It makes me feel like a tool, but I've decided to close my Facebook Profile to only people I know in real life and/or have significant connections to online. There are a lot of my former students on my profile now, and I feel weird mixing my private life and public life in that way. Also: this.
I'm keeping Twitter, GoodReads, and this blog open to everyone--I just want to shut down my Facebook profile since students are tagging me and writing to me, and since I'm getting an increase of friend requests from people I don't really know that well.
So, if you'd like to keep up with me on Facebook, I've made a Page here that will be open to the whole public. It would make me smile if you "liked" me. I'm a little scared everyone will mock me for being so pretentious.
You have been "liked." =)
ReplyDeleteLiked you already. I don't do it much, but somehow I don't think you can ever feel pretentious. Maybe it's your profile pic. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the explanation of why. I keep wondering if/when I'll want/need to make this step & am curious about why other authors make the change.
I'm actually thinking of closing my Facebook. I'm never on there (time is very limited), and I really don't get the whole thrill of the app. and games people tend to play. I'll probably start it up again sometime in the future, once I get published. Otherwise...
ReplyDeleteI'm actually a more private individual and having people want to share every aspect of my life is a little - strange to me. (Hugs)Indigo
You're beautiful, not pretentious.
ReplyDeleteI don't like adding people I don't know or at least haven't talked to and made a connection with online, either. It might seem silly to make a fanpage, but a) you're going to be HUGE and b) you deserve some privacy online. I plan on doing the same thing when I get close to publication.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand that. Some social media is nice to keep just for friends and family.
ReplyDeleteFacebook is tricky. I originally had a fan page, and then recently I started a separate "writer" account because I got tired of declining facebook requests with "Sorry, I don't friend people I don't know, but you can fan me if you want :-P" There's no perfect way to handle it. I think people will understand though.
ReplyDeleteI think you're making a smart move. Things are going to get crazy when your books are released.
ReplyDeleteI set up a Facebook account years ago and then never did anything with it--something about the free-for-all there bugs me and I hate that long list of privacy options. A crit partner brought Facebook up last night, saying she needed to de-friend a neice who was using language and content she doesn't want.
For now, I'm sticking to my blog, and when and if I get an agent, I'll set up a web page and Twitter account.
Good luck with all this. In no way are you ever pretentious.
I don't add people I don't know in some way on FB either, but I can understand not wanting to alienate potential fans. You're liked.
ReplyDeleteIt's so NOT pretentious! :) Good decision to keep your personal profile private, as well. 'Like'!
ReplyDeleteI think your decision makes sense. I still haven't signed up for Facebook yet - I can't imagine where I'd find the extra time.
ReplyDeleteI think you have made a very smart decision. I'm glad your blog will still be available.
ReplyDeleteMakes sense that you're doing this. And you aren't a tool--you're just being practical and protective of your personal space. :) HUgs!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Completely understandable!
ReplyDeleteI did the exact same thing. My FB account is where I relax and chat with friends and family and share pics of my kids and such. It's just not something I want strangers having access to. So if you want, you can "like" me too!! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Stephanie-Haefner/99513980888
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea, Beth. You can't say too much about the benefits of privacy, and having a public Facebook page is great. You can still connect with your fans that way.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I got the email suggestion to Like your page. Your book website is great, and I LOVED your first chapter.
In your profession, I think that is a wise move. There are plenty of other outlets to catch up with you on.
ReplyDeleteNo, no one would think that, not of you. I had the same concerns so I created two separate accounts. One I keep private, and the other is my writer account.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Already liked you, but now I do officially ;)
I get it. It's hard to know where to draw the line sometimes between your personal and your public life.
ReplyDeleteI like you!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I saw the ARC you tweeted. So. Cool!
Hurrah! Someone with sense :)
ReplyDeletePrue
I kind of wish I'd started two face book pages: one for personal me and one for writer me. I completely understand where you're coming from.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's possible for you to be pretentious. :P
ReplyDeleteI like you!
I don't like Facebook. I think about closing my account a lot, but I haven't yet because it's the only way I keep up with certain family members and friends from high school. So I just keep things really vague there. Anyone who wants actual attention can find me on Twitter or my blog, which I like much better. :)
I'm still resisting Facebook for some of the same reasons, so I completely understand!
ReplyDelete