‘How can someone have 200 friends?’

‘FB is a terrible idea, it makes it easy for people to abuse others.’

These are some of the comments I hear from Facebook haters when I mention I use it. Yes, FB can be used to abuse people, but so can a telephone, texting and pen and paper. As for friends, why can’t you have lots of friends?

I think FB is wonderful. Not only have I re-kindled fantastic friendships but I’ve made new friends.

Just recently I met up with Linda Frylink Anderson and her lovely husband Bill. Linda and I connected on a closed sailing group for women. She’s an author and sailor too.

This month we were both in Europe and got together. We knew each other already as we chat often, offering each other support and friendship in our writing and travelling endeavours. She’s helped me relax a bit more with my writing by not over-editing and I hope I’ve motivated Linda on her next book, (well, I keep asking her where she is up to!)

I’ve made another rich, deep and rewarding friendship, so yes, I like Facebook!

If used correctly Facebook is a wonderful tool for marketing too, which is a busy occupation for me.

Here are my rules for Facebook:

• Limit your use and stick to it! (Set a timer).
• Use FB as a distraction from time to time. (Set a timer).
• Don’t start a fight or criticise. Your settings maybe private but they are indelibly written forever, who knows where they may pop up someday.
• Don’t write on Facebook while drunk
• If you wouldn’t announce your posts face to face, don’t write them down
• Be courteous
• Read through your comments and ensure they make sense and cannot be misconstrued
• Don’t rant
• Support other people in your business/profession/personal interests – LIKES are supportive
• Post pictures
• Keep it short

Do you have self-imposed rules?