Monday, April 26, 2010

Chris Brogan Challenge : How I use Facebook

As I was sitting in a lonely hotel room, waiting for my husband to get out of work, I was searching the web for new ideas for my blog. During my search, I came across a guy named Chris Brogan, author of Social Media 101 and coauthor of Trust Agents. Mr. Brogan had made a list of 100 blog topics that he hoped “I” would write about. Many of his ideas fit me perfectly, while others I’m not really sure what they are. In all my boredom, I decided to challenge myself to write about all 100 of his topics. This won’t be easy, since some of the topics are a big question mark to me, but a little research never hurt anyone. Figuring in the fact that I don’t write real posts on the weekend, this challenge will be 100% successful if I complete it in 20 weeks. So let’s begin…Day One – Topic One!


When I first joined Facebook last year, I knew very little about it. From what friends had told me, it was a social network that allowed you to connect with your friends, share pictures, and chat online. I had no idea that you could play games, share videos, and create or follow fan pages. Although I would love to say I do something fabulous with Facebook, like market my own Etsy shop or promote my new best -selling novel, I really only use it to stay connected with my friends. I know that sounds rather dull and boring, but I have reconnected with so many friends of the past that it is actually pretty exciting. When my family left Germany (Military family) in 1992, I never imagined that I’d see or hear from any of my grade school friends again. But with the help of Facebook, and a very dedicated Gymnastics coach, I have reconnected with nearly all my close friends from Germany. It is fun to reminisce, but it is also great to see how everyone has changed, what career path they’ve taken, and all the beautiful babies they have brought into this world. Facebook has also helped me reconnect with high school friends that I had lost touch with during college and it helps keep the day interesting with my current friend’s daily status updates. How do you use Facebook? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

16 comments:

Liz Mays said...

I would take a facebook class if they offered it. I have no clue how to use that thing effectively.

Anonymous said...

i use it the same way to reconnect with friends but i am soon going to make one for my blog. that will be up very soon.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

I love facebook for reconnecting and keeping in touch with daily activities of friends. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Dr. Heckle said...

I use it to balance my checkbook and watch the kids while I'm at work.

Wait, what were we talking about?

Oh! Facebook.

I use it to maintain a solid foundation of superficial friendships with people I barely know...

Kara said...

Same way as you, to catch up with old friends. I have started sharing the links to my blog posts too, since many didn't even know I had a blog:)

Ryan said...

You should also check out http://www.lostintechnology.com/

Camila showed this site to me, it has all sorts of useful tips on how to use web 2.0 and social media technologies.

Sarah said...

So I just gave you a blog award. You're so cool that you have like, a million more followers than me, so do with it what you want, but I at least wanted to let you know that I LOVE your blog! :)

Brenda Susan said...

I love FB and use it to keep in touch with people I see all the time and people I see once a year or once every 20 years!
I work with twenty somethings so it is perfect for sending encouraging messages and laughing at their humor on line. Lots of fun!

Kel said...

Blueviolet...I think I may too! :)

Kel said...

Jacqui - Let me know when it's up.

Kel said...

Sadly, there is some truth to Mr. Heckle's statement.

Kel said...

Kara - I like the share feature too. So many of my facebook friends are not really bloggers, but they stop by once in awhile.

Kel said...

Ryan - I'm going to need that website for the rest of this Chris Brogan challenge. I seriously don't know what many of the topics even mean!

Kel said...

Brenda - My childhood gymnastics coach sort of does the same thing. She hasn't seen many of us for over 15-20 years, but she has found us all on facebook. It is fun to reconnect with everyone and see where life took them.

Wonderfully Chaotic said...

I love Facebook! I use it to reconnect with old friends and stay in touch with family. I play a few games on there and I do some networking for my blog.

Stephanie M. Page said...

Oh the possibilities are endless with FB, now to have the time, right?? =)