top of page
Search

Facebook. And Things I Don't Like.

Updated: Jun 20, 2021


You might have a Facebook page. Your friend might have a Facebook page. You might have an acquaintance who has a Facebook page. And then you might send me an invitation to Like that page.

The short answer is 'no.' The most likely answer is 'no.' Actually, it's more like 'no answer at all.' Now, if that's all the answer you want, you don't need to read on. If you're interested in the 'why', here it is. As an audience, I'm not the most forgiving critic. Friends will tell you that when it comes to films, for example, if I give it a score of 4/10, they might give it around 7/10. Marvel's "Black Panther" is one such film that comes to mind. How other viewers, reviewers and critics rank this film is of no consequence to me. Yes, I can see the work that goes into putting such a film together. Yes, I can concede that it entertains me to some degree. But, no, it doesn't entertain me enough. The same applies to countless films with other actors, courtesy of other directors, brought to the screens by countless studios. I'm not quick to Like their Facebook pages either. There are friends, peers, acquaintances, who would have me Like their Facebook page, or someone else's Facebook page. And I can see why. As a creative type, I'm aware that if a page has more Likes, it may encourage other people to follow the product. On starting out as an author, I admit I tried some package or other for mutual liking of pages. That didn't last long before opting out. I'd like to think that people Like my page because they like my work. Or at least like my approach to it. Here's the bottom line: it doesn't matter whether it's books, music, restaurants, or whatever. I don't like everything. Therefore I don't Like everything. And that's regardless of whether I know you, or how well I know you. Understandably I know a few authors. Those I meet on the convention circuit, those who I've appeared in publications with, those whose work I've read, etc. I won't necessarily like their pages - assuming they have any. I've said this countless times before: no matter how good you are at your game, there'll always be those who simply don't like what you do. And as much as I like many of those peers: who are smart and articulate people, generous with their time, insight and such ...I don't necessarily like their work. Or even all of it. I can appreciate their approach and dedication to their work though. That part's important. Because regardless of how well I know you, am I aware of your craft? Or at least your approach to the craft. If those things move me, I may give your page a Like. That's a seal of approval from me to say that I see enough game there to give it the nod. That if I don't like it, someone else might. Or, at a stretch, that I trust someone else's opinion enough to give it the nod. I mention the issue of Likes now because I still see requests fired my way to Like pages. 12 so far this month, I think; nearing one every day. Not counting reminders (because I can't/don't action those things immediately). So. If I like your work: whether you're an author, musician, chef, restaurant, gym, etc. there's a chance I'll Like your page. If you're soliciting a Like from me - especially when we've not been introduced, your chances are slimmer. Again, I understand why people want Likes for their pages. But here's the thing. If I like your work (again, whether you're an author/musician/restaurant/whatever), there's a chance I'll Like your page. But the other way round? Me Liking your Page and not your product or your approach to it? Good luck with that. It can get a little wearing receiving invites to Like, one after another, and thinking, 'what the Sam Hill is this for?' But the bottom line is that I'll probably ignore/delete the invite. And then get back to writing. Editing. Handling submissions. All that good stuff that goes with being an indie author. Because that's how I keep the machine running. And that's what I like.

46 views
bottom of page