Facebook Faux Pas

In a recent survey of my social circles 6 out of 10 ladies are frustrated with unwritten etiquette rules of social networking. 

We all have experienced it, Facebook faux pas. If we are being real, we will admit we have had played a part in or created Facebook faux pas. For those of you who don't speak French a Facebook faux pas is (pronounced /ˌfoʊˈpɑː/, plural: faux pas /ˌfoʊˈpɑː(z)/) it is a violation of accepted social norms while in full view of social network. The term comes originally from French, and literally means "misstep" or "false step".

It seems that Facebook, for some, is difficult, tiring, draining and sometimes dramatic. If you have experienced these symptoms then you might want to review some of these faux pas:

• Addressing political hot buttons on your page. Unless you’re willing to lose business opportunities over Proposition Whatever-It-Is, keep it to yourself.
• Arguing with a friend (or friend’s friend) on their wall (or any wall). You may hate that Dawn Whats-Her-Name  just called The Office juvenile on Joe Shmoe’s wall, but don’t get into it with her there. Walk away…
• Posting something every 5 minutes. I don’t care if it’s your status, a video, a link or photo, every time you make a move on Facebook, other people know.  Don’t let your constant updates become annoying.
• Constantly marketing yourself and your work in your status updates. Facebook is a platform–and maybe networking is the only reason you signed up–but be careful, or people will start clicking “unfriend” to hush you up.

If you're over 35 go check out this Business Week article on Facebook 101 for Old Folks.
In fact you may want to print it out and have it right by your computer every time you log on to Facebook.

If you are like me and don't take Facebook too seriously remember that other's do take it seriously...
Seriously?! There was a teacher in Massachusetts who lost her job due to calling students "germ bags".
She thought she was writing a private message. Warning: Be sure you understand how the social media site works before jumping in and calling anyone "germ bags". Right, like you haven't ever called anyone a germ bag before. 

There are so many articles out there on how to handle Facebook. I have decided to write a few posts about our fav little topic, Facebook.
Tell me: what was your worst Facebook Faux pas or your fav Facebook Petpeeve. 
I look forward to hearing from you. I may just use your story in my next post...
"Facebook Drama; It's not about YOU."

The information in this blog is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights. This weblog does not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of my family or other blogs in which I contribute. It is solely my opinion. The use of the name "Dawn" was sort of random, however it does not represent any real person named "Dawn" that I may or may not know in real life or on Facebook. Feel free to challenge me, disagree with me, or tell me I’m completely nuts in the comments section of each blog entry, but I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) – so keep it polite, please.