Join or Leave

Do you know people who haven't officially joined Facebook but are, in fact, looking on the site everyday? You know who I'm talking about. They snoop around Facebook without actually creating an account themselves? Instead, these folks use a spouse's or friend's username and password. Or they open completely fictitious accounts. They login, look at your pictures, read your comments, then they quietly sign off -- no one the wiser. They call it curiosity. I call it creepy. And I say, make a choice: join Facebook, or stay out.

I've heard people say they don't want their own identity on Facebook for a variety of reasons: they don't want their personal life displayed for all to see, they don't care about upcoming events, they don't need to know what their friend from high school had for lunch--they have a point here--or they simply don't have time. But yet, there they are, lurking around Facebook on a daily basis because, in fact, they do have time, and they do want to know what's happening.

Look, I don't care if someone is not on Facebook. There are plenty of people who just don't want to participate. That's fine, I get that. But I'm bothered by the Peeping Toms. If Facebook is a glimpse into our lives, I want to see yours too. It's the ol' I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

If you happen to be one of these snoopers, I beg of you...give in! Have the courage to join Facebook. It's been around for years and it is safe. You can be whoever you want to be. Show the world what you want to share and set your privacy settings to what works for you. But to essentially stalk others without joining in the game yourself? You may as well be peeking out from behind the living room curtains spying on your neighbors.

So jump in, or stay out. And when you do join Facebook-you know who you are!--friend me. I'll be waiting.