My 20 rules for Facebook usage:
1) If you keep throwing mud at people, don’t be surprised if you get dirty in the process.
2) Social media interaction needs to answer the following question: “Will my post allow the people (person) I am addressing to say, ‘I’d like to hear more about this'”?
3) There are things worth fighting about, but they are generally a lot fewer than you realize.
4) Emotions cannot be conveyed adequately through a post. Don’t panic. Seek clarifications. And let love cover a multitude of misunderstandings.
5) Probably less than 1% of people have changed their minds over substantial issues via facebook exchanges.
6) Edit and re-edit posts before publishing.
7) Humanize yourself, will ya?
8) Treat your neighbor as if he were sitting next to you.
9) Be a good generalist. If you don’t want to scare people away, don’t suffocate people with your pet issues.
10) Be generous with the “unfollow” button.
11) Write to conquer people with your ideas.
12) Don’t allow commenters to throw you off track from your main point.
13) As a matter of fact, persistent contrarian commenters need to be introduced to the “unfriend” button.
14) Treasure funny people. We need more of them.
15) Stop tagging me in every post about Jesus. My close friends know I love Him.
16) Don’t give me private access to your journal.
17) Many conversations are better via private messaging.
18) If you write poorly about your pastor or church publicly because of some trivial disagreement, you’re an idiot.
19) God has a wonderful plan for your life and it may include: “Stop posting.”
20) Social media is a wonderful platform. Treat it like fine wine…sip slowly and drink responsibly with good friends.
