Firstly, thanks for the shout-out! I'm tossing up closing my FB author page. It's full of ridiculous pages that I skim by to get to people I actually know and follow. Plus, I think everyone who follows me on FB follows me on my author Instagram anyways. Getting very very close to the end. As an aside, loving your puppy spam. It brings a smile to my face every time.
Thanks, Jo. And you're welcome re shout-out. Seriously, I have never heard of such a unique launch!
Yes, I think the writing's on the Facebook wall - I didn't even bother to link this post on Facebook. I do have a problem in that Puppy School and Ballet Class communicate via FB but c'est la vie. I think Youtube is available for puppy students, but ballet is a whole other thing. I personally think that Meta and any other of the US oligarchs' businesses need to be blacklisted as a matter of priority.
I was worried people might find the whole puppy thing a bit too light given what they are going through across the globe, but the little Womble will always be a main character.
Ah Prue, I so get this. I am substack only for sharing my thoughts and photos. I closed my blog after 12 years in 2023. But I kept the Facebook page going (different to the personal one) because I also used to post any blog (then substack) posts there. Last weekend I decided I wanted the page to be closed.
I spent around 4-5 hours gong around the not so fun METAgoround and I gave up.
I took down all my posts and pics and many don't lead anywhere because "blog closed".
The only way to close the page was to close my personal page too.
I am not (yet) ready to do that as I stay connected with some family and friends from my head and neck cancer community and education.
It really is a PEST to think of the rigamorol (sp) they make us go through. In "trying" all I could last weekend META kept logging me out thinking I was not me.
So, glad to see you and Jo are friends too. Jo and I have been connected via blogging for a LONG time.
When I started writing for Substack, I had my Wordpress blog absorbed into Substack via my website. I could no more have handled the technology than fly but my love web-builder did it all and still service any glitches in my website.
What I don't understand about Meta is what they hope to gain by not allowing accounts to be completely deleted. If they're not active, of what use can they be? Nefarious? Time will tell. I do have details of how family can remove my account on my death.
I closed my fb page 10 or 11 yrs ago, it wasn't good for my mental health, i do still have messenger on my phone as a few family and friends prefer that as a contact.
I've disappeared from insta too, same problem and am trying not to get sucked into notes here, i can see it also being a problem for me.
Kate, I've given up Twitter, half of Facebook (the business half) and I'm desperately trying to avoid Notes which smacks of Twitter to me. Instagram? Golly I follow so many magnificent embroiderers, artists and of course the great Monty Don, Richard E Grant and Sam Neill. Those three men alone have a way of keeping sanity and joy in our world.
The mental health aspect is huge, for sure. I just felt the tension surging in me by the day.
Loved this, Prue and couldn’t agree more about social media. I am thinking about closing my X account - aside from the ridiculous name, I am constantly followed by half naked bimbos offering God knows what. The more I block, the more seem to follow me. I get streams of single guys messaging me on IG too. Honestly, I wonder whether it’s worth all the time and effort.
Substack is a much more writer focused place and I have met some great people here who have become friends. Thank you for introducing Joanne Tracey - I loved her post about her book launch which made me smile. They are incredibly unglamorous as she quite rightly pointed out. I can’t wait to read her book. 📕
Yes, I have a BLOCK list on Instagram from all the 'men' that is humungous!
I suspect I'll have to stay with Insta for awhile as a means of publicising any new books but I'm getting to the point where the days of life I have left (yes, it's not that hard to think that way at 73) would be sooooo much better spent than scrolling social media.
Substack is beautiful, thus far. I am not holding my breath though. I suspect that ultimatley it will change... I hope I'm wrong.
It has been a joy reading Joanne. And we hope to meet up in August when she comes to Hobart for the conference. I loved the book-launch story.
My first was celebrated with champagne and a centre table position at the door of Dymocks. But since then, everything's so low key it hardly matters. 14 books later, it's just another small ripple on the water.
How fun to go to the all breeds show and meet up with 'the family'! Sounds like the perfect antidote to the political sphere.
I applaud your separation from FB. I keep mine open mainly for a class that I attend which requires sign ups there (although I could just message the instructor), and like many have said, a few older relatives for whom that is the best way to be in touch. I haven't seen much change in the feed tbh, only that fewer of my real friends seem to post anymore.
I've been pulling away from Instagram too, which then leaves only Substack and email for communication. Maybe that is OK? I'm questioning the value of social media as a communication device and wondering if person to person conversations (or group chats via WhatsApp or similar) might work best for me. It's all up for consideration in any event. Thank you for broaching the subject openly.
