It took an alumni group for a former employer to get me on Facebook. I spent almost 10 years working for this place (in my most formative years) and was curious about what certain people are doing with their lives. So I joined Facebook.

Until now, I didn’t see the value in joining another social network since I maintain only a passing professional interest in LinkedIn. My network over there is spindly. I have many good friends whom I already spend way too little time appreciating, and I’m still dubious about LinkedIn’s ability to yield new business. My perception of the typical Facebook user was a drunk co-ed broadcasting weekend exploits or an early 20s hipster avoiding real work in order to post their deep thoughts on the latest obsessions and indie bands. While I have some spice to my interests, if I do say so, I don’t feel compelled to share my lust for pistachio ice cream, rollercoasters, Jeff Tweedy, Kevin Cole, shoes and cashmere sweaters with millions of strangers (wink). Although I did eat a great meal at Lola the other night. I contemplated taking a picture of it. That was definitely worth sharing.

The point is that I changed my behavior to re-connect with former colleagues. To communicate with them. On Facebook. Clearly, Facebook is a communications platform. As a communicator, I will now stop rolling my eyes and take it more seriously. Microsoft is (a $240 million investment). And Yahoo tried (the $1 billion brush off).