Friday, January 23, 2009
Facing Facts on Facebook: Part 3
The focus of today's Facebook lesson is photography. Let's address some issues that are in dire need of attention:Profile Pictures: This is a problem area for many users. What folks fail to understand is that a profile picture is intended for others to recognize you upon sight. This means that a portrait of our President is not an appropriate profile shot, nor is a picture taken from 500 feet away, nor is a snapshot of you and six of your closest buddies. Now there are some gray zones that provide exception to the picture's being a close-up of your face. A recent baby qualifies you for a free pass, as does a recent book release (hee hee). But in general, please stick to the zoom-in on your pearly whites. The photo to the right is a great choice for a profile pic - nice job, Sharifa, for being creative while still following Facebook etiquette.
Tagging Photos: For those hold-outs who still haven't logged on (and there's a great article about you guys on Slate.com: http://www.slate.com/id/2208678/), there's a feature on Facebook called tagging, where you can label all the people in any photo that you upload. For instance, if someone tags a picture of me in an album created by someone else, then everyone who is my friend can see that photo. Here's the thing: people are showing no discretion around whom they choose to tag. JUST BECAUSE IT IS A GOOD PICTURE OF YOU, DOESN'T MEAN IT'S A GOOD PICTURE OF ME, DARN IT! Check a couple of things before you go clicking on my face and announcing to cyberspace that I was at your party: 1)Is my hair in place? 2)Am I looking at the camera? 3)Would I be embarrassed if my high school students saw this shot?
As always, the floor is yours. It's a Facebook free-for-all.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
To the Point: My Debut on Talk Radio
I'm back from a weekend in DC that defies description. Concert, parties, balls, and most importantly - being present for the swearing-in of our 44th President - they were all experiences I will talk about for a lifetime, particularly the energy and unity of a crowd of strangers who came together for a singular purpose.
On Monday, I was invited to participate in a conversation on a syndicated radio show based in LA called "To the Point." The panel discussed the significance of the Inauguration on the heels of Dr. King's birthday. I come in at minute 27 and speak on a variety of topics, from my students' newfound passion for politics to why Michelle Obama is particularly inspiring. Give it a listen when you have some spare time.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Descending on DC: Inauguration Weekend
I, along with everyone else and their great-grandmother, will be headed to the nation's capital in a few days for the biggest celebration of our lifetime. TheRoot.com posted an article I wrote on the subject called "Barack Like Me" - be sure to check it out:http://www.theroot.com/views/barack-me?auto=true
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Crickets: Hardly an Endangered Species
You might be surprised to learn that most of us have frequent exposure to the pesky creature known as the cricket. I'll give you a couple of examples: I have a meeting with publisher about an upcoming book project; meeting goes well and he tells me to send him the first chapter. I send it as soon as I reach the nearest laptop, and wait eagerly for his response.Crickets.
Another instance: you go on a fantastic date where both parties talk, laugh, and vibe for hours on end. At the end of the evening, your companion says, "I'll call you tomorrow." The next day, you make sure your cell phone doesn't leave your sight.
Crickets.
It's funny - I actually googled "cricket" to find the image pictured above, and there were so many more pictures of people playing the sport of cricket than of the actual bug. Did you know that cricket is the most popular bat and ball sport in the world? See, reading this blog is as educational as it is fun.
Other cricket encounters? Don't hesitate to share.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Free Facebook Advice: Part 2 of 879
I received a ton of messages after my last post, asking follow-up questions around proper Facebook etiquette. Here are a few samples. Hopefully they can be helpful to the masses:Dear Rachel,
I just got engaged. Is it too "extra" to post a photo of the ring as my profile picture?
Sincerely,
Amped that He Put a Ring On It
Dear Amped,
Your excitement is understandable. For that reason, you have a one week window to display a profile picture that boasts your new found hardware. Pictured here is a photo of my sister's ring that her boo sprung on her during our vacation in Dominica last week. She thinks Facebook is a weird, scary, stalker-ish phenomenon (she is the smart one in the family), so she won't be posting this picture anywhere. But it would be totally okay if she did (for seven days maximum). After that point, you're forcing it. Note: For a definition of "forcing it," see my April 14 2008 post.
Dear Rachel,
My birthday is today and I'm overwhelmed with greetings on my Facebook wall. The well wishes are much appreciated, but am I expected to respond to each person's note?
Thank you,
Wall Weary
Dear Weary,
It would be quite time consuming to respond to fifty "Happy Birthdays." Instead, put a thank you in your Status Update and send individual messages to people who wrote something substantial.
That's all for now. Happy New Year!