And agree with all the other calls for continued puppy content. Its the BEST: happy-making and smile creating. ❤️
Our hairy dagwood will be quite the roughest dog there, whilst his sister and father will be very schmick. We've just walked a far-off beach with Bozo and it was chilly, grey skies and a cool southerly blowing (Antartica is to the south) and I watched the pup's hair. It was like watching a telltale tied to the shroud of a yacht to show which way the wind's blowing. He looked gorgeous for all that he's not cut and polished for showing.
But the cool of the air, after a hot week day after day was balm and I loved it, crowing to my husband 'It feels autumnal!'
No doubt next week I'll be complaining about it not being warm enough or calm enough to swim!
I want so much to keep in touch with FB friends, but there seems little interest in moving to another facility just yet. And as I have mentioned, Puppy Class and Ballet Class only communicate via FB, so I feel between a rock and a hard place.
I love learning your tassie terms I've never l heard before, like hairy dagwood, and schmick! And the way you use them to compare the differences between individuals in the family. Love love.
And indeed, why are we always wanting the weather that has just passed or not yet arrived? (says the biggest cold weather whiner of all!)
I feel a movement is stirring that will allow us to move on to a post-social media world, but that the exact replacement hasn't been invented/adopted widely yet. But it will be part of the revolution stirring, I am sure.
I never took up Facebook properly. I put every possible restriction on it (privacy-wise) then check it about once a month for art groups, travel buddies and family and friends posts. I heartily dislike all the extras and the recent forced inclusion of AI which made finding a specific blog impossible! Way too frustrating.
The rest of your life is sounding terrific. Hoping your hubby feels better soon. And yay puppy dog. He’s coming along wonderfully. Gorgeous little bundle. Hugs dear Prue. Enjoy this lovely summer.
You describe FB to perfection, Beth. Truly, what bot knows anything about what I like! It makes me spit when all I would like is to talk to friends I've had for 15 years!
But yes, the hairy-nosed womble is very adorable, despite the teeth and I think we're making progress. We've had him three weeks, I think, and we're still alive! All three of us!
I'm very close to making that decision myself, as well. I live 15 miles from Meta/Facebook, and at first, I respected Mark Zuckerburg; he was donating lots of money to the local school district and community. He seemed like a good guy. However, I have long ago lost that respect.
Yes. I'm so over him. Big business never donates money from the heart. It's always for a purpose - kudos, tax benefits, bribery. I'm such a cynic. But we've seen it happen here with salmon farms - donating to every community in which they farm and make millions from waters which in fact belong to our island. They are buying social license and what they donate to what they make is totally disproportionate.
Hi Beverley. Exactly. And when is all said and done, Meta is in it for the money so they're aren't going to make it easy for we freeloaders. Have you ever bought anything advertised by Facebook? I haven't...
I wonder what your FB feed would have dredged up if I'd shared a comment like that with you there? 😂 I'm glad you're taking steps that make you feel happy and in control of your data, Prue. I'll be sticking around on the platform, but I mostly use it as a tool. I manage five accounts, six if we count the ones I created for Chicken Scratch that I've not followed through on. So, I can't just walk away. But I have always managed my time there differently than I think some do. The most meaningful of my communications there were on private groups. Now, one of those groups has moved over to Signal, so I'm popping into a different platform -- not my first choice but I want to stay in touch with these very smart women! I'm sure you've made the right choice for you, though.
Glad the writing is moving along. I never cease to be impressed by your novel-writing skills! Glad the puppy raising is going well. He's so darn cute, accidental piddle and all! Please keep the stories and photos coming!
Oh, and that Verdi piece. If that doesn't get the heart pounding!
I miss aspects of Facebook - the erudite friends I cherish. And of course, as I mentioned, Puppy Class and Ballet Class only communicate through Facebook, so that's a bit of a problem. I did belong to some groups but they were badly moderated (rather like Goodreads back in the day) and the atmosphere was distinctly unsavoury, so I left.
I'm intrigued with Signal - shall research as you are not the only person I have heard mention it.
But Substack provides so much - I think I have more time now to broaden the list of excellent accounts I follow.
The Verdi piece is amazing, isn't it? I just love the drummer. I was looking at Lachrymosa initially, but then decided it was too 'soft'. I needed the drama to fit FB!
YES to breaking up with The Book of Face but I do like it for a few important things plus there's that bizarre thing they do as you try to opt out, insisting on appointing a contact name to "manage" the account after one has popped one's clogs! Just ... why?? Very disturbing. I agree, for now, Insta seems marginally better plus ... Sam Neill and his sheepy exploits would be hard to give up, swoooon. Thanks Prue - and how that pup is growing!! He looks like he's getting more wiry now in every way lol!
