Thursday, February 19, 2009

Facebook, Blogs, Twitter And People I Don't Want To Be Friends With.



Here are some of my thoughts on Facebook, Blogs and Twitter. I've put them in list form for ease of reading and memorization.

1. Almost all of my Facebook friends are bloggers.

2. The few real life friends I have on Facebook are friends that won't blow my cover. And believe me, I have shitload of real life friends. I'm not some loser.

3. My real last name isn't Zibbs but real friends are slowly finding me and requesting to be friends. Some I want to be friends with but most I don't want to because I'm afraid they'll blow my cover. Like mentioning my name in a blog comment.

4. I also don't want to be Facebook friends with people that I haven't seen in years that I never really liked much anyway.

5. There are real life friends of friends that I want to write posts about but I would never be able to if these people become Facebook friends of mine. What am I supposed to do? Mentally keep track of what stories I can't tell? And do you realize I haven't even scratched the surface of things to post about? I've got years of true life stuff that I haven't even touched on yet and I'm already feeling stifled because my sister's now read my blog. Once in a while.

6. I don't have the desire to share my entire life with everyone anyway on Facebook. "Oh you couldn't make it to my party because you were sick huh? Then why do you have those pictures of yourself in Philly on Facebook?" I don't need that crap.

7. Who the hell uses Twitter? More importantly, who gives a crap about what people are doing every minute of the day? Unless of course it's coming from me. Remember about when I was looking at that bird last week? Do people EVER post anything interesting on Twitter? I don't get it. Unless someone has been kidnapped or there's a burgler in their house - Twitter is boring. "OH MY GOD - HE'S COMING UP THE STEPS!"

8. How to you post a link on Facebook so I can do it and promote my blog more? I'm sure it's easy to figure out but I don't feel like figuring it out.

9. I've been debating putting pictures of myself on Facebook because honestly, I'd be frustrated as hell if I read someones blog for a year but had no idea what they looked like. On the other hand, I kind of like the mystery. I just can't decide. If you're a regular reader and would like to be my Facebook friend, send me a request. If you're a real life friend that wants to be my Facebook friend get in line. Then you'll be ready if and when I reveal myelf. And honestly, it's less about keeping the mystery and more about people finding out who I am as I start to write some amazing real life stories. Stories that will make me look like an a-hole, a crazy person or get me in big trouble with people.

10. I am tempted to have an additional Facebook with real friends because I have so many different friends and lots of people that I'd like to get back in touch with. The downside is that I'm sure I'd get lots of people wanting to "get together" when there's no way in hell I want to see them. I had a guy from high school call me out of the blue a few weeks ago and wanted to get together. I never called him back because I'm sure he'd ask "When are you free?" and I really can't say, "I have an opening in 50 years" so I'd probably end up meeting with him.

11. The bottom line of all of this is that I've really stopped telling real life friends about my blog because if it ever gets to the point that I can't write what I want to write because it might hurt my career or I know that someone's going to read it and get pissed - I'd have to just shut down my blog. Imagine the suicides. I can't live with that.

12. And one more thing about my blog. I like to write THAT BLUE YAK the same way I would talk to a bunch of friends at a party. Hey we're at a party. Everyone is hanging out and laughing. Then all of a sudden - here come a few of my friend's "Christian friends" or uptight, fat ass sister. Now the party is ruined. That's what I don't want to happen. That's why I keep things private.

59 comments:

Kelly said...

So with you!!!! I keep thinking I need to start a new, super-secret blog so that I can just rip on everyone I know. Great friend, right?

Jennifer and Sandi said...

*If you're a real life friend that wants to be my Facebook friend get in line.*

Hahaha that's pretty funny!

I knew the day would come when we would all blend together Bloggers/Facebook.

We don't really want to know what you look like, we just enjoy reading your blog. So you can just get over that right now!

You can delete me if you want. To make more room for all of your friends and such!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!!!!

- Jennifer

Dr Zibbs said...

