Blogging vs. Facebook

It seems like a lifetime ago when I first set up my Facebook account and opted to concentrate my energies there on networking and exchanging ideas about art and artwork. However after a decade or so on Facebook and having watched it change over the years I’ve come to the realization that the platform I once found engaging and constructive to building networks seemingly is no longer. Upon reading one particular Facebook friend’s status update (a fellow artist by the way) and the status update announced that as per this individual Facebook had become of a source of anxiety, dread and frustration. And hence the status update continued with their announcement that they were leaving Facebook and returning to blogging. In summary they felt that by returning to blogging they would get back to amicable exchange of ideas and discussions about none other than ART. Such a novel idea. Their announcement struck me and I could absolutely see the merit in their thinking which prompted me to examine my own attitude towards Facebook.

I am rather curious if others have considered or weighed the importance of Facebook in their life and career and what they have deduced. The more I talk to other creatives about Facebook I find that several have abandoned it altogether or opted to not set up an account because they saw it as a distraction an impediment to productivity and creativity. Yet some other creatives say Facebook is a “necessary evil” for they believe they require it in order to advance themselves socially and gain free exposure for their artwork.

Presently I sit on the fence in some respect poised ready to defect from Facebook yet strangely tethered to it for one reason or another. Though as time goes by I find myself repeatedly asking whether or not it has any relevance in my day to day existence. Something to ponder.....

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Diana K. Gibson

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