Magna Carta

My facebook timeline tells me I discovered the joy of "facebook-ing" in 2008.  I think I have gone through all levels of "fb addiction" - from farming to cooking to sewing dresses to my current joy, dashing diamonds.  I am also one of the many few (many na , few pa) who take to heart The Wall's question everytime we log in "What's on your mind?"

And because I exercise my own kind of censorship with my own facebook posts, I am always dumbfounded when I see posts that are way too personal, too self-absorbed, too crass and sometimes just outright rude.  Oftentimes, I wish facebook will add a pop-up while you are typing in your post, to remind you of the potential repercussions of what you write.

Or better yet, there must be a Magna Carta for facebook, to wit:

Clause 1, the freedom of speech and expression is not absolute. Exercise of these rights means that one agrees to be sensitive to the feelings of others. 

Clause 2, when posting personal images of various stages of undress (naked, half-naked, ready-to-be naked), ensure that your images are not offensive (in short, kung di naman kaiga-igaya ang itsura mo, or ang katawan mo, please spare us)

Clause 3, think it many times over before posting images taken from wakes or funerals.  We assume you are hurting over the loss of a loved one, but seeing pictures of you smiling or posing for that "pang facebook picture" defeats the whole "in-mourning" mode you have proclaimed on your status.

Clause 4, everyone loves pictures of food that make us drool, but do take time to remove the used spoon or fork before taking a shot.  It is a tad too ickky to see your kubyertos with crusted food on them.

Clause 5, do not share photos of seriously ill or injured people. If you want to help, best to reach out personally to the concerned person or the family.  Liking or Sharing pictures does not really do much to make things better for the people involved.

Clause 6, set a minimum amount for items purchased that will make your fb posts.  we know new purchases are exciting, and we share your joy over having bought something new, but not when it's a trivial little thing like a paper clip. 

Clause 7,  caption. caption. caption.  we love seing pictures and we know you love taking them, but we are not Manang Bola.  we want to know the story behind the picture.  you took time to post the picture, what's a little more time to write in a few words? 

Clause 8, have a little control when sharing posters of quotable quotes.  we all love inspiring thoughts, but no need to flood our wall.  we get it.

Clause 9, try not to be vague. if you must rant, at least rant in complete sentences. if you must brag, at least be specific about what you are harping about. 

Clause 10,  remember, not everything you see or read in facebook is the Bible truth.  Everyone tends to exaggerate, downplay, twist things to make it all appear to be better (or worse) than what they really are.

All in all though, I still love the facebook experience.  Walang sinabi ang mga tele-novela and showbiz talk shows sa dami ng drama at tsismis na nasasagap ko sa sandaling pag log-in ko.