You make some really good points. My take for those who create, be it artists, musicians, writers, etc. is a bit different. Used in the right way (much the way you describe your usage), social networks are an incredible tool for promotion in a non-scummy way.

That said, you make a good argument for all users and it’s helping me form what I’m trying to say. You’re totally right about forming relationships with people you don’t know. This has happened to me on twitter and I have made some real, actual friends. Who knows, maybe someday it will literally pay off as well.

My hope for people is that they’ll steer clear of shameless promoters and people who are only in it for themselves. Your thoughts are helping me form this concept better, which is the reason I blog to begin with.

I’ll try to post a revised version of this post soon.

And you’re right, the friend limit/fan page thing is unfortunate for those rich in friends. I know a guy who got his account suspended because he tried to send messages to too many of his friends.

I think it’s cool you are focused on have a meaningful social feed, and for the most part I agree with your advice on being polite. However, I disagree on some levels. Like you, I have many friends that suggests not accepting all friend request unless you personally know the person and that okay for people who wish to remain digitally connected only those they physically know, but I have the opposite philosophy regarding friend requests and accept all of my requests because in my experience, it pays off (both literally and metaphorically). I’ve accepted ‘strangers’ to my facebook from many countries and cities whom I later physically met and became good friends with, or who were art collectors and purchased my art (happened a lot actually), or was introduced by them to other blogs, websites or people I found exciting or was invited to events in New York where I made many more new ‘real’ friends and contacts etc. Besides, the internet is all about connection, especially connection with others and ideas beyond thephysical environment you call home. And yes while its true the downside to accepting everyone is that you ended getting some spammers and people you have to ‘prune’ later on, I still absolutely believe it’s expansive and worthwhile to be inclusive with everyone because you will most certainly ended up rewarded.

(PS-unfortunately, I’ve discovered unlike MySpace Facebook has a friend count ceiling of 5000, an arbitrary decision I find irritating, especially considering the only way to get beyond the limit is to start a fan page)