MySpace/Facebook Etiquette

October 20, 2007 7:35 AM

Advise me on MySpace/Facebook etiquette.

I have published a book and have amassed a significant number of "friends" (i.e. fans) on MySpace. MySpace is rather chaotic and not really meant for promoting books. I'd like to "move my fanbase" over to the book's Group on Facebook.

Is it "okay" to post a bulletin to all the book's MySpace friends asking them to join the book's group on Facebook? I know about the demographic/usage differences between the two social networking sites and how that might deter people from moving over to Facebook, but I'm interested in the etiquette. Is it like asking old pals to move to your new, upscale neighborhood if they want to remain friends with you?

posted by Drohan to society & culture (6 comments total)

I wouldn't be offended by it in any way, but I also wouldn't change my activity on the sites solely based on one (author, band, friend, etc). I think a simple, "I'll no longer be maintaining this profile, please check out this Facebook profile for updates" would be perfectly etiquettiblish.
posted by ferociouskitty at 7:52 AM on October 20, 2007

Previous question (just yesterday)
posted by neustile at 7:54 AM on October 20, 2007

That would be fine.
posted by sveskemus at 8:27 AM on October 20, 2007

I think ferociouskitty has it. I'd guess that people wouldn't be offended, but don't expect them all to come with you.
posted by danb at 8:58 AM on October 20, 2007

@Drohan: MySpace is rather chaotic and not really meant for promoting books.

I understand your logic, but at the same time, I suggest that you'll need to then decide which is the worse of the following two choices: (i) continuing to endure MySpace's chaotic environment; (ii) losing a medium to significant percentage of your fanbase by requiring the transition.
posted by WCityMike at 11:04 AM on October 20, 2007

Just a note: make sure to include the actual url on your MySpace page or in your bulletin...MySpace has stripped many a hyperlink from bulletins I've posted linking to other social networks and weblogs.

If the bulletin includes a link to Flickr, Blogger, Facebook, YouTube, etc. your bulletin may not get posted at all.
posted by gummi at 8:18 PM on October 20, 2007