Facebook part 2

Jan here again...let's continue this interview with Jean Damoff. In this second half, Jeanne delves deeper into what she's tried with Facebook (FB) . . .

Jeanne, please share one or two short examples of how you use Facebook?

Facebook has a number of great tools. If you write a blog, you can set your posts to import automatically as FB “notes,” increasing your potential blog readership. If the post applies to any particular FB friends, you can “tag” them in the note, and they’ll be notified. You can also upload photo albums and tag the people in the pictures. They (and all their FB “friends”) will receive notification. I adore these notification features, and FB is just loaded with them! You can also help your friends by posting their notes or group links on your own profile page. FB makes communication between its users very easy.

What other Facebook features do you see using in the future for your ministry and work as a writer?

A number of authors have created “fan” pages, which—like my Parting the Waters group page—allows the owner to compose one message and send it to all the fans or members. If you want to announce a book signing, speaking engagement, or a radio/TV appearance, you can also create an event page connected to your fan or group page. One click informs your entire group about the event. I plan to use this feature as I schedule events connected to this book release. I recently heard that an author hosted a book release party on FB. I’m not sure exactly how that worked, but I’d love to hear more about it. FB leaves room for a lot of creativity and the potential to reach thousands of people with your news or message.

What encouragement would you give to writers who are considering using social networking sites as a way to promote their speaking and writing?

I don’t know any Christian writers who particularly love the idea of promoting themselves, but it’s a necessary part of the business. Facebook is a non-threatening, relaxed environment where people seem more approachable than they might in a more professional setting. I don’t consider it primarily a place to promote my work, but I like the fact that—when I need to use it for that purpose—the process is relatively simple and painless. Most of the time, I’m just delighted to have such wonderful access to friends. And of course I still log on to look for new pictures of my kids.

Any other thoughts you'd like to add?

Thanks for the opportunity to share with your readers, Jan. Also, for those who aren’t already on Facebook, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s simple. Just go to facebook.com and follow the easy steps. And don’t worry about being the new kid. I’ll be your friend.

Thank you, Jeanne, for giving us some insight into Facebook! Be sure to check out Jeanne's website and her Parting the Waters Facebook page. (If you can't open the Facebook page, join Facebook, and ask to join her group.)

Let's keep the ideas flowing.

Question: What have you tried that has worked well for you in using Facebook or another social networking site?