PunkyBean - It's true. I know a few bloggers - like MELO - that stopped blogging because too many of their real life friends and work assocciates were reading it.

Jennifer - people actually do want to know what I look like. I get emails all the time from people asking me to send them a picture. I'm not lying.

Jeannie said...

I don't care about facebook whatsoever. In fact, it's kind of annoying but it's useful to keep in touch with obscure members of the family that I wouldn't generally phone or write or even email to. I don't want to be facebook friends with you to be honest. I've only started following you and hardly know you.

Dr Zibbs said...

Jeannie - this post was written to look like it was talking to everyone but I was really just addressing you and hoping that you'd be my Facebook friend.

Would you mind telling me where you live so I can come over and try to convince you in person?

Do you have a projector I can use for my Powerpoint presentation?

Anonymous said...

Something very close to #6 happened to me. There were plans to meet up, at the last minute some people said they couldn't make it, and then I see their mugs on facebook hanging out with other people.

I find it disturbing for someone to ask me to confirm that we are friends but have absolutely no intention of ever communicating with me.

Verdant Earl said...

I hear ya.

I have a few real life folks who read my blog and it backfired once when someone thought I was insulting them. I wasn't, but that's how they took it.

Now I never write about my friends or family. Yeah, it sucks that I have to censor myself, but it's better than the alternative.

rachel... said...

In hindsight, I wish I had made my blog more anonymous, so I could gossip more about people I know in real life. I, too, am thinking of starting a secret blog.

Facebook? Meh. It's alright. I guess I'll take a fb friendship, Dr Zibbs.

So, where's the picture??? Why not post it here?

Dr Zibbs said...

Step Right Up - See I told you that happens.

Also, I'm not asking people to be my Facebook friends, I'm saying "if they WANT to be my Facebook friends".

To me, Facebook started out as another way to promote my blog but I have gotten friendly with a few of my blog readers with it.

Just sayin'.

Dr Zibbs said...

Rachel - I don't want to post it here because then the whole world would see who I am.

And I don't want my image ending up on bootleg t-shirts.

Tenakim said...

so with you on the possible six degrees of separation of blog and real life colliding- blowing my cover- how ever you put it. Freaks me out, so I'm careful, I don't like blog stuff on FB (most of my FB are real life)

I agree on most-however I do Twitter- here's the thing- for the first 6 mos, I thought it was a crock of shit- just a way of talking to yourself... but then I started making connections and getting responses. Now the only time I use it is when I'm having dialogue (or polylogue, if you will- that's prob. soooo not a word) with people. Cuz I can talk to myself anytime!And I'm really not THAT interesting.

Sara said...

I loathe Facebook. I really don't need to know that some girl I was friends with for a few months in the fifth grade (but who found me again on FB) hates going in to work on Monday but loves Fridays. Seriously, isn't that pretty typical? Do I need to read that so and so updated her status to "so and so is TGIF!" every Friday morning? No.

Facebook is a respirator for comatose friendships. And although I've ignored many people who have found me or ditched those who found me and then didn't pursue any real connection, I just can't pull the plug... It's the only way I can keep in touch with my nieces. Other than that, I loathe it.

MJenks said...

I prefer the mystery that is Zibbs, myself.

But then again, I deleted out of that devil site for reason number four and a little bit of reason 11.

Adriana said...

I like facebook. I have always been a people watcher and this is like the ultimate way to watch people (no I'm not a stalker).

I agree that you should try to keep real life seperate from your blog. It keeps it interesting and real. Showing a picture is a toss up. If you are better looking that we imagine then yeah, if not then boo to ruining our own image. As for your career what is it that you do?

Blonde Goddess said...

I have my picture on my blog.
In fact I post pictures of myself on my blog all the time.
It's mainly because I don't really care who reads it because I am the same on my blog as I am in real life.
Scary ain't it?

I try to protect people by using bizarre nicknames and kind of leave it at that. If they get busted that's the price they pay for associating with someone like me.

