So I had an interesting thing happen, which I should have seen coming when I posted my wedding photos -- I didn't realize just how many REALbasic users are on Facebook! ;-) But it forced me to do some interesting evaluations I've been able to skirt around before. How much do I mix work with personal life?
With my blog, it's more of a "push" model -- if I want everyone to know about personal stuff, such as my wedding, then I can push the content out to my blog and anyone can see it. But Facebook is different in that I tend to use it to keep in touch with personal friends, bitch about problems (both work and personal), etc. So the question becomes: do I want to allow RB users to view my Facebook profile?
The answer is: no, I don't want that. Believe it or not, but I have to watch what I say on my personal blog. ;-) Even though it's personal, I still represent REAL Software and that can affect people's purchasing decisions. So I don't spout off about the idiot neighbor and their damnedable barking mutt from Hell (often), and tend to discuss more professional matters. (Note: no one from work censors my blog, so my blog isn't just a front for REAL Software.) But I certainly make use of Facebook for that sort of thing since I don't have to worry about offending anyone, coming across unprofessionally, etc. And the lack of worry is what makes Facebook interesting to me, and I don't want to lose that.
So! If you happen to "friend" me on Facebook, don't be too upset with me if I decline the invitation. It's not that I don't like you, because honestly, I do! It's mostly a matter of keeping my personal life separated from my work life. Thanks for understanding!
Not really sure if we like this.
It's ok to be human we all are and people understand this but hiding things - even personal things seems dishonest.
Afterall you're sharing those things with other people but you're not sharing them with supposed RB customer -friends.
If RB customers 'friend' you on facebook and you turn them down that comes off as a direct slap in the face and draws the line of 'business contact only' firmly in the sand. Quite a different experience from interacting with you in person or online.
@Anonymous -- you're welcome to dislike it. But the fact of the matter is: it's my personal life, and I'll run it however fits best for me. This decision comes from experience. I used to blog about personal things, but some people couldn't handle that and complained about how unprofessional it comes across. So this is my solution -- have a personal space, and a public space.