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I feel so FREE!!! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

That's rather impressive. Not many people manage it.

It took a few goes. I don't have a problem with Facebook. I think I just grew out of it .

I returned to Facebook two days ago for the first time in over two years. It took precisely 2 minutes and the reading of one persons message to realise why I abandoned it in the first place

Snowfire;1436978 wrote: I returned to Facebook two days ago for the first time in over two years. It took precisely 2 minutes and the reading of one persons message to realise why I abandoned it in the first place


Yes I understand that . I didn't have a problem with anyone or have any issues with posts or anything like that (which is odd for me lol) I just thought "Nope, more to life than this crap" . The original reason I went to FB in the first place was for family because they all live a long way away . But it just kept building from there. . I think the last straw was befriending my neighbours, and seeing my niece and nephew having an argument with each other.....they were apparently sitting in the same room, not even a metre from one another.

Like I said I reckon I've just grown away from it i guess.

Congratulations Fuzz ... :guitarist

Now step #2: Write a real letter to someone and send it by snail mail ... :driving:

I'm very picky about my friends list and I block people at the drop of a hat. If I feel uncomfortable knowing they're reading any of my comments, they're gone. If they start getting rabid about any subject, they're gone. Angry political rants is something I don't care to read, no matter what side of the aisle they're on.

SnoozeAgain;1436992 wrote: I'm very picky about my friends list and I block people at the drop of a hat. If I feel uncomfortable knowing they're reading any of my comments, they're gone. If they start getting rabid about any subject, they're gone. Angry political rants is something I don't care to read, no matter what side of the aisle they're on.


This is the truth and the whole truth Snooze ... I did open a FB and a Twitter account, I think because everyone else was doing it and because my cyber and other friends kept asking me to join. But to date I think have spent about maybe 30 minutes on FB since joining and have not tweeted on Twitter. I've tooted, tottered and been tattered but I haven't tweeted!

A couple having breakfast at a table opposite me last Saturday each sat poking at their tablets right thru their meal even while they were eating. They hardly said more than a few words to each other the whole time.

Not for me I'm afraid.

When I first opened a Facebook account, I was like many who assumed It was for those with little In their lives and I was very wrong, I have come to find.

Sorry, but the truth Is, If you have little going on In your life and have 20 friends on facebook with no common Interests with you, then you won't get anything out of It.

I have reached a stage where I'd be lost without It. Firstly, a large family all over the country that It would be Impossible to see on a daily basis, I can see daily what they are up to.

All political parties use Facebook as do all charities now. Most of my friends are In the horse-racing Industry and I can read from a Groom or a trainer what a horse Is doing long before the racing press get the news.

I can post on Nationalist sites within Facebook and discuss daily news and current events.

I even have the likes of Charlie Watts ( yeah get down ) on my facebook friends and can see what The Stones are up to long before they announce It to the press.

I can see what my animal charities are doing and sign their petitions where once, I may not have even heard about a campaign being launched.

It's not always the case of ' send a letter or e mail'. I work long hours and In my breaks throughout the day, I can catch up with what's happening politically and In the racing Industry.

Then at the end of a long day, I may get a ' Hey Julie wassap ' on live chat from a close friend or family member....

Facebook Is a tool which reaches a far wider audience than some tabloids now, You get out of It what you want to get out of It.

Yeah, what she said. And cute animal photos.

SnoozeAgain;1437000 wrote: Yeah, what she said. And cute animal photos. I put a pic of Q on facebook last night.

SnoozeAgain;1436992 wrote: I'm very picky about my friends list and I block people at the drop of a hat. If I feel uncomfortable knowing they're reading any of my comments, they're gone. If they start getting rabid about any subject, they're gone. Angry political rants is something I don't care to read, no matter what side of the aisle they're on.