Yes. The system has a way of keeping the account. As you say, why? The account creator (not holder, holder's obviously Meta) is deceased. Unless Meta has worked out how to break in to the Afterlife (nothing would surprise me with these organisations).
I wonder if one can put up a false name, email address and phone number...
Great post, Prue, and not only for the puppy news - I am REVELLING in all of it!
I joined Facebook when I needed to promote my art business further than my own website, but it was with IMMENSE relief that I deleted my presence on the platform (well, to the extent that they allow you to do that, anyway) after a couple of very horrible experiences over a decade later. I also did the same with the other two social media platforms on which I'd once had a presence. Life improved immediately. 😊
I'm beginning to feel vindicated, Rebecca, and am just hoping against hope that the friends I love will communicate via Substack or Instagram, golly even via my email which is the contact point on my website.
I feel so much better to be 'off' FB. I do have to log back in for Puppy School reels and for ballet announcements, but I'm missing very little else. You are inspiring me.
Prue, I appreciate you sharing your FB experiences—I am with you 💯!! While I completely stopped scrolling a year or so ago, being hacked at least once a year really got to me too.
I’m glad you’re sharing novel updates! Kudos to you for all your progress, in the midst of pup care.
And please, keep sharing your little Womble! We all need life-affirming stories these days. Plus I LOVE your way with his nicknames…your latest, Gnasher and landshark gave me a good chuckle!
Bite on top of right hand to add to all the scars from previous Jack Russells, from gardening cuts and spikes, from sun damage and from hospital canulas. I used to have such lovely hands once...
We had puppy class tonight and HE was the exhibit dog used by the instructor. He was quite simply brilliant with her. With us he was a lump of wood. Go figure...
Firstly, thanks for the shout-out! I'm tossing up closing my FB author page. It's full of ridiculous pages that I skim by to get to people I actually know and follow. Plus, I think everyone who follows me on FB follows me on my author Instagram anyways. Getting very very close to the end. As an aside, loving your puppy spam. It brings a smile to my face every time.
Thanks, Jo. And you're welcome re shout-out. Seriously, I have never heard of such a unique launch!
Yes, I think the writing's on the Facebook wall - I didn't even bother to link this post on Facebook. I do have a problem in that Puppy School and Ballet Class communicate via FB but c'est la vie. I think Youtube is available for puppy students, but ballet is a whole other thing. I personally think that Meta and any other of the US oligarchs' businesses need to be blacklisted as a matter of priority.
I was worried people might find the whole puppy thing a bit too light given what they are going through across the globe, but the little Womble will always be a main character.
Cheers.
I think with ever going on around the globe a little puppy spam can only be a good thing.
Ah Prue, I so get this. I am substack only for sharing my thoughts and photos. I closed my blog after 12 years in 2023. But I kept the Facebook page going (different to the personal one) because I also used to post any blog (then substack) posts there. Last weekend I decided I wanted the page to be closed.
I spent around 4-5 hours gong around the not so fun METAgoround and I gave up.
I took down all my posts and pics and many don't lead anywhere because "blog closed".
The only way to close the page was to close my personal page too.
I am not (yet) ready to do that as I stay connected with some family and friends from my head and neck cancer community and education.
It really is a PEST to think of the rigamorol (sp) they make us go through. In "trying" all I could last weekend META kept logging me out thinking I was not me.
So, glad to see you and Jo are friends too. Jo and I have been connected via blogging for a LONG time.
Take care, and here's to making life simpler..
Denyse x
When I started writing for Substack, I had my Wordpress blog absorbed into Substack via my website. I could no more have handled the technology than fly but my love web-builder did it all and still service any glitches in my website.
What I don't understand about Meta is what they hope to gain by not allowing accounts to be completely deleted. If they're not active, of what use can they be? Nefarious? Time will tell. I do have details of how family can remove my account on my death.
Here's to a MUCH simpler life.
I closed my fb page 10 or 11 yrs ago, it wasn't good for my mental health, i do still have messenger on my phone as a few family and friends prefer that as a contact.
I've disappeared from insta too, same problem and am trying not to get sucked into notes here, i can see it also being a problem for me.
also all the puppy spam please,
Kate, I've given up Twitter, half of Facebook (the business half) and I'm desperately trying to avoid Notes which smacks of Twitter to me. Instagram? Golly I follow so many magnificent embroiderers, artists and of course the great Monty Don, Richard E Grant and Sam Neill. Those three men alone have a way of keeping sanity and joy in our world.
