[pixelchef]

Facebook is becoming exceedingly popular. I usually avoid stuff like this, but I'm actually really enjoying Facebook.

Essentially, you fill in some information about schools you've attended, where you've worked, and other general information about yourself, upload some photos if you have them, and reconnect with people from your past. Similar to classmates.com, but far better and far more streamlined.

I'm talking to people again that I haven't seen or spoken to in over 10 years. It's such a priceless thing. I'm really, really enjoying it.

And it's free. There are advertisements, but they're incredibly subtle and unobtrusive. In fact, until someone mentioned them to me, I didn't even realize there was any type of advertising at all. In any case, it's a small price to pay for what it offers. I'm addicted.

So check out www.facebook.com and see for yourself. Maybe you too will be able to rediscover and reignite special bonds from the past. It's a powerful thing. Very good.

[Carolyn Tillie]

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 02:38 PM, said:

Essentially, you fill in some information about schools you've attended, where you've worked, and other general information about yourself, upload some photos if you have them, and reconnect with people from your past. Similar to classmates.com, but far better and far more streamlined.

I think what really worried me about sites like this and classmates.com is how much private information people are supplying about themselves. In this age of identity-theft, these are the sites that are being hacked into more and more and while I have had a few friends suggest I enter the world of Facebook, I have been really reluctant to hand over information about my education and employment history.

[pixelchef]

Yet you have no qualms using your real name everywhere online?

[bloviatrix]

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 05:38 PM, said:

I'm talking to people again that I haven't seen or spoken to in over 10 years. It's such a priceless thing. I'm really, really enjoying it.

There's a reason I haven't spoken to certain people in over 10 years. And frankly, I don't want to resume a conversation with any of them.

[Carolyn Tillie]

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 04:20 PM, said:

Yet you have no qualms using your real name everywhere online?

I don't use it everywhere -- and not on sites that also link my employment and education history. Besides, how do you know this is the only "real name" I've ever had?

[omnivorette]

bloviatrix, on May 1 2007, 08:25 PM, said:

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 05:38 PM, said:

I'm talking to people again that I haven't seen or spoken to in over 10 years. It's such a priceless thing. I'm really, really enjoying it.

There's a reason I haven't spoken to certain people in over 10 years. And frankly, I don't want to resume a conversation with any of them.

Amen sistah.

[Peter Creasey]

Carolyn Tillie, on May 1 2007, 06:18 PM, said:

how much private information people are supplying about themselves. In this age of identity-theft, these are the sites that are being hacked into more and more and while I have had a few friends suggest I enter the world of Facebook, I have been really reluctant to hand over information about my education and employment history.

Carolyn, Yes, I agree. I visited the site but was immediately VERY discomfited by the information they were seeking.

[omnivorette]

And you have to register just to look at it. Fuggedaboutit.

[Behemoth]

I thought you could only sign up with a .edu email address? That changed? I did friendster at some point and that was more than enough.

[rancho_gordo]

Carolyn Tillie, on May 1 2007, 05:29 PM, said:

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 04:20 PM, said:

Yet you have no qualms using your real name everywhere online?

I don't use it everywhere -- and not on sites that also link my employment and education history. Besides, how do you know this is the only "real name" I've ever had?

Can't you just Google someone if you want to see them again?

But Carolyn Tillie, Mouthfuls doesn't allow pretend personalities so as a new admin, I have to expose you.

Your real name is Bernice Travers.
You live at 23223 1/2 Beaverdale Dr
in Springfield, Michigan.

You earn $27,500 in the hospitality industry and your credit card number is 5422 1699 5555 1000 from Citibank. You currently owe more than you make in a year. Your mock tudor condo is about to be repossesed and your collection of Beanie Babies is floundering on eBay. Giving the collection to the eGullet auction is your only hope. You like long walks on the beach and you're interested in a man who will love you for you and eat Chinise food in front of CSI with you. Your favorite color is green.

Sorry. It's policy here at Mouthfuls.

[omnivorette]

You forgot something: her security code is 274, and expiration is 7/2011

[Maison Rustique]

Thanks for the link. I already stay in touch with the classmates I wish to see, so won't register. But I do appreciate you passing along the info.

ROFLMAO at RG & Omni!

[pixelchef]

Carolyn, you don't need to fill in any information you aren't comfortable filling in. Nor do you have to tell the truth. It's a fun website that has provided me with a lot of great connections.

My point was to illustrate that in my opinion, I don't think your paranoia is warranted, especially when you're using your real name as your "alias" on public forums. If I wanted to find further information about you, it wouldn't be difficult. Thus, I was a little confused as to why you found Facebook such a risk.

[Carolyn Tillie]

rancho_gordo, on May 1 2007, 05:37 PM, said:

Carolyn Tillie, on May 1 2007, 05:29 PM, said:

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 04:20 PM, said:

Yet you have no qualms using your real name everywhere online?

I don't use it everywhere -- and not on sites that also link my employment and education history. Besides, how do you know this is the only "real name" I've ever had?

Can't you just Google someone if you want to see them again?

But Carolyn Tillie, Mouthfuls doesn't allow pretend personalities so as a new admin, I have to expose you.

Your real name is Bernice Travers.
You live at 23223 1/2 Beaverdale Dr
in Springfield, Michigan.

You earn $27,500 in the hospitality industry and your credit card number is 5422 1699 5555 1000 from Citibank. You currently owe more than you make in a year. Your mock tudor condo is about to be repossesed and your collection of Beanie Babies is floundering on eBay. Giving the collection to the eGullet auction is your only hope. You like long walks on the beach and you're interested in a man who will love you for you and eat Chinise food in front of CSI with you. Your favorite color is green.

Sorry. It's policy here at Mouthfuls.

Damn You, Bean Boy!!!



I'll get you, my pretty.... and your little dog too!

[hollywood]

bloviatrix, on May 1 2007, 05:25 PM, said:

pixelchef, on May 1 2007, 05:38 PM, said:

I'm talking to people again that I haven't seen or spoken to in over 10 years. It's such a priceless thing. I'm really, really enjoying it.

There's a reason I haven't spoken to certain people in over 10 years. And frankly, I don't want to resume a conversation with any of them.

I think this is a cyclical thing. For about 10 years or so the last thing you want to do is see or even remember these people. Then, another 10 pass and you get nostalgic. So you give in, meet some of them, then you realize you were essentially correct 10 years before. Then....