Yeah I was like that .... but I liked the political stats and arguments . I guess because I had friends who were academics and didn't go off on a tiraid. But I felt there was a trend to be arrogant and a deliberate attempt to shut out the real world. Deleting people who pissed you off is like having your own kingdom and an "off with your head" mentality. It's not real social behaviour. And yet they call it a social network. Nuh uh..

Also I think once you feel you need FB that's when you should pull the plug.

I don't just only use a programme I like to analyse repeatedly why I use a programme and lets face it ...it's only a computer programme. My reasoning was becoming very teenage like. I imagined my parents taking it away from me and what excuse could I come up with to convince them that I "NEEDED IT". Firstly - "Everyone else is doing it". Secondly - "You're taking away all my friends". And thirdly - how am I going to get that assignment done for school when all the information I need is on Facebook...............Hmmmmmmm.

And that's how it is I believe . Lets face it. I thought it was the only way to have contact with friends when in reality I was being lazy about social contact and in turn forcing others to be lazy with me . I was also using it as a news source. Since I stopped watching television I was becoming more reliant on FB to inform me of news events.

In the end I was just another pleb in an en masse social and psychological experiment. Probably still am by being here. lol lol

I'm not too concerned about it, I figure if I enjoy it and it's not hurting anyone, then it's all good. I get news feeds, animal organization info, friends, games and beautiful photos from around the world. I see it as a gift.

SnoozeAgain;1437041 wrote: I'm not too concerned about it, I figure if I enjoy it and it's not hurting anyone, then it's all good. I get news feeds, animal organization info, friends, games and beautiful photos from around the world. I see it as a gift. I agree... TV and tabloids can only cover a fraction of what you can see and learn on Facebook.

For example... I learnt that male seahorses give birth

:p

:sneaky:

:yh_rotfl

I think it's interesting. When I informed 79 of my closest and dearest of friends who will all I expect turn up to my funeral one day . ~snigger~ The first thing that was asked was 'who's pissed you off" or "has someone upset you" . But quite the opposite was true. I'd just had a very informative and funny conversation with someone......but then I felt sad. Why isn't that conversation happening at my kitchen table? My coffee isn't THAT bad.

I like my news feed on Facebook...apart from the occasional like or comment, I don't post much myself but I like reading other people's posts and seeing their pics. I also belong to a couple of groups whose members share the same interests as me and it's good to read different perspectives.

SnoozeAgain;1437041 wrote: I'm not too concerned about it, I figure if I enjoy it and it's not hurting anyone, then it's all good. I get news feeds, animal organization info, friends, games and beautiful photos from around the world. I see it as a gift.


I'm beginning to believe it is hurting us...........we just don't understand how yet.

Actually one thing has changed . I have quite a few activist friends. I've noticed the way in which people are happier to sign an online pettition these days instead of getting out onto the streets to protest what they say means so much to them . As this has continued to happen we see more and more police in military uniforms with huge 'riot' vans turning up on our streets. I believe they are waiting until circumstances piss us all off so much and it all becomes too much for everyone.

They have subdued the masses and if we raise our heads just even a little bit look what is waiting for us .

Here's an example of something I probably never would have seen if someone hadn't just posted it on FB.

Jimmy Stewart - I'll Always Love A Dog Named Beau - YouTube

theia;1437044 wrote: I like my news feed on Facebook...apart from the occasional like or comment, I don't post much myself but I like reading other people's posts and seeing their pics. I also belong to a couple of groups whose members share the same interests as me and it's good to read different perspectives. I've sent you a request to join one of my groups on Facebook.

The ' Bacon Eating Infidels Group'

I can also add you to the ' Alex Salmond Is a deluded Wanker ' group If you wish.

SnoozeAgain;1437046 wrote: Here's an example of something I probably never would have seen if someone hadn't just posted it on FB.

