If just six more people became my Facebook friend, I'd have 1,000. Seems like a worthwhile goal to shoot for, doesn't it? And, a few weeks or months ago, I might have said yes.
But with 994 friends — most of whom I do not know — Facebook's value is much less than what I think it could be. I know I'm missing updates, info, photos — you name it — because I'm getting drowned by updates, info, photos, etc. from individuals I don't have much interest in. Remember: I am not using Facebook to sell products, find high school friends (though I'm pleased to have found more than a few), or publish pictures of my kids. I'm on Facebook — and any other social media service, such as Twitter — for professional reasons only.
And so, I've come to the conclusion that less is more on Facebook — fewer friends means greater value. So, over the next little while, I'm going to be saying goodbye to Facebook friends and Facebook apps.
So to those who I'm going to 'unfriend' on Facebook, a message: First, thank you for being my Facebook friend. I appreciate your interest. Secondly: my contact info is always online at my own Web site. Feel free to call or send e-mail anytime. Thirdly, my blog is where you'll find a lot of conversations I'm interested in. And, finally, Twitter has, indeed, upended Facebook in terms of short micro-bursts about where I am and what I'm doing. You can follow me on Twitter @davidakin.
I wonder if you actually get more friend requests by blogging about keeping fewer friends? 🙂
Doesn't the “hide” function accomplish the same thing without “unfriending” people?