Facebook

The big question:  Did you deactivate your facebook?
The answer: Yes, I did.

I am not sure I will be going back at all - or if I do what I will do to fix my problem... but I have found that the risks are not outweighing the benefits.

I originally only started using Facebook as a way to share my blog posts - and it works unbelievably.  On Rachel's birthday, I would give Facebook much of the credit for how many people were watching and praying.  People shared my blog with everyone they knew and it landed over 4,000 people on my blog the day she came and went.  It was amazing.  So, after I saw that, I started using it.  I also accepted every 'friend request' I got, regardless of if I knew them because my blog is public and so it didn't seem to really matter.  I had a different purpose than most for using it at all.  Out of the 400 something 'friends' I have, I only initiated like 3 of them!  And many I do not know at all.  Over time though, I have started using it more personally, and this becomes a problem.

People taking photos that don't belong to them.  Stalker-ish behaviors.  Arguments and other things that would have never happened without it.  And that is just some of it.... never mind the time I lose reading (albeit, sometimes funny and sometimes nice to know) random stuff and having a false idea of support and friendship.  Never knowing who is really there or not, and expecting "likes" or short comments to make each other feel like we are connected.  It works in some ways, but in others, not so much.

 In the past two days, I have seen a dramatic difference in the number of views on my posts since I made that change.  I am hoping once everyone figures out they have to come here directly, that will change.  I won't lie, it makes me nervous.  If I do go back to Facebook, that will be my #1 reason. 

I waited to post my "Open Casket" post to see how many people go directly to my blog without relying on my posting it to Facebook to read.  It was at around 14 after many hours.  I posted it to Facebook and within an hour, it was up close to 150.  Not sure how to reconcile that at this point.  I've posted the recent posts to my Baby Rachel's Legacy FB Page in hopes it will help without me having to use a personal page - but it doesn't appear to be making a difference.  (Can you 'like' and follow me there?)

In the end, I have to remember that I started - and was sharing her story across the world - without Facebook... God did that and He doesn't need Facebook.  But for some reason, I struggle to believe I don't.  We'll see how long my heart can take the small amount of views before I give in!  It's rough timing with all the changes I just made in my plans for events this coming year.  I don't want to let it all slip away......