The mental health aspect is huge, for sure. I just felt the tension surging in me by the day.
I’ve never been on Twitter, but sometimes Notes does feel a bit too Twittery for me.
Loved this, Prue and couldn’t agree more about social media. I am thinking about closing my X account - aside from the ridiculous name, I am constantly followed by half naked bimbos offering God knows what. The more I block, the more seem to follow me. I get streams of single guys messaging me on IG too. Honestly, I wonder whether it’s worth all the time and effort.
Substack is a much more writer focused place and I have met some great people here who have become friends. Thank you for introducing Joanne Tracey - I loved her post about her book launch which made me smile. They are incredibly unglamorous as she quite rightly pointed out. I can’t wait to read her book. 📕
Yes, I have a BLOCK list on Instagram from all the 'men' that is humungous!
I suspect I'll have to stay with Insta for awhile as a means of publicising any new books but I'm getting to the point where the days of life I have left (yes, it's not that hard to think that way at 73) would be sooooo much better spent than scrolling social media.
Substack is beautiful, thus far. I am not holding my breath though. I suspect that ultimatley it will change... I hope I'm wrong.
It has been a joy reading Joanne. And we hope to meet up in August when she comes to Hobart for the conference. I loved the book-launch story.
My first was celebrated with champagne and a centre table position at the door of Dymocks. But since then, everything's so low key it hardly matters. 14 books later, it's just another small ripple on the water.
How fun to go to the all breeds show and meet up with 'the family'! Sounds like the perfect antidote to the political sphere.
I applaud your separation from FB. I keep mine open mainly for a class that I attend which requires sign ups there (although I could just message the instructor), and like many have said, a few older relatives for whom that is the best way to be in touch. I haven't seen much change in the feed tbh, only that fewer of my real friends seem to post anymore.
I've been pulling away from Instagram too, which then leaves only Substack and email for communication. Maybe that is OK? I'm questioning the value of social media as a communication device and wondering if person to person conversations (or group chats via WhatsApp or similar) might work best for me. It's all up for consideration in any event. Thank you for broaching the subject openly.
And agree with all the other calls for continued puppy content. Its the BEST: happy-making and smile creating. ❤️
Our hairy dagwood will be quite the roughest dog there, whilst his sister and father will be very schmick. We've just walked a far-off beach with Bozo and it was chilly, grey skies and a cool southerly blowing (Antartica is to the south) and I watched the pup's hair. It was like watching a telltale tied to the shroud of a yacht to show which way the wind's blowing. He looked gorgeous for all that he's not cut and polished for showing.
But the cool of the air, after a hot week day after day was balm and I loved it, crowing to my husband 'It feels autumnal!'
No doubt next week I'll be complaining about it not being warm enough or calm enough to swim!
I want so much to keep in touch with FB friends, but there seems little interest in moving to another facility just yet. And as I have mentioned, Puppy Class and Ballet Class only communicate via FB, so I feel between a rock and a hard place.
I love learning your tassie terms I've never l heard before, like hairy dagwood, and schmick! And the way you use them to compare the differences between individuals in the family. Love love.
And indeed, why are we always wanting the weather that has just passed or not yet arrived? (says the biggest cold weather whiner of all!)
I feel a movement is stirring that will allow us to move on to a post-social media world, but that the exact replacement hasn't been invented/adopted widely yet. But it will be part of the revolution stirring, I am sure.
Vive la révolution. In so many ways...
I too am feeling a certain energy toward a “post-social media world.” Fingers crossed!
I never took up Facebook properly. I put every possible restriction on it (privacy-wise) then check it about once a month for art groups, travel buddies and family and friends posts. I heartily dislike all the extras and the recent forced inclusion of AI which made finding a specific blog impossible! Way too frustrating.
The rest of your life is sounding terrific. Hoping your hubby feels better soon. And yay puppy dog. He’s coming along wonderfully. Gorgeous little bundle. Hugs dear Prue. Enjoy this lovely summer.
You describe FB to perfection, Beth. Truly, what bot knows anything about what I like! It makes me spit when all I would like is to talk to friends I've had for 15 years!
But yes, the hairy-nosed womble is very adorable, despite the teeth and I think we're making progress. We've had him three weeks, I think, and we're still alive! All three of us!
👍😃🤗
I'm very close to making that decision myself, as well. I live 15 miles from Meta/Facebook, and at first, I respected Mark Zuckerburg; he was donating lots of money to the local school district and community. He seemed like a good guy. However, I have long ago lost that respect.