Jimmy Stewart - I'll Always Love A Dog Named Beau - YouTube


Exactly !!!! I'd never have seen that either.

fuzzywuzzy;1437043 wrote: I think it's interesting. When I informed 79 of my closest and dearest of friends who will all I expect turn up to my funeral one day . ~snigger~ The first thing that was asked was 'who's pissed you off" or "has someone upset you" . But quite the opposite was true. I'd just had a very informative and funny conversation with someone......but then I felt sad. Why isn't that conversation happening at my kitchen table? My coffee isn't THAT bad.


I think you're ruining something that has a lot of potential to make you happy. You had a very informative and funny conversation but then felt sad it wasn't face to face... why not just enjoy it for what it is?

oscar;1437047 wrote: I've sent you a request to join one of my groups on Facebook.

The ' Bacon Eating Infidels Group'

I can also add you to the ' Alex Salmond Is a deluded Wanker ' group If you wish.


Oh, go on then...

SnoozeAgain;1437049 wrote: I think you're ruining something that has a lot of potential to make you happy. You had a very informative and funny conversation but then felt sad it wasn't face to face... why not just enjoy it for what it is?


Because what it IS .........is not real.

To each their own of course but I'm explaining in this thread my own reasoning. And why I feel this way.

Instant self gratification doesn't always make you happy.

It's as real as you make It.

If you don't have real life friends, family, work colleagues, associates etc etc and only have a handful of people you know from other social sites, then It can seem unreal because you don't actually know the people you are on Facebook with.

Earlier this year, we on The Horse racing Appreciation Group were getting excited about the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival In March. Every now and then , I'll get friend requests from people I don't know but we share mutual friends. When It got round to Cheltenham, I was meeting up with them In real life at the races... that's real... That's new real life friends and associates I wouldn't have had If not for Facebook.

Anyway moving on . :/

How is this not real? It's not like we're talking to robots online, they're real flesh and blood sharing their thoughts with us. It's no different than the old days when people would correspond for years via written letters without ever actually meeting.

SnoozeAgain;1437054 wrote: How is this not real? It's not like we're talking to robots online, they're real flesh and blood sharing their thoughts with us. It's no different than the old days when people would correspond for years via written letters without ever actually meeting. Exactly !!! The only difference Is Facebook Is Instant.

SnoozeAgain;1437054 wrote: How is this not real? It's not like we're talking to robots online, they're real flesh and blood sharing their thoughts with us. It's no different than the old days when people would correspond for years via written letters without ever actually meeting.


Hey, I was just going to say that! Not the last sentence though...hadn't got there yet.

And you're both entitled to your opinions and excuses but this thread is about why I removed myself .

theia;1437057 wrote: Hey, I was just going to say that! Not the last sentence though...hadn't got there yet.


Thing Is, life Is now Instant. The very people who complain about Facebook are the very people who will happily accept on line banking, on line shopping, on line dating, social network forums whatever. The Internet Is a way of life now and keeping In touch with friends and family on line Is a boom.

fuzzywuzzy;1437036 wrote: Yeah I was like that .... but I liked the political stats and arguments . I guess because I had friends who were academics and didn't go off on a tiraid. But I felt there was a trend to be arrogant and a deliberate attempt to shut out the real world. Deleting people who pissed you off is like having your own kingdom and an "off with your head" mentality. It's not real social behaviour. And yet they call it a social network. Nuh uh..




I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm sure Theia, Snooze and myself thought that as you had posted this as a thread, It was up for discussion.

Deleting and blocking people Is not about having your own kingdom. When you are on Facebook with your family, friends, work colleagues etc, then It's just an extension of the real world.

But there Is a polite etiquette to Facebook. We have to remember that It's not a forum and friends on Facebook will have their Immediate family, family, neighbours, close friends etc etc on there with them. There will also be young children, family members reading. When some Idiot posts ridiculous, crass comments on my status where I have family children looking In for no other reason than they think they are being terribly witty and funny, then too right, I'll block their arsse.

If someone makes crass jokes about the IRA when half of my family are Irish and a tad sensitive, again, I'll block them, too right.

