Why go to the trouble to write this all down? Because I can use the clarity that comes from having to explain one’s actions verbally. Because a lot of what I see going wrong with Facebook is symptomatic of what is going wrong with our culture generally. And that should be anything BUT a surprise.
A few notes to begin…
I don’t have a problem with Zuckerberg making a fortune.
At the moment a LOT of Facebook bashing goes on across the web. How much is legit and how much is jealousy will sort out in time. It’s no crime to have money and jealousy is no justification for saying something bad about someone, so I hope it’s determined once and for all whether Facebook actually defrauded anyone in it’s messy, messy IPO. That said, the early view isn’t too positive…
I don’t have a problem with the technology that created and sustains Facebook.
In fact, I love it. Networks are fascinating. Social networks are fascinating. Being in touch with friends and reach of relatives (particularly elderly relatives) is an incredible benefit. What technology can do to keep someone involved with friends and loved ones well past what used to be realistic is HUGE.
So why am I done with Facebook…at least for now?