Yes. I'm so over him. Big business never donates money from the heart. It's always for a purpose - kudos, tax benefits, bribery. I'm such a cynic. But we've seen it happen here with salmon farms - donating to every community in which they farm and make millions from waters which in fact belong to our island. They are buying social license and what they donate to what they make is totally disproportionate.
Yeah.. there’s an incredibly time consuming method to reduce the garbage ads, and junk in personal feeds and it’s not totally successful.
Hi Beverley. Exactly. And when is all said and done, Meta is in it for the money so they're aren't going to make it easy for we freeloaders. Have you ever bought anything advertised by Facebook? I haven't...
Congratulations on your upcoming divorce!
I wonder what your FB feed would have dredged up if I'd shared a comment like that with you there? 😂 I'm glad you're taking steps that make you feel happy and in control of your data, Prue. I'll be sticking around on the platform, but I mostly use it as a tool. I manage five accounts, six if we count the ones I created for Chicken Scratch that I've not followed through on. So, I can't just walk away. But I have always managed my time there differently than I think some do. The most meaningful of my communications there were on private groups. Now, one of those groups has moved over to Signal, so I'm popping into a different platform -- not my first choice but I want to stay in touch with these very smart women! I'm sure you've made the right choice for you, though.
Glad the writing is moving along. I never cease to be impressed by your novel-writing skills! Glad the puppy raising is going well. He's so darn cute, accidental piddle and all! Please keep the stories and photos coming!
Oh, and that Verdi piece. If that doesn't get the heart pounding!
I miss aspects of Facebook - the erudite friends I cherish. And of course, as I mentioned, Puppy Class and Ballet Class only communicate through Facebook, so that's a bit of a problem. I did belong to some groups but they were badly moderated (rather like Goodreads back in the day) and the atmosphere was distinctly unsavoury, so I left.
I'm intrigued with Signal - shall research as you are not the only person I have heard mention it.
But Substack provides so much - I think I have more time now to broaden the list of excellent accounts I follow.
The Verdi piece is amazing, isn't it? I just love the drummer. I was looking at Lachrymosa initially, but then decided it was too 'soft'. I needed the drama to fit FB!
My groups were populated with people I already knew, Prue, private and invite-only. Same over on Signal. All the support, none of the shenanigans.
That drummer, and his conductor!!
YES to breaking up with The Book of Face but I do like it for a few important things plus there's that bizarre thing they do as you try to opt out, insisting on appointing a contact name to "manage" the account after one has popped one's clogs! Just ... why?? Very disturbing. I agree, for now, Insta seems marginally better plus ... Sam Neill and his sheepy exploits would be hard to give up, swoooon. Thanks Prue - and how that pup is growing!! He looks like he's getting more wiry now in every way lol!
Yes. The system has a way of keeping the account. As you say, why? The account creator (not holder, holder's obviously Meta) is deceased. Unless Meta has worked out how to break in to the Afterlife (nothing would surprise me with these organisations).
I wonder if one can put up a false name, email address and phone number...
Great post, Prue, and not only for the puppy news - I am REVELLING in all of it!
I joined Facebook when I needed to promote my art business further than my own website, but it was with IMMENSE relief that I deleted my presence on the platform (well, to the extent that they allow you to do that, anyway) after a couple of very horrible experiences over a decade later. I also did the same with the other two social media platforms on which I'd once had a presence. Life improved immediately. 😊
Substack's a much nicer place! xxx
I'm beginning to feel vindicated, Rebecca, and am just hoping against hope that the friends I love will communicate via Substack or Instagram, golly even via my email which is the contact point on my website.
I feel so much better to be 'off' FB. I do have to log back in for Puppy School reels and for ballet announcements, but I'm missing very little else. You are inspiring me.
Prue, I appreciate you sharing your FB experiences—I am with you 💯!! While I completely stopped scrolling a year or so ago, being hacked at least once a year really got to me too.
I’m glad you’re sharing novel updates! Kudos to you for all your progress, in the midst of pup care.
And please, keep sharing your little Womble! We all need life-affirming stories these days. Plus I LOVE your way with his nicknames…your latest, Gnasher and landshark gave me a good chuckle!
Bite on top of right hand to add to all the scars from previous Jack Russells, from gardening cuts and spikes, from sun damage and from hospital canulas. I used to have such lovely hands once...
We had puppy class tonight and HE was the exhibit dog used by the instructor. He was quite simply brilliant with her. With us he was a lump of wood. Go figure...
Ouch! You are very patient with the little Gnasher!
All that love and tender care he's getting must be making him super smart!