Actually I get a lot of emails asking if my picture is really me.
Of course it's me!
WTF?
Who the hell do they think it is?
How else can anyone visualize the carrot thing correctly if they don't know what I look like?

Tomorrow I will get back to the carrot....today was just a douche day. I had a build up and it needed cleansing...

Belle said...

I'm very disappointed that your surname is not Zibbs. I suppose that is not your Nana either?

Gwen said...

I know what you look like and I know your real name. You must really trust me. Sucka.

BTW, I don't think you should tell or show any of this stuff - the mystery makes you fun.

Chele said...

I love my facebook, but thats because I mostly have my real life friends on it and some blogger friends. If I known a blogger long enough I will accept them on facebook, but i keep getting request from people in junior high i dont care about.
its funny, I dont mind linking my blog to my facebook page, but I would never dream to link my blog to my myspace page, too many freaks there.
there is a button somewhere on how to link the two I just forgot, ask the oracle of google how to do it, like i did.

Whiskeymarie said...

Obviously I post pics of myself on my blog, and a few people I know in real life read it, but oddly enough if anyone at work or anyone else family/friend-like is reading it, they're not talking.

So far I've pulled off the "hiding in plain sight" thing pretty well. If that changes I'm not sure what I'll do. I don't think I can get fired for my blog, but I'd hate if people at work were asking me about it all the time.

This is why I like Facebook- my family & friends can see it and keep in touch, but they don't have to read my stories about poop or pap smears (I don't link to my blog there). It's a win-win situation.

Bizarro said...

The time is nigh . . . MAD nigh. If you want to see a picture of Dr. Zibbs, check out my blog: "The Dr. Told Me To" at: http://thedrtoldmeto.blogspot.com/

jadedj said...

Photos: "I don't want my image ending up on bootleg t-shirts"...or as a hairy tattoo...unless of course you have a beard...like the unibomber...or Fidel...or my sister.

As to Facebook, it's sort of like Classmates.com...why the hell would I want to correspond with all those people...keeping them informed as to my daily gaseousness?

. said...

..I hope you are not Michael Jackson undercovered,trying to get a real life...

diane said...

Facebook is a trick, run by the CIA, to keep tabs on you and your friends.
If you want to let people know what you look like, you could try drawing a sketch of how you perceive yourself. That way no one knows what you really look like, but at the same time, they get a sense of the true you.
Just so you know, I don't want to meet you either. I still love you though. xo

GETkristiLOVE said...

I'm not sure anyone answered your link question and I'm too lazy to read through all the comments. Click on Profile in FB and there is a button to Post Link or Add Video, etc.

I have two FB accounts. One with my real name that is boring and I only friend people at work. Then my fun one that I friend the likes of you.

Anonymous said...

When I first started my blog I told too many people about it. Ultimately, I've still written whatever I wanted to write. They can deal with it or not. Their level of 'comfortable' is not my job.

Tom said...

You are a wimp for not using your true identity. Oh wait, that's what I do too. You have many valid concerns and I see where you are coming from.

Sarah's Blogtastic Adventures said...

"ruin your career" ??? I thought this was your career? I'm confused. Oh and I want a picture!!! But I am scared of facebook! : )

Cora said...

"Imagine the suicides" - that's proceless!

I'll admit it. I'm curious to know what you look like. In my mind, you're a lot like Kramer on Seinfeld, but I know I'm probably way off. I also know the real you will be better than what I'm imagining too though!! So, yes, please expose yourself, sir. I can't wait! (wink)

As for facebook, I'm begining to hate it already. It is too hard having all these different parts of my life all blended to gether in facebook - it's messy. I've got blog pals, real friends, family, and people from high school I couldn't care less about, etc, all in facebook, and in all honesty, the only people I enjoy talking to in facebook are the blog people! Everyone else is freaking BORING! But talking to the bloggers where the family can see it all has gotten me into trouble more than once and things look BAD because non-blog people don't know the whole blog story. For example:

You, in the comments of my blog, told me I owed Scope a make out session. So Scope and I made out on facebook on "doctor's orders." My brother-in-law saw that and wanted to know what the hell I was doing kissing a stranger because another steanger told me to. I had to explain A LOT that it was all bloggidy related joking and that neither you nor Scope is a stalker and/or luring me into a freaky kissing cult, etc, etc, etc. See? Too much work. I'd rather kiss Scope in private! So there!