If someone by thinking that because I've accepted their friend request, I am Interested or even care about their marraige break up to the point they are messaging me all night long, then I'll block them.

When your family starts asking who the Idiot Is on every status update you make, then I'll block them.

Facebook Is also respecting the fact that you are not the only friend someone has and being polite enough to stay out when they are clearly talking to only family.

Respect that you don't ridicule or attack other posters on someone's status and remembering that they are friends and family.

Luckily, all of my Facebook friends respect that code of conduct and I haven't had to block anyone for a long time. Likewise, I respect my friends. Too right I'll block anyone who behaves like that. Why would anyone want to expose their family children to that kind of crap.

My apologies also for posting here. I too thought it was a discussion thread

I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm sure Theia, Snooze and myself thought that as you had posted this as a thread, It was up for discussion.


Sorry you feel what way? Are you starting your snide and bullying tactics again in order to ruin peoples threads?

Again I'll state you're entitled to your opinions but this thread is about why I left and my thoughts about how the system of social pages work. And like I said I didn't have a problem with facebook nor did I have a problem with the people on it I just saw it for what it is and stated why I left. These are my thoughts and I don't need to argue them with you .

fuzzywuzzy;1437116 wrote: Sorry you feel what way? Are you starting your snide and bullying tactics again in order to ruin peoples threads?

Again I'll state you're entitled to your opinions but this thread is about why I left and my thoughts about how the system of social pages work. And like I said I didn't have a problem with facebook nor did I have a problem with the people on it I just saw it for what it is and stated why I left. These are my thoughts and I don't need to argue them with you .
Why hone In on me ? Theia and Snooze also posted here. Ruin your thread? Oh please.

You posted your ' thoughts ' as a thread. What, are we all now expected to sit and ponder every time you post a thread as to wether It's your thoughts or wether It's open for discussion? How does that work on a forum exactly.?

Theia also apologised for posting here. I don't see you attacking her. Hmmmmmm

And you're both entitled to your opinions and excuses but this thread is about why I removed myself


If you don't understand that comment and need to twist it into something to begin your crap it won't work .

Criticism of my thread,

how I post in my thread

play the victim as if being attacked

create a posse around you

.:yh_clap



Now May I please get back to writing in my thread? If you have anything constructive to contribute please do so but only if it is constructive.

thankyou

Oh good, I've never been a member of a posse before. Do I get a cowboy hat?

They are giving them out at the gate. Pink?

this is an old piece but was written by a teen in the 'Times'.

A Teen Speaks: Is Social Networking Damaging Our Social Skills? - SocialTimes



And this about a book written on the topic of FB

The consequences of connection: How is Facebook changing society? | Tampa Bay Times

I'm 55 and I'm not too worried about my social skills. I manage to get by in cubicle land at work without annoying anyone too much, I'm able to make small talk in line if the person isn't too creepy and I prefer to spend my off hours chatting online. However I can see how people would be concerned about children and teens spending long hours online before they've had a chance to learn how to interact with other people in social and work settings.

Hmmm not sure . I sat in a group (study group) 6 out of the 10 people didn't have an FB account. That really astounded me considering I thought EVERYONE had one. I was intrigued and decided to watch the dynamics of those present. (oh I didn't just watch them because I'm weird ) We were told to pick up on something during the study and report on it afterward. I wrote up a graph as to how many people checked their phones during the study group time which was 2 hours long. (give or take a cup of tea or two.) the 4 who had FB - 2 were in their early 20's and the other mid 30's .And of course myself Those who didn't have FB ranged in age of about late 20's to late 40's.

I had to dismiss myself from my calculations because I dont' carry my mobile with me.

In a two hour time period 2 of the 6 that didn't have FB checked their phone all up 7 times.

One took a call and left the room

two did not check their phones at all.

And the last texted eight times in the first hour and left the group.

The three with FB accounts

one was constantly texting ..I couldn't keep up it was like the phone was glued to her hand

one checked their phone 24 times

the other checked his phone 17 times but only texted when he went for a cuppa. I was only able to calculate 4 texts.

