Social Media Shenanigans: Groups Galore

At last count, (tiny screech of horror) I belonged to 33 Facebook groups. From coaching groups to foodie groups to writing groups and some groups I no longer know I why joined in the first place, I shook my head in disbelief that I ever thought I could be an active part of 33 different online communities. Time to clean up my online life but if you choose to remain a part of several online communities, please try to follow some of the rules of etiquette that apply to Facebook groups. It’s fundamental to maintain order within a group and most admins are very strict about their rules. When you join a Facebook group, you will be asked to answer questions. This helps the group admins eliminate spammers and bots, but it also helps you determine if this is a group you want to belong to. You will be asked to agree to a set of rules and guidelines. Take time to go through these rules.

Here’s some annoying things that go on in Facebook groups that you may recognize, or not, depending on whether you are doing the annoying or the one being annoyed.

If you have joined a knitting group, don’t start promoting your catering business. Nothing irritates group members more than you promoting yourself. Stick to the rules and purpose of the group.

You don’t have to comment on or answer every single question posted by other members. Give opportunity for others to air their opinions and views in the safety of the space that the group creates.

If you’re saying, “admin delete if not allowed” then you know it’s probably not allowed. Go back and read the rules before you post. You can also ask the admin privately before deciding to post in the first place.

Requesting honest feedback is going to get you just that. Honesty. You can’t then get offended if you get what you ask for.

Does anyone know how to….? No. We don’t. Try Google. Stop asking questions in a group that’s not related to the purpose of the group.

Do not ask for advice to gather your Intel and then post it on other platforms as your own. Someone might label you a thief. Not me. But someone.

Don’t ask for advice on controversial issues. Tom will give you advice. So will Ann. Jerry will chip in before Jim starts disagreeing with Ann, with Cathy attacking Jerrys input and soon everyone is arguing about it. There are forums you can do such things but stick to content that is relevant to the group.

Just because someone likes your post doesn’t mean you can just issue a friend invite. A like does not equal a sign that someone wants to be your new friend. It’s a like. End of story.

Don’t be selfish. If someone is asking for advice on a group, don’t turn it into a rant of your own. Either give advice or be quiet.

That flipping F in a thread is just as welcome as a grain of sand in my eye. Yes-we know it indicates that you are following or want to be kept in the loop for further discussions. Just turn on your notifications why don’t you?

Read other responses before deciding to add your comment. Why say what’s already been said? If you see someone has already expressed your view, there is no need to re-say it.

My final thoughts on this would be:

· Do follow the rules of the group

· Do use your common sense

· Do not become that person who derails the purpose of a group just to have your opinion aired