I really enjoy Facebook – yes I could live without it and yes I have at times suspended my account so I’m not dependant upon it.  It is what it is, a good place to connect with people, keep up to date with friends and it is tremendously powerful for both good and bad.

When linked with other social media it’s power to communicate is extraordinary.

Everyone once in a while…last night I might add…I see things that people express on Facebook that surprises me.  I know, but now I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.

Posts about what people think and feel – and then the comments….sometimes well meaning but poorly placed.  I am not sure why the original post was public but there it lies…and it is going to get comment.  Tonight’s banter is about the allowance of officers, and the usual comments about what it’s like in the real world.  The original post isn’t helpful because it is just a small sliver of a much larger discussion and the comments…well, after working to recruit candidates I can tell you that this kind of debate in this format doesn’t help.

Sure officers loose money when their kids graduate but name me another organization that gives you additional money when you’re kids are born?  Sure we don’t pay mortgages and household upkeep but we also don’t get the investment outcome either.  So there’s a balanced conversation to have.

Unfortunately Facebook isn’t likely to draw it out…instead there will be a number of comments and someone will be offended.

So while Facebook isn’t likely to go away just yet (I think it will one day), the content needs to be carefully measured.

Maybe it’s a good place to ask “how would I feel if this was on the front page of the Globe & Mail tomorrow?