Facebook - why?

Because the marketing departments of these companies can buy your data from Facebook when you click "like" then they can target you with interest related advertising.

Most have no idea what Facebook is really all about (data harvesting for onward sale to advertising/marketing companies.)

Some actually think it's just social media and for keeping in contact with friends. Wrong, thats just the vehicle to attract you and post your info that you really should keep to yourself.

A heck of a lot have left facebook (by the way) since "Whats App" started data sharing with the facebook parent company no matter what settings you use.

Totally agree about the drivel.

I gave up on FB years ago when a supposedly educated friend couldn't work out why they kept getting burgled whenever they went away after boasting they were having an expensive holiday.

I also do not need to know someone is off for a cheeky pint, or ten every night.

And don't get me started on their monitoring policy.

Why do companies think it is so important to have a Facebook, Twit or similar account or page when there are millions and millions of people that do not belong to any form of  social media site and have no interest in  belonging to one? 

because a lot of people do.

It's a measurable route to market. you can get a good idea of how many people see anything and what their reaction to it is. It's also cheap and fast. For example, Approx 4500 people reacted to the New Zealand competition. From previous experience in a multinational corporate such response by mail from a competition on a pack is VERY difficult to achieve (on one occasion we got about 20 responses). 

I understand your position but it just isn't universily held and as such companies will use all the tools available and make each as attractive as they can to the target market

Well said Surfer -  I read recently that some businesses are banning their workforce from checking their account whilst at work due to the amount of time wasted. The drivel you refer to is that they have run out of useful things to say but need to get their fix!

Hi all

We know that Social Media isn't everyone's cup of tea but 89% of all online adults in the UK have a Social Media account and, in an increasingly digital world (and to attract the future member's of tomorrow) we needed to diversify.

Whilst I can't deny that certain "friends" can block up your feeds with unimportant drivel (I have several), as avondriver quite rightly points out we can reach out to a huge audience by using this media. Whilst our own website has 30,00 unique visitors per month, Facebook has 22 million active users in the UK per month and Twitter has 320 million globally! What a platform for us to promote our beautiful sites, great benefits of Membership and regular offers.

You have every right to ask the question, and we will always welcome our Member's views and opinions - but in today's evolving world why would, and how could, we NOT use Social Media to inspire, educate and engage with as many people as possible?

The situation I see is that forums are generally a large resource of regularly updated, useful and searchable  information (CC excepted!) whereas FB is a running record of the moment.

So all the members who love to talk incessantly have somewhere to go during quiet periods! 

Totally agree about the drivel.

Come on now. You have to realise, that for some, knowing that I have just shampooed the hamster is an event of life changing moment.

I don't do Facebook Helen but I recognise it as an asset for business to get a message across, don't be disheartened by some of the 'negativity driven' members, it's the future-evolve or die

Hi all

We know that Social Media isn't everyone's cup of tea but 89% of all online adults in the UK have a Social Media account

 89% of online adults have a social media account?

Where did that info come from?

Thank god I am one if the 11%. Cant think of a sadder persuit than be on social media. Get a life.