  I should do an inventory, but I would say that I have either never met or just met once at least half of the 500+ friends I have.  My friends fall into the following categories:

• Colleagues at work either at NJIT or at other places
• Radio friends including radio personalities (This is likely the biggest number)
• Bob Dylan fans
• Baseball fans
• People I knew in different times of my life
• Family

I have initiated the following groups:

• Fans of Cousin Brucie
• Fans of Harry Harrison
• NYC Oldies Radio Enthusiasts

Back in 2006 I would make friends with almost anybody, but now I am reluctant to make friends with people I just don't know.  I guess some people are just friend collectors.

Many posts that I read are just plain silly.  Many people use Facebook to vent.  I made friends with a librarian I met just once who discussed in detail a very painful separation from her husband.  Why must I read about "tsouris" about people I really don't know.  Many people are secretive when they are ill while others are very open about it.  One person posted photos of himself in a hospital bed.  That is just inappropriate.

Needless to say Facebook is one big time suck and can be addictive.  It looks like it is here to stay.