initial reaction

[Tami J]

hmm, I like the concept of a ning but I've been on Facebook and I am wondering if I would really spend a lot of time on here. I like that it is a one topic, professional space but I get that from the listservs I am a part of. Just an initial reaction, anyone use both the ning and Facebook?

[Rebels Librarian]

I really like the idea of online communities, especially where physical distance plays a role. I, too, am a facebook user and that takes up about all the time I want to spend in an online community. I spend time with family and friends IN PERSON whenever possible! This community seems more "common purpose" oriented, which I like, whereas facebook puts everyone you "friend" all in one group. I don't think I will ever spend too much time here, though, outside of these learning opportunities. Who knows? Time will tell!!

[Sandi Mead]

I feel the same way. I think since I'm using Facebook DAILY, and am able to find my kids who are no longer home on it, I probably won't use this forum. I know it would be great to have the time to go on both social networking sites, but time is short. I don't think I could get my kids to use a NING network, since they are busy on Facebook. And I get my professional networking at other locations. So I guess my answer to the question would have to be No, I'll be sticking with Facebook.

[Sarah]

This is a nice looking set up but I spend more time on Facebook. I have some friends there. IRL friends.

[Tami J]

yes, the only thing is for me, this is work related and not blocked at work. I wonder if I could get a handle on this for professional use...it seems so big though.

[Linda Wadman]

I tend to agree with you, but we thought we'd try the Ning as a place to go for help if you get stuck on a thing since everyone else will be doing the same things. We're hoping it will give you a place to go for problems you might encounter and enable sharing of expertise among those doing More Things on a Stick.

[Shelf Elf]

I am on both and I am finding that I am enjoying both, Facebook for social and here for professional.

[Chris]

I dont use Facebook, but I would rather use this site to get professional opinions on things, as others have mentioned. Facebook seems to "collegey" and "teeny" to me, but I would probably use it if any of my other friends ever got into it.

[Annette B]

I just started on Facebook, and like that for personal contact and some fun things. I don't subscribe to list serves, and like the ning for professional contact. And for some fun with other librarians working on the 23 Things.
I accepted a person at work who I am friends with, who is in the 20 something generation. Some of the language she and her contacts use, that end up on my facebook page bother me. I may have to 'block' them.
I don't check this too much, but want to try and work this into my routine.

[Librarian D.O.A.]

My impression so far of Facebook is it better for keeping in touch with people you know instant messaging and posting of photos, whereas, if you have found some good persons and sites to Follow on Twitter, it can be more like a Newsfeed with all the boring news left out.

[Jill Przytarski]

I do use both and am starting to use the Ning even more because we have a lot more people participating. I've been on similar sites that are more fan focused (like Harry Potter or Stargate or something) but it's nice to have a community thing like this of librarians. Facebook's all well and good, but I find it's more helpful for my personal life than my professional life. Whereas this Ning is good for the professional stuff as well.

[Laurie Jorgensen]

I too, am on Facebook, and started it for the 23 things on a stick program last year. So far, my college Facebook page has friended me and then all my female friends, nieces, daughter, etc. have found me and added me as a friend so my circle is ever widening and I haven't done the initiating! We use a Ning for our consortium of high schools that work together for delivery of interactive television classes, so I am part of that group as well. I think having the one for the consortium and other listservs for our library is enough networking for me. Although I will use it for the morethingsonastick program for help and advice, or to see what others are working on.