When we were in the discussions and summing up at the end of the group time. Some were embarrassed by their usage (which was not my intention) one was quite taken aback and rechecked his phone. But all were amused and were not aware of their usage in that short period of time.

All this lead onto a discussion about people showing on the FB pages where they are at any given time . You have to be checking FB for that to happen which means FB is everywhere and in your life 24 hours a day. Or that's the conclusion we came to.

It's not the most scientific of data, just an observation on peoples behaviour over a short period of time . Another of the students observed how many times each in the group touched their hair.

fuzzywuzzy;1437149 wrote:

All this lead onto a discussion about people showing on the FB pages where they are at any given time . You have to be checking FB for that to happen which means FB is everywhere and in your life 24 hours a day. Or that's the conclusion we came to.

It's not the most scientific of data, just an observation on peoples behaviour over a short period of time . Another of the students observed how many times each in the group touched their hair. That's a short cross section of people.

Most users are like me and check In twice maybe three times a day during work breaks for an hour or so. It certainly does not rule my life as some like to Imply.

I am far too busy to be glued to It 24/7 and I haven't used a mobile phone for months because I have no need to.

Checking In on Facebook Is no different to posting on forums... we all have our thing.

I don't use my real name, I have my settings as private as possible so you can't find me via email and I sure as hell don't check in when and where I go. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence should be able to figure this out, it's not rocket surgery.

fuzzywuzzy;1436946 wrote: I feel so FREE!!! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl


Congrats fuzzywuzzy!

I have a FB page but post very little to it...it is of more interest to find friends in the touch-see world for me and explore life in 3-D. Sounds like you are at that crossing. I think you will do just fine!

:guitarist

Lady J

Lady J;1437157 wrote: Congrats fuzzywuzzy!

I have a FB page but post very little to it...it is of more interest to find friends in the touch-see world for me and explore life in 3-D. Sounds like you are at that crossing. I think you will do just fine!

:guitarist

Lady J


But would you have ever met JJ if you hadn't been online?

SnoozeAgain;1437153 wrote: I don't use my real name, I have my settings as private as possible so you can't find me via email and I sure as hell don't check in when and where I go. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence should be able to figure this out, it's not rocket surgery.


There are some people who do check In every five minutes but It's Insulting to the millions of people who don't to tar them all with the same brush.

My views have changed on Facebook over the years where at one time I must admit, I did pre-judge some people who used It a lot. I remember thinking how my neighbour posted endless pics of her kids every day until one day I read a comment from those kids grandmother saying how she wished she lived nearer to them and thanking her daughter In law for sharing the pics so she could see what they were up to every day.

My attitude changed right there and then and I realised I was In no position to judge.

People use Facebook for different reasons and no-one has the right to judge them.

There Is something disconcerting about any quitter such as those smokers who manage to quit. Or the lard arsse who's lost weight. Suddenly they feel sanctimonious enough to spend the rest of their days telling you of the evils of ciggarettes and what you should be eating.

What does It matter why people use Facebook? Like the grandmother who just wants to see her grand kids every day or the painfully shy teenager who wants to socialise, who Is anyone to judge.? Just because Facebook Is not for one person, then don't preach to those who actually get something out of It.

I love Facebook.

It is so enabling.

It allows every ignoramus in the world to happily demonstrate how much he knows about a vast array of topics.

Yeah, I'm not really getting the "congratulations!" bit either. It's not like she kicked heroin.

LarsMac;1437170 wrote: I love the internet.

It is so enabling.

It allows every ignoramus in the world to happily demonstrate how much they know about a vast array of topics.


Fixed it for you.

SnoozeAgain;1437172 wrote: Fixed it for you.


Thanks

SnoozeAgain;1437172 wrote: Fixed it for you. Or the nights when I have just had a crap day and get to goof around with you on Facebook which cheers me up.