Holy Crappers said...

I have no Blogger friends on facebook. Our blog is top secret.

#1

Kat said...

My granny reads my blog and has told me that I have potty mouth. I told her to quit reading it if it offended her.

Dr Zibbs said...

Diane - that's a good idea.

Greta said...

Well Zibbs. I don't really want to be your friend OR read your blog...yet here I am. It's unexplainable.

Greta said...

Oooops. Looks like everyone said the same thing!

Ok...I guess I'll be your friend.

Lemme think about it.

Anonymous said...

See....this is why the sista's are incognito with their blog. We can say and do whatever about whomever we want.

I joined facebook and all of my peeps are mainly family members. I like to curse on facebook. Makes me feel good.

peace
#2

WendyB said...

I would definitely kill myself if you stopped blogging.

Twitter is great for promoting your blog. And a lot of people chat with each other, like public IM-ing, so that you can throw in your two cents. I was surprised by that because everyone writes about Twitter like it's just people making statements into the air, but I've found it to be pretty interactive.

Dr Zibbs said...

Greta - I'm sorry but you first said no some I'm afraid now I'M going to have to think about it.

Maybe you can trade me that ugly baby for it.

Anonymous said...

You can always be like Catherinette Singleton and have two facebook pages and two identities?

I didn't read the other comments, so if someone already mentioned it, sorry!

Anonymous said...

PS. I actually like the mystery of not knowing what people look like, etc.

Keep the mystery alive, Zibbs. Keep them guessing at all times.

Plus I'm in agreement with some of the others. You don't want your worlds colliding.

jenji said...

Hello, Doctor.

Agreed, agreed, agreed.

Having said that: I have a Facebook page, albeit under an alias last name and I'm friends with very few people. Generally, if I haven't spoken to, or gone out with an individual in the past year or so, I'm not going to suddenly want to become "a friend." I'm one of those folks who doesn't want to be found easily, and I have very valid reasons. Been stalked much? Yuck.

So, you can post your blogsite via Facebook by hitting the INFO tab on your profile page and then it'll say CONTACT INFORMATION, wherein you can link in your blog/website. I did that with mine and it sits right below my profile picture, however, it looks like a proper http link, it wouldn't let me do it any other way. But still, it takes people to where i would like them to go.

Hope this helps and thanks for visiting my blog last week and leaving a comment.

be well,
jenji

Caffeine Court said...

First of all, thanks for filling me in on the Coatesville arsonist. I'll have to research that one. Very interesting, as usual, Zibbs.

No onto this post HILARIOUS, as usual.

So true. You know the problems I've had because lots of real lifers no about my blog.

Worlds have collided on Facebook and now I'm all mixed up and stifled. Don't do it to yourself. You'll be ruined.

J.J. in L.A. said...

You won't see me on Facebook very often. I hate it! I'm only there because childhood friends wanted to 'friend' me. Now, they don't even communicate. I guess they want a huge number to prove that they're "cool".

Amy Kate said...

I will admit to being a Facebook addict...locating everyone you ever knew and seeing what their kids look like and who they married? FASCINATING. And I'm a pretty open book - no alias on the blog and a link to it on FB (That's what the cool kids call Facebook, you know.)

Twitter...I signed up for it a million years ago and never used it. UNTIL last weekend when we had a family wedding that I thought would have a lot of drama, and one of my sisters couldn't attend, so I put a twitter link on my blog and twittered the WHOLE EVENING onto my blog for her. And then immediately took it offline when I got home so the dramatic parties would not see what I said.

That, however, has been my only real utilization of twitter. And I felt really slick doing it.

Katie said...

Like the jackass I am, the first thing I did when I started my blog was to tell my husband. The first thing my husband did was to tell his mother. Awesome.

Scope said...

Do whatever you feel is right.

Shawn said...

Umm..so your name isn't Dr. Zibbs and you aren't really a blue yak?

Wow, I need some time to wrap my mind around that.

Where is my wine?

Kate said...

I just started visiting your blog.. I thought that photo of the blue yak WAS your photo! Damn.

The privacy thing has been a real struggle for me, too. Facebook freaks me out, and reading back all these comments, I see I'm not alone with my feelings on the matter. Everyday I imagine I might delete either some of the people I don't communicate with, or delete the whole thing all together. Then I get sucked in again by some comment or new photo.

Anyway, always fun to visit the Blue Yak!

Michelle said...

Dude we are facebook friends, i think!!!

All i can say is i like to read your blog. I don't know about the other stuff like facebook and twitter.

Just keep doing what your doing here so i can get in some good giggles!!!!

HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY!!!

buffalodick said...

Screw Facebook, Twitter, and people that have so many blogs, you don't know which one to go to... Anyone who does all this stuff might want to look up the word "obsessed"...

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

WTF. why aren't we facebook friends?

and i'm going to disagree with you on the twitter thing, i love it. love.

MO said...

Zibbs, I loved this post...I esp loved #6...so true! As for #9, no photo's, we love the mystery!!, and #10...I agree, what you should have done was have one FB under That Blue Yak for all your fellow bloggers to get on, and then perhaps have your 'secret/personal' FB acct that can be the REAL YOU, with no worries!!!! Hope it works out!

dizzy mom said...

#5. You could give me the juicy stories and let me take credit for them...

#9. I'd love to be your FB friend, but then you would know my true identity...and I'd have to kill you.

Anonymous said...

I dunno. At first I hated Twitter, but now that I've discovered Favrd, I giggle a lot because of it. Or maybe it's the medication.

Favrd is where the best of Twitter ends up.

http://www.textism.com/favrd/

Syam Ahmedarino said...

facebook..... too much application it messes me around!! i rather use myspace! checking my wall several times in a month huhuh

Megan said...

But how do I send you a friend request if you are not really Zibbs?

And yes, I do know a blogger who updates his facebook with things that say "Piper has posted to his blog" so there is a way.

Did someone totally explain it up there in the fifty some odd comments you've gotten? I didn't bother to read them all...

Anonymous said...

My 2 biggest (blogging)fears are:
a) My inlaws finding my blog and overanalysing everything - much like the fiasco of 2006.
b) People I know in real life finding my blog and saying, "What do you want one of those blog things for? You must have too much time on your hands!"

My non blogging related fears are more about death and death by spiders...

MikiStrange said...

I think you wrote all that stuff just to get a bit of attention!
I mean really...look how many responses you've got. I might try this for myself.
Anyway if I start at the beginning of the names dictionary and work my way through to the end I can at some point blow your cover by simply adding the next name in the list to a part of my post. Genious!
So thanks for the opportunity Abraham.

Fancy Schmancy said...

I'm starting to feel the same way, like I had to take down the dead cat posts cause it turns out my sister is getting a new computer up and running on Tuesday. And now she's staying with my mom, is she going to show my mom my blog? Oh the horror! I just might go private or something!

Melo posted something on FB last week about having seperate friends lists so you can keep your friends and family separate. You should look into it. I'll try to find i and email you the link.

Evil Genius said...

Why you need my comments on your blog when you already have so many?

I exist solely on Blogger. I have deleted my Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster pages. Getting an e-mail that tells me I have a message is redundant. And as you know, I am not a very interactive person.

Dr Zibbs said...

Evil Genius - because I